Fortunately, Stiles is far too distracted to snoop through the cell phone. If he weren’t so upset, he’d very likely take a peek at her text messages. Instead, he hurriedly dials the number to his grandparents’ landline and waits; maybe he should leave the room for privacy, but he’s not even thinking about it at this point.

“Babciu,” he breathes when his grandmother answers. “It’s me— …I’m fine, I promise. …I’m sorry. …No, I wasn’t drinking. …Is dziadziu—? …Okay. …I’m at a friend’s. Really, I’m good.”

The rest of the conversation moves along slowly. Stiles makes an apologetic look at Nancy before wrapping it up. After his grandmother is satisfied and reassured, he finally hangs up and gives the phone back.

“Thanks. They were…really worried.”