“What,” I answer curtly.
“Owens?”
“That’s me!”
“Are you fucking drunk?”
Chapter Eighteen
COOP
“Idon’t get drunk, Mrrrr. Barnnnnes. I’m getting twwwisted!”
Owens is slurring every other word and laughing like I’ve never heard before. It’s a higher pitched sound. It would be adorable if I wasn’t so worried about her. If she’s with that Jim guy, I will kill him. Literally.
“Where are you?” I demand to know. “Who are you with?”
“Since when do you care where I am or what I’m doing, you bad man.”
I’m hopeful that her indignant words mean that my plan of gracefully accepting her resignation is working. After listening to Saint, I’ve decided that my reaction to her leaving wasn’t working in my favor and that maybe a change in attitude was required.
“What are you talking about, Owens?”
“What are you talking about Owens?” She tries imitating me using an exaggerated, deep voice.
“Stop mimicking me like a third grader and tell me what your problem is.”
“You left me at the office today.”
“I was training the replacement that you hired. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“You were trrrraining her, huh?”
“Yes, Owens.”
“You like her, don’t you?”
“Yes, I like her. I think she’s going to work out if that’s what you’re asking.”
“If that’s what you’re asking,” she mimics me again. Her voice dropping even deeper.
I have to admit, it’s a good imitation, and it’s kind of funny. I guess she can do voices besides the ones she sees on television.
“You’ve been practicing that voice, haven’t you?”
I can hear her take another gulp of whatever she’s drinking.
“Shusssh your mouth, bad man.”
I need to get to her.
“Where are you, Owens?”
“I’m out with people who love me. People who care about my well being.”
“You’re the one leaving me and now I don’t give a shit? I’m not going to ask you again. Where. Are. You?”
I hear someone approach and interrupt our conversation.
