Page 107 of Rhymes with Metaphor
Joel walked up to their table.Martin did a double take.Then a triple take.
“Joel?”said Juliet.
“Juliet,” said Joel with a trace of a smile, playing it cool.
Juliet got up and embraced Joel, then stepped back to take another look at him.“I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Joel settled into a chair between her and Reg.Juliet stroked Joel’s hair, running her hand through it, and Reg felt an unexpected pang of jealousy.
“I’ve never seen your hair this long,” said Juliet.
“Suits him, the little heathen,” said Reg.
Juliet kept staring at Joel.“I can’t believe how different you look.Is—is that an earring?”
“Do you like it?”said Joel.
“I hope the piercing gun was autoclaved,” said Juliet.“Uncle Bob got hepatitis from a piercing.”
Joel rolled his eyes.
“And where’s dad’s watch?”said Juliet.
Joel looked uneasy.“I left it at home.”
“Why?You never take that watch off.”
Joel shrugged nonchalantly, but he wouldn’t meet her eyes.
“When do you defend, Reg?”said Martin.“You’re cutting it fine, aren’t you?Semester’s over tomorrow.”
“Done and dusted,” said Reg.
“Ah,” said Martin.“Got permission to defend remotely, did you?”
“Erm...no?”said Reg.
“But you said you just got back.”
“Who wants drinks?”Reg got up.“My round.”
“Scotch, please, Reg,” said Joel.
“That’s alcohol, Joel,” said Juliet.
“Coffee, then,” said Joel.
“You don’t drink coffee,” said Juliet.
“He does now,” said Reg.“Juliet?”
“White wine spritzer, thanks.”
“I’ll come with you,” said Martin.He followed Reg to the bar.Once they were out of earshot, he said, “You’ve corrupted New Bug!”
“With his blessing.”
“He’s got a fucking earring!”
