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I knoell and good that my dad understands my mom is nuts when it comes to her—very much unwanted—mission to find me a man, and that Great-Uncle Don, Aunt Lil’s husband, and Great-Uncle Al, Aunt Poppy’s husband, gave up on keeping track of their nutty wives years ago But it makes me feel better to put just a little bit of fear in their hearts

Three nore the ready for tonight’s big bash at our favorite bar

I slip on the knee-high white go-go boots I purchased at a secondhand shop and stand up to check out my appearance in the mirror

Not too shabby, Ava

Tonight’s attire is not my usual choice in fashion, but that’s because it’s Halloween A bright yellow crop top and e silk scarf is wrapped aroundblond locks so they stay behind my ears and fall behind my shoulders

And the boots Of course, I can’t forget about these kick-ass boots No doubt, I spent a hundred dollars too much on them, but I couldn’t help myself They are the perfect addition to this year’s costume

Also, I will ain, but no need to slave over the details of my irresponsible economics

I do a little twirl in front of the floor-length rin Perfect

The heels of my boots click-clack across the hardwood floors ofa bottle of yellow Fanta out of the fridge and shove it intowith my keys and wallet and phone

But just before I can sling it overcall stop ress

I reach back into the Mary Poppins-style sack and fish around until I find the noisemaker

I just barely pull it out before lance at the screen

Inco Call Emily

I hate to adht of my sister’s na the call to voice mail

Fauilt stops me I swear shared DNA isAt least, it is when you’re an eternal people-pleaser like me

“Hey, Em,” I answer finally

“Ava!” she greets, her voice all chirpy and cheerful “I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all week! Where in the hell have you been?”

I cringe, spitballing on the fly to come up with a believable lie “Sorry about that I’ve been a little busy at work”