I'm sitting on the edge of the bed when I call Claire.
The phone rings longer than I expect, long enough for me to think she won't pick up, long enough for me to consider hanging up and pretending I never tried. Just as my thumb moves toward the screen to end the call, she answers.
"Elaine?" she says, voice already suspicious. "Is this a prank, or are you actually alive?"
I wince. "I'm alive."
"Wow. Incredible. Because last time I saw you, you vanished at the sex club I took you to and never came back or checked in with me after you left."
"I know, I know " I say quickly. "I'm really sorry about that."
She snorts. "Sorry doesn't cover it. I came out looking for you like an idiot, asked the bartender, asked the bouncers. Some guy tried to convince me you'd gone home with him, which was a whole other situation."
My stomach twists. "I didn't. I swear."
"I figured. You don't exactly give off 'runs off with strangers' energy." There's a pause. "Still rude as hell though."
