Page 86 of Class Clown

“Aaahhh,” he cried, and his footsteps pounded quickly through the cabin before the back door slammed closed.

One down, three more out there. I couldn’t leave this bathroom until I could do so with my head held high. It looked like I lived here now, because the issue had not resolved.

Another knock, softer than Cole’s had been. “Ruby?”

Dang it all to the mother of goats. It was Nico. Why? Why? I was not a regular clogger of toilets. I was a dainty, mannerly woman with superb hygiene habits and a digestive tract of steel. This could not be happening.

“You okay, love?” he asked.

I smacked my lips and rolled my eyes. “I am fine, thank you for asking.”

“Would the plumbing agree?”

I slapped a hand on the door. “That’s not a question you ask a lady, Nico. Show a little respect.”

I swear I heard him tamp down a laugh. “Hypothetically, if I needed to use the bathroom, would I be able to do that here?”

“I would advise you to move along,” I responded.

“Understood. And, is there anything you need at the moment?” he asked.

“My pride stings a bit,” I responded, “but otherwise I’m fine.”

“Noted.”

His footsteps followed Cole’s, and when the back door closed, I sighed happily. Aryn and Meredith, I could deal with. But Cole was going to make me hear about this for years, and Nico was too cute and new to be dealing with these issues.

“Are the guys gone?” I called out.

“Yes,” Aryn and Meredith responded loudly, both clearly busting up laughing.

I cracked open the bathroom door and poked out my head. They were both sitting at the kitchen table, big smiles on their faces, laughing hysterically.

“This is the best morning ever,” Aryn giggled.

I exited the bathroom and closed the door behind me. “Well, it’s about to get better because I have to get the maintenance man and he scares me.”

“Oh, I love a scary maintenance guy.” Meredith hooted. “Bring it on.”

“The only downside to this is that I have no cell service, otherwise I’d be doing a play-by-play text to Hailey, Lizzie and the guys.”

Meredith pointed at her phone. “I’ve been recording, don’t worry.”

I shot them both a look. “Picture this: A girl away from her bosom friends, lonely, stuck in a cabin with her brother and his confusingly handsome and tempting best friend. Her friends make a visit, soothing her weary soul, only to viciously mock her when a speed bump enters her life.”

“A speed bump clogged the toilet?” Aryn asked, trying not to laugh.

“At least you got the first new couple humiliation out of your way. You’re in the clear,” Meredith added with a chuckle. “Nothing but smooth sailing from here.”

“Laugh it up. The maintenance guy will make Freddy Krueger look like a sweater-knitting, cookie-baking grandma, just you wait.”

Meredith held up her phone so it faced me. “Go ahead and call him.I’m recording.”

I threw a look at her. “We have no service. I have to do it in person, remember?”

They both stood up quickly, knocking their chairs back with their knees.

“Lead the way,” Aryn smiled.

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