Rick decided to call Rita first.
It was noon, and Rita happened to be on Earth. Seeing it was Rick calling, she answered right away: "Hello? What's up?"
Rick gripped the steering wheel, trying to sound as casual as possible: "No dungeon today. Do you have time for lunch? Want to eat together?"
Though Rita wasn't sure what had gotten into Rick, she wasn't going to refuse such a small request, especially since it was an opportunity to get some of Rick's hair: "Sure. Where are we eating? Did you make a reservation? Are you picking up Mom and Dad, or should I?"
Rick's mood eased a bit: "I'll pick them up. I already booked a table at the Lopez family restaurant. You love their food, don't you?"
Rita agreed: "Alright."
After hanging up, Rick let out a deep breath. He had always known that he was somewhat cold-hearted, but even so, he didn't want his family to know about his condition. He didn't want to end up like Ezra and Aaron—betrayed and abandoned by his own family.
