“You fix Reese’s lyrics?”
“I…yeah, fix them. There really isn’t another word. She tells me what she’s trying to say, and I…make it happen.”
“A team.”
“Yeah.”
“So call them yourteammates. Orbandmates. Just pick something gender neutral.”
Knowing Blossom was right, and actually acknowledging that out loud, were two very different things. “I’ll try to do better.”
“Do. There is no try. Crap.”
I frowned, then followed her gaze outside.
Crap indeed.
The rain poured down in sheets. “How’d that happen?”
She chuckled. “You need me to explain the anatomy of a rainstorm? I think it has something to do with nimbocumulous—”
“That’s not a thing.”
“Sure it is. They’re a type of cloud—
“There’s cumulous and nimbostratus—”
“Seriously? You actually paid attention in science class?”
Now’s probably not the time to explain about parents who wanted a prodigal child in all possible subjects—not just classical music and violin. “I, uh, found cloud class interesting.”
“Cloud class? Is that a thing?”
I waved her off. “Neither here nor there.”
“If you say so. Since you paid so much attention, maybe you could have predicted the rain?”
“My friend’s mother’s knees predicted the rain. The meteorologist predicted the rain. I just figured I had time, you know?”
“Well, can you give me a ride so I don’t look like a waterlogged rat when I arrive home? I have a date tonight.”
I wasn’t certain what getting wet at one in the afternoon had to do with adate tonight, but I figured it had something to do with hair. For me, everything was about my hair. “Yeah, I can drive you. Smart not to own a car in this city.”
“And yet you do.”
I shrugged. My parents crashed in my dad’s car. Right into an abutment. They never stood a chance. I inherited my mother’s electric SUV. At least I didn’t have to feel as guilty as if I were using a gas guzzler. Vancouver’s electricity was pulled from a hydro dam up north—so, clean energy. “I’m going to get a refill on my coffee, grab a sandwich, and then we can head out.”
“Sure…oh, I gotta watch this video.”
I left her to it and sauntered up to the counter. I ordered a venti black coffee, a breakfast sandwich—even though we were clearly into the afternoon—and waited patiently while the barista toasted the food.
Blossom laughed. She had one of those infectious laughs—the kind that everyone found easy to follow because it just tinkled. When I heard it, I always smiled.
Yesterday had been the first time I’d come out to an actual TLIO event, even though I’d been communicating regularly with Blossom and talking up the group—and the mission—to everyone. I couldn’t explain why I’d felt compelled yesterday, or why I’d brought along a chain, but I didn’t have any regrets.
If they’d charged you, and you couldn’t go to Black Rock next year, then you would’ve had bucket loads of regrets. Creed, Reese, and Freddie would’ve killed you.
Okay.
