Page 36 of As a Last Resort
“You’re not fooling anyone, Leigh.You don’t have a life.”
I closed my eyes and exhaled.I’d forgotten how charming the normal Robby could be.“That’s an incorrect and rude assessment.”
“I highly doubt you’re traipsing around the beaches with a strawberry daiquiri in your bikini.”
“Unlike you, I don’t drink on the job.And I’m not a bikini person.”His eyebrows shot up.“Not that it’s any of your business.”
“I wouldn’t have clocked you as a nudist.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“Don’t you ever lay out in Central Park?”He shoved an orange glob into his mouth.
“Are you eating Jell-O?”I asked.
“Don’t change the subject.”
“What are you, five?”
“You’re one of those people who count the walk to work as your daily dose of vitamin D.”He scraped the bottom of the container.
I don’t know why I felt deflated at the fact he nailed it.I didn’t consider my lack of outdoor playtime to be a bad thing.It’s a widely known fact that too much sun causes skin cancer.And, in just a few short yearsbecauseI’d worked so hard, I was up for a promotion that was typically given to people five years my senior.So clearly, it paid off.
“On another note, you look pale.”
“Glad to see your observational skills haven’t melted in the sun.”
“Only my soul,” I deadpanned.
He chuckled, then his face fell just the tiniest bit.“They only serve room-temperature mashed potatoes and mystery meat.I haven’t eaten much lately.”
I hated the tiny pull in my stomach that felt sorry for him.
“Want me to get Ivy to bring you real food?I can have her sneak it in.”
“If I didn’t have every nurse in this place watching me like a hawk, I’d say yes.”
“Known for breaking rules already?”
“Only hearts, Leigh.Only hearts.Speaking of, run into any of your high school haters?I’ve been lying here thinking of revenge tactics for the mice windup thing.”
It took me a second to remember I told him one of my deepest, darkest secrets.And I was shocked he remembered.In a good way.He thoroughly piqued my curiosity atrevenge tactics.
“Luckily I’ve been able to avoid most interactions with the local species,” I answered.
“I found a place that sells tiny mice.In bulk.Apparently there are quite a few people in Florida who think owning snakes counts as anindoorpet option.And get this—you have to feed them.With mice.”
“While I’m simultaneously confused and warmed by the thought of you buying me mice as payback, I’m not sure I’m following your train of thought.”
“I’ll totally fund the purchase if you’ll be the boots on the ground.”His eyes darted around, checking for the nurse’s ever-watchful glance, then reached for his computer on the bedside table.“Maybe she owns a place.What’s her name?Is she married?I’ll google her.”
Was he thinking I’d let them loose in her house or something?Or her car?I imagined little mice running in and around every piece of furniture she owned.The thought of one poking its head out of her car tailpipe made me laugh out loud.
“You’re imagining it, aren’t you?”he asked with a devilish grin.
I smiled but didn’t give him her name.“As hilarious as that seems, I’m not sure if that’s the right path of retribution.”
“Well, you just let me know when you’re ready.I’ve got my credit card handy.”
