Page 68 of Elevator Pitch

“I’ll be back Tuesday.”

“I’ll pick you up from the airport. Carpooling is good for the economy.”

She laughs and argues, “You will not be picking me up. Audrey is.”

“That can be rearranged. I’m pretty sure she’smybest friend now. Isn’t that right?”

She guffaws, “He’s a charmer, babe! You might want to give him some ass again. It’s just a suggestion.”

“Audrey!”

I stifle a laugh. “She gives excellent advice. I think you should listen to her.”

“Anyways, please get out of my house. Stop cozying up to my friend and I’ll see you when I see you. Bye.”

“I’ll consider it. See you around, Sunflower,” I respond, biting my lip.

Her lips part in awe and I disconnect the call, leaving her to marinate on her new nickname. I take a moment to recount this interaction, hoping I’m in a better place now than I once was with her.

“Sunflower. It’s good. I like it. You stole it from me, but I’ll allow it,” Audrey blurts out, slicing through the silence.

“You inspired it.”

“I suppose. Grab a seat.”

She motions for me to join her on the couch. I sit on the opposite side of the terracotta sectional. It’s very soft but firm. I sink into it and I’m sure I’d fall asleep if I sat here long enough. I fully understand why the cat has claimed this couch. Audrey leans back, stretching her legs in front of her, careful not to disturb Peach, who’s sleeping soundly on a throw pillow behind her.

“I’ve decided that I would like to help you with Selah. Also, I’m not very good at minding my own business and she doesn’t always know what’s good for her. I’ve had a feeling about you from the beginning and if you prove me wrong, I’ll just make you disappear, so I’m not too worried about that either.”

“Disappear?”

I caught that word.

She waves her hand and continues, “Moving on. Come backtomorrow and I will find something for you to do around here. Selah’s love language is acts of service. So, you’re going to need to prove that you’re capable of doing something other than running that pretty mouth. You hear me?”

“Yes, Audrey.”

“Good boy. Now get out of her house. You heard the woman.”

She aims her head towards the door.

I freeze, not sure how to feel about being called agood boy.

She stares expectantly, and I give a nod before heading towards the door to retrieve my shoes.

As I put them on and open the door, she says, “Oh, and Big Sexy?”

“Yes?”

“Bring food tomorrow. Preferably sweets.”

“You got it, Ms. Wood.”

30

late night talking

Selah

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