Page 30 of The Good Neighbour
Even though his heart had been ripped out and stamped on, Josh saw the funny side of the situation. There was no denying that the woman before him would make a wonderful drag parody.
As Suzanne made a hasty retreat, she gave him a thumbs-up. He nodded.
“What did he say then?” Madeline asked as she retrieved the vodka.
Josh wandered over to the kitchen area. “He wants a quick divorce.”
“I’ll find you the best lawyer, darling,” she said. “That miserable little worm won’t get a penny more than possible.”
Josh nodded. “Thanks. Listen, Madeline…”
“What?”
The atmosphere had gone decidedly chilly and it wasn’t coming from the vodka.
“Ouch,” he said, holding up a glass.
She violently ripped the top off the bottle. “That is your tone when you have something bad to say to me. Let me get a drink first.”
He held up both glasses as she filled them and handed her one.
“No mixers.”
“None required. Go on then.”
Josh took a breath. “You know that guy who’s housesitting for Jeannie?”
“The one that’s put a smile on your face? Yes, I know of him.”
“Well, he’s in the shit professionally.”
She took a sip of vodka and winced. “That’s right. The poor unfortunate who overshadowed my interview.”
“That’s the one. Well, he’s on the hunt for inspiration.”
Madeline frowned. “And what has that got to do with me?”
Realisation dawned on her face and she clutched her chest.
“He wants to make a drag character of me?”
“You don’t mind?”
“Mind? This is wonderful. When the drag queens parody you, you’ve really made it. Cheers.”
“Do I really have to sit out here?” Josh asked.
He was perched at the top of Jeannie’s stairs. Hugh had left him a cushion. Even so, his back was stiffening up and he realised how ridiculous he looked in lurid board shorts and vest.
“Yes, “Hugh called back. “I want you to get the full effect. I’m nearly done.”
Josh shifted again. It was no use. He was getting too old to be sitting on the floor. Forty was looming. He shuddered.
“How long have you been at it?”
“Three hours,” Hugh replied.
“Are you kidding me?”
