This time, when I swing it open, it’s Beau standing on the porch.
He looks me up and down. “What are you supposed to be?”
I realize that through my playtime with Luna, I have just kept adding clothes and accessories. Now, I have a tiara, an apron, elf ears, a cape, and a mermaid skirt.
Looking down, I answer, “A mermaid-elf princess who just got off work at the restaurant and am about to go on a quest.”
He looks even more confused.
I add, “I’m watching my nieces for the night.”
“Okay, that makes sense.”
An awkward silence lingers between the two of us for a moment before I say, “So, what’s up?”
“You drive me crazy. Do you know that?”
“Uh—“
He doesn’t give me a chance to continue.
“I am trying really damn hard to keep hating you, but then, you do something nice like buy me new shoes.”
“Beau, I just bought you new shoes because I ruined yours. It wasn’t like it was a gift or something.”
He keeps going as though he doesn’t even hear me.
“I try to ignore you, but you’re literally everywhere. I went to Giddy Ups for fuck’s sake, and there you were! And it’s not like you were quietly sitting in a booth to where I might not have even seen you. No! You’re hustling guys at pool and dancing on tables! You’re hard to ignore when you’re doing things like that. Plus, you’re just a flurry of black hair and teeth.”
“Teeth?”
“Yes! Teeth! Why are your teeth so fucking white?”
He’s officially lost his mind.
“I didn’t think having white teeth was a bad thing.”
“Well…maybe it is.” His tone changes a little as if he’s realizing he sounds nuts. “Jo, I don’t know how I’ll feel about you in a year, but right now, I’m still pissed. Every time I look at you, I’m reminded of that fact. And when you’re constantly around and in my face, it makes it harder not to look at you.”
“I get what you’re saying,” I tell him.
“Just…can you just stop being so Jo?”
I laugh. “I’m not quite sure how to do that, but I guess I can try.”
“I’m just not ready to stop hating you yet. I’m not that same nerdy push-over I was in high school.”
He turns to walk away, but before he does, he turns back like he forgot something. “Thank you for the shoes. They’re perfect.”
“You’re welcome.” A moment later, I add, “And Beau? For the record, I never thought you were a nerdy push-over.”
He officially gets another annoyed look on his face. “See? Stop saying shit like that! It’s too nice!”
“Sorry,” I stammer. “Uhm…you’re a dick.” I say it almost like a question rather than a statement.
“Better.” He looks me up and down. “You really do look ridiculous.”
“I know.”
