“I appreciate it,” Jimmy said with a wry grin.
“He looks familiar,” Dario mused. He glanced over at Charlie with a frown. “I swear I’ve seen him somewhere before.”
“He did say he looks really great on camera,” Jimmy snorted. “Maybe you saw him in a movie or something?”
“Something,” Dario agreed.
“All I know is he’s bad news,” Jimmy said firmly, and he sipped his wine with a scowl.
“Who are you telling?” Dario made a face. “I haven’t even asked Rowena to marry me because I like living, and now I don’t know which Legrand is gonna kill me first. Rowena for not giving her a ring yet or her brother for asking!”
“Ah, you’ll be fine,” Jimmy promised, glancing to where Cold had gotten up from his seat to greet their next guest. “I think Rod is warming up to you. He doesn’t stare at you like he wants to kill you anymore, so that’s progress!”
“The fuckin’ wallpaper in this damn joint probably costs more than my fuckin’ car,” Maury was rumbling as he shuffled into the living room. He made a low grunt and stared all around at the fine furnishings, declaring, “Fuck, yous guys really are shittin’ in high cotton, ain’t ya’?”
“Hello, Mr. Martine,” Cold said cordially, offering his hand to Maury. “A pleasure as always.”
“Yeah, yeah.” Maury eyed Cold warily. “Thanks for makin’ them charges go away. I appreciate it.”
“Of course, I’m happy to—”
Maury suddenly yanked Cold close by the grip of their hands, growling low, “But if you think this changes shit between me an’ you, you’re fuckin’ dead ass wrong.”
“Pardon?” Cold flinched, his entire body tensing from the prolonged physical contact.
“I told yous if Jimmy ever got hurt again, I was gonna come for your ass,” Maury warned, glaring up at Cold fearlessly. “I was gonna haunt you and flash my wrinkly balls in your face for all of fuckin’ eternity. Do you remember, huh?”
“Impossible to forget,” Cold said calmly. “Change your mind, hmm?”
Jimmy clenched his hand around his wineglass so tightly that he thought it might break, and he was unable to tear his eyes away from the tense exchange.
Dario and Rowena were watching with the same horrified fascination of watching a car wreck, silent and waiting for the end. Charlie was equally speechless and appeared a bit confused, as if wondering why Cold hadn’t shot Maury yet.
“Fuck you, you smug prick! Now, you listen fuckin’ good!” Maury grunted. “I ain’t about that wrinkly ball shit no more. That’s too good for the likes of you.”
“Oh, is it?” Cold asked politely.
“Lemme tell you what I’m gonna do now,” Maury snarled. “I’m gonna whack my little ghost dick all over this fuckin’ fancy place and leave my sticky ass ghost spunk fuckin’ everywhere. And I mean fuckin’ everywhere. You rememberGhostbusters? That fucker who got slimed in the hallway? That’s gonna be you and this whole fuckin’ house. Imma cover every inch of it in my own personal fuckin’ juicy ectoplasm. You won’t be able to take one fuckin’ step without my ghost jizz stickin’ to your toes. You fuckin’ feel me?”
“Charming as always, Mr. Martine.” Cold wrenched his hand away.
“Fuck you very kindly,” Maury said, huffing as he strolled over to Jimmy and snatched his wineglass. He chugged it all back with a quick gasp. “Shit!”
“Jimmy, your friends are always such a delight,” Cold said, taking out his handkerchief to wipe off his hand, doubtlessly damp from Maury’s sweating palms.
“You’re the best, Maury.” Jimmy laughed and gave Maury a big hug.
“You sure you’re okay, kid?” Maury asked firmly, cuffing the back of Jimmy’s head. “All your parts where they’re s’pose to be and all that?”
“I’m fine,” Jimmy insisted. “Just a little sore. Ghost jizz threats are totally unnecessary.”
“But hilarious!” Dario piped up.
Cold glared.
“No,” Dario quickly amended. “No, no, they’re not.”
“Hi, Papa Maury,” Rowena cooed, sweeping in to kiss Maury’s cheek and make him blush. “So glad you could finally join us!”
