#Chapter 177 Daily Chores

Tessa’s POV My heart slammed into my stomach at the mention of Joseph’s name. “Oh, uh… just a friend,” I said quickly as I grabbed my phone from my father. I was glad he didn’t tie the connection of Joseph being Joseph Evergreen. He narrowed his eyes at me, but he didn’t say anything as I scurried up the stairs with Ruby following closely behind me. “Oh, my god,” she said, grabbing my arm to slow me down once we were on the second floor. “He called you? Did he leave any messages?” I glanced down at my phone and saw the missed call log; I went through my voicemails but didn’t see his name among them. Then I went through my texts, but there was nothing from Joseph. Only the pathetic excuse of a text I sent him on the train. I finally shook my head; it felt like my heart weighed a ton and it was taking everything I had not to cry. Ruby wrapped her arms around me and held me close. “It's okay,” she whispered. “Are you going to call him back?” The idea occurred to me for only a s