Page 17 of Lovebug
“You sure?”
“Of course!”
“Okay, great! Let’s get in there. Tell me what you love about him.”
“Tell you what I…”
“Love about him, yes.”
There’s a disturbingly long silence while I draw a complete and utter blank.
Calliope clears her throat.
I begin to sputter. “Oh. Geez. Um?”
“Mabel?” Calliope asks with an uncharacteristic softness to her tone.
“Yeah?”
“Here’s a nutty concept, but I feel like you should be able to answer this question about the man you just agreed to marry.”
“Icananswer it! You’re just putting me on the spot, and it’s making me feel… Why is everyone putting me on the spot lately?”
“Who’s putting you on the spot? I’m not putting you on the spot. I’m just making sure you’re —”
“You are, though! So is Doreen! So is Bert!”
“Bleh!” Calliope makes a retching sound. “That name! Bert.”
Did she just go fullSesame Streeton me and say “Bert” in Ernie’s voice?
“You know what, missy?” I feel my blood pressure rising.
“You’re calling me ‘missy?’ Uh-oh, Mabel, are we having our first fight?” Calliope chuckles.
She’s not taking me seriously. At all.
“Actually, yes. I think we are! Listen, I didn’t want to say this before and risk hurting your feelings, butyourboyfriend doesn’t exactly have the sexiest of names either you know.”
“Screw you, bug lady!” Calliope bursts. “Ralph is thesexiestof names!”
Calliope has definitely become much more even-tempered and relaxed since meeting Ralph, but she still is who she is—fiery, opinionated, and ready to throw down at any perceived slight or provocation. Most days, I want to be her when I grow up. And most days,I’mthe one soothingher. But today, for some reason, she’s making me… angry?
Gosh. Is that what I’m feeling right now? Am I angry?
“Mabel?”
“What?” I snap.
“Nothing. Just, your face is… I’ve never seen your face look like that before.”
“Like what?” My free hand starts shuffling around on my cheeks.
“I dunno. Like you’re confused? Constipated?”
“It’s been nice catching up,” I say, “but… I’m gonna go now.”
“I’m being serious.” She pauses. “Are you okay?”
