Page 12 of Throw Away the Key
“Did you?” Granny perked up.
“Yeah, she's still Sadie,” Emma smiled, rolling her eyes. “But she made some recommendations at the market, so I can't even be mad.”
“What kind of recommendations?” Zora speared a carrot.
“She gave me advice about some of the different booths to hit up, and then I locked myself out of my apartment earlier…”
Zora stared at Emma the way a big sister would stare at her little sister. “Already?” she asked, her fork hanging in mid air.
“It wasn't my fault! I was moving too fast because I was so excited to go to the farmer's market, and I guess I just forgot them,” she shrugged. “And thankfully Sadie was back in time to let me in. I barely waited a few minutes.”
“Was Sadie upset?”
“No more than usual,” Emma lifted her hands in question. “I honestly can't tell with her. Probably just a personalitydifference, because she seems nicer to literally everyone else I’ve seen her interact with.”
“I don't think she's annoyed with you, if that’s what you’re thinking,” Granny offered. “You know, sometimes it takes people a bit to warm up, and besides, I feel like there's something there.”
Zora nodded her agreement. “There's definitely some sexual tension between the two of you.”
“What are you even talking about?” Emma asked incredulously, her cheeks warming.She practically hates me. “I am not seeing what you're seeing.” She shifted from one foot to the other as she remembered Sadie’s heated glare when she spoke to Joy and Sheena.
“Have you not looked at that woman? First of all, she's gorgeous–her skin isflawless. She is stunning,” Zora sliced into her chicken thigh. “I’m surprised that you haven’t already asked her about her day-to-night skincare regime.”
Granny agreed. “Honestly, if I hadn't found some options through online dating, I would be after her in a minute. She seems to have a good head on her shoulders, she’s easy on the eyes, and I didn’t see a ring on her finger.Someoneoughta snap her up.”
Zora’s bite of chicken stopped just before her mouth as she stared at her grandmother. She shot a wide-eyed glance at Emma.
“You know what, Ms. Marion, we learn something new about you every day,” Emma grinned. “Let me find out that you and I have the same type when it comes to women.”
Granny’s lips pursed in amusement. “I don’t believe in saying never to something I’ve not yet tried, dear. But she's so clearly your type, Emma. I'm surprised that you don't see it.”
Emma frowned. “I hadn’t really thought about it. I don’t even know if she’s queer? Either way, she’s got a ‘don’t fuck with me’sign on her forehead–maybe that’s why I can’t see past this surly vibe she’s got goin’ on. I get the sense that she really can’t stand me.”
“I don’t think it's that she doesn't like you,” Zora shook her head. “You warm to people faster. Some might see that as being a bit extra,” she said after a pause, as if she were considering her words.
“I'm not really hearing that as a compliment in this moment.” Emma narrowed her eyes.
“Well, I don’t think that's necessarily a bad thing. You always keep things interesting, you make it funny, you keep things light. Not everybody likes perky people.” Zora shrugged. “You don’t need coffee to be completely energized.”
One word stuck to the forefront of Emma’s mind. “That's how y’all see me? Perky?” She frowned, hoping that she wasn’t seen as some annoying joke–not only to Sadie but to the people she loved most.
“I wouldn't say perky,” Granny chimed in. “I would say, exuberant. You're full of life. And there's nothing wrong with centering joy rather than wallowing in negativity. Anybody that has a problem with that has a problem with me.”
“Thank you,” Emma leaned across the counter and tapped her index finger with Granny's. “You really are the best.”
Marion winked at her before setting down her silverware. “Delicious meal, my love. And there’s nothing extra about loving the life you live. Some people are miserable and they can’t stand to see others being happy.”
“I just worry that being ‘extra’ means that no one takes me seriously,” Emma rested her hands on the counter.Maybe that’s why Sadie seems so annoyed with me. She thinks I’m extra.
“Anyway,” Zora redirected, jutting her chin toward Emma. “Question for you: Are you attracted to Sadie?”
Sadie’s dark eyes appeared in Emma’s mind, but so did her look of disdain. “Honestly, I might have to look at her again, because I haven't really been paying attention.”Her legs, the forearm sleeve… those eyes.
Zora glared at her best friend. “I don't buy that for a second.”
Emma kissed her teeth. “Okay, fine. I will admit…”
Zora rested her chin in her hands, her elbows propped on the counter. Her smug expression made Emma scoff. “We’re listening.”
