Bananapants: A Bonkers Romantic Comedy by Penny Reid

Author:Penny Reid [Reid, Penny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cipher-Naught
Published: 2024-08-06T00:00:00+00:00

I heard my sister before I saw her.

The door off the back porch opened and she called, “Ava? Are you out here?”

“I’m on the swing set,” I yelled back.

Similarly to how Desmond and I had used the set during the barbecue several weekends ago, I wasn’t swinging. I’d been shifting my weight back and forth, my eyes on the grass. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been out here, but the sun was directly overhead.

Because I was a coward, I hadn’t checked my phone yet. I’d left it inside my bedroom. But it was past noon and Des hadn’t showed up first thing. I guess I already knew what would be waiting for me on my cell. There was no need to check it.

“I’m coming out,” Grace yelled. “And I have water. Dad wants you to drink the whole thing.”

My mother hadn't been as robotic as I thought she'd be after I’d told her about Friday. On a scale from the wisecracking housekeeper from The Jetsons (1) to Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey (10) she’d been Ex Machina, the 2014 film with the robot named—ironically—Ava (8.5). Unlike Hal, she appeared human. And given the situation, her actions were understandable but also frightening.

I’d refused to tell her where the incident took place and I’d refused to give her Henri Wickford’s name or the pseudonym he’d used. And, obviously, I didn’t tell her that Des had been Raziel. But I did slip and say Raziel at one point, so she knew the thief’s name. But she also knew the thief had saved my life at least three times.

My mother was very smart, so she knew I was protecting someone by withholding details. She didn’t push. Once I’d finished relating the information I was willing to share, she’d given me a hug, told me she was so glad I was okay, and calmly stood to “make some phone calls.”

The reason I didn’t give up Wickford’s name or associated details had more to do with protecting Des than anything else. It was obvious Des was working on a job related to Wickford. If my mother knew Wickford’s actions had almost led to my death, I was fairly certain she’d intervene in Wickford’s affairs, which might jeopardize Des’s mission.

Basically, I was fine. It was over. No need for my mom to go all ninja.

“Are you okay?”

I glanced up and found my sister strolling toward me. I didn’t know what she’d heard or to what she was referring: my embarrassing encounter with Des last night or the Friday fiasco. Either way, I would be fine. Eventually.

Grace held a cup with a lid and straw in one hand and passed it over as soon as she’d closed the distance.

I accepted it. “Yes. I’m⁠—”

My sister reached down and pulled me up by the shoulders, wrapping me in a tight hug. “You are so important to me. Do you know that? I love you so much. I’m so glad you seem okay.”

Ah. So. Someone told her about the Friday fiasco.

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