Page 17 of Unexpected Pickle
I hear that line in my dreams, and every time I undress.
Even when I’m around Hex.
Though, after watching that fight, thebug getting squashedmight be me.
This makes me laugh.
So I attach the two things together.Are you going to squash me like a bug? Yes, just like I did that fighter in the ring.
I laugh again.
Somehow that line has lost its sting.
Maybe Hex wants someone with a little meat on her bones? Someone hecan’tsquash like a bug?
It’s something to think about.
Hex turns up at the deli on Monday. He brings a big gold belt, the one I recognize from the fight clip I watched.
But I won’t admit that.
I aim to say something normal, but what comes out is, “I know you’re not going to set that germy thing on my sanitized cutting table.”
And I’ve done it again. Jeannie in default mode.
“I would never,” he says.
“Do you wear such a thing around town?” I focus on finely chopping red onion for the potato salad.
He comes behind me and slides the belt across my belly.
“What are you doing?”
“Trying it on for size.”
“You think you and I have the same waistline?”
“Not even close, but with all these layers, it might work.” He fastens something in the back. The belt slides to my hips, but it stays. “Your waist is too dainty.”
Dainty. Now that’s a word that hasn’t applied to me in a while, if ever.
“Why are you putting this on me?”
“Because I thought of you when I won it.”
My heart skitters. “You did?”
“Keep it.”
“But it’s not?—”
“Sanitary. I know.” He unfastens the belt and hefts it over his shoulder. “I assume you have a locker or something?”
“I keep my things in Max’s office.” I want to tell him that wasn’t what I was going to say. That I knew this belt was a big deal. That he’s leveled up. That he should keep it.
But I can’t have him know I stalked him.
He disappears into the back. He’s gone a while, and I figure he’s catching up with Max.
