For a minute, I'm worried Carson's just gonna kick me out and be done with things. He has the right, I know. Whatever my reasons, I disappointed him, hurt him, even. On his birthday. That'd be a hard thing for a lot of people to deal with, I know, and given what I know and understand of Carson already, I wouldn't blame him.

I might be a little miffed, admittedly, but I'd understand in the end.

When he speaks though, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding and wait, listening quietly as he continues. I don't want to interupt when everything feels so tenuous. I know how much Carson likes to talk. "Was the whole night really horrible?" I ask, hoping, I'll admit, to try to alleviate some of my guilt. "Did you at least get enough good stuff for your article? I promise you I didn't just decide I didn't wanna go or lie to you when I said I did. I'm... I'm sorry for ditching on you, I really am."