Page 26 of Sharkbait
Mabel chimes in. “His excursion company is going to be called ‘The Highs and Lows.’ Isn’t that cute? You know, because of the high mountains and the deep ocean? And just... the ups and downs of life?”
“Hmm.” That’s all I manage to say.
“Gosh, Lou, you didn’t think I asked James to deliver food and drinks to us all the way from Doylestown tonight, did you?I may be #MabelUnleashed, but I’m not #MabelEntitledAsshole! At this time of day, it would take him fifty minutes to get here from the original location. That is if he went west on 276. Pretty sure he could shave off a full minute, though, if he opted to take Lower State Road and then merge onto 309 going south. But merging onto 309 South can be a real bitch no matter what time of day, so I actually wouldn’t recommend that even with the one-minute win.”
Is Mabel already drunk after only a few sips?
Ask me how I know all this,” Mabel says, bubbling over with giddiness.
“No, thank you, my friend.”
”Iknowthis because Wally and I are always trying to lessen the travel time between here and the arboretum. You know, for the plentiful booty calls we engage in.” She pauses mid-giggle. “Wait. Can you call it a booty call if you’re in a loving, exclusive relationship? I guess so, right? Booty is still booty with or without a commitment, yeah?”
“I like that,” James says. “Could be a tee shirt slogan. ‘Booty is still booty with or without a commitment.’”
He gives me a wink and moves the extra food and drinks to the refrigerator.
“Anyway,” Mabel continues, “I’m so lucky Wally’s supportive of my choice to live here because lordy, I love living here! It’s hip and fun and safe and way more affordable than living in the city proper. I get to enjoy the charms of small city life without all the hustle and bustle of downtown. And it’s convenient! All I have to do is hop on 76 East for a cool nineteen minutes and boom! I’m at the museum for work!”
“You’re still an entomologist, right?” I ask, knowing full well that she is.
“Of course! Bugs for life!”
“So why do you sound like a cross between a hyped-up real estate agent and a human GPS demonstration right now? PS, you don’t need Wally to ‘support’ your decision to live here. Your decisions are yours and yours alone. Who cares what he thinks? Who cares what any guy thinks?”
“Easy Lou,” Calliope says under her breath.
You know it’s bad when Calliope warns someone they’re crossing the line because that girl crosses the line like it’s her job.
“Me,” Mabel says in a small voice. “I care what he thinks.”
Her cheeks are bright pink.
“Of course you do,” I backpedal. “I’m sorry, Mabel. Wally is wonderful.” I turn to Calliope. “And you and Ralph are wonderful. It’s just,” I stammer. “Personally, I’m just…”
“Only interested in booty,” James murmurs and shuts the freezer door.
“What did you say?” Calliope whips her head around. “What did he say?”
“Nothing!” I shout. “He said nothing.”
My stare dares him to say more on that subject.
“Well, ladies, I think that’s my cue to go.”
I move to the door and fling it wide open for him, then wait.
He’s such a nice guy and I’m beyond attracted to him, but I need him to leave so I can think straight.
He shakes his head, places the last of his equipment inside his cooler and joins me at the door.
He speaks to Mabel, but his eyes stay steady on me. “Mabes, I put another batch of drinks in the freezer for you when you’re ready for round two.”
“Thank you, James,” she says, still sounding confused as to what’s going on between us.
“Can we speak outside for a minute?” he asks me softly.
“Sure. Fine. Yes,” I rattle. Anything to get Mabel and Calliope’s eyes off me and to put this thing between him and me—whatever it is—to rest.
