“Mantis.”
Another pause. Longer this time.
“Frankie,” Zaza sighs, already tired. “Why would you even consider that?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” I say. “But there’s weed involved, so.”
“Yeah. That tracks,” Zaza mutters on the other end of the line. “Look. It’s not that I don’t want you to go out. I just—Mantis is strange.”
“Tuh. That’s rich coming fromyou, theatre kid,” I say, leaning against the window.
“Oh, fuck off,” Za snaps. “You know I’m right.”
“Is this about the spider thing?”
“OF COURSE IT’S THE SPIDER THING.”
I wince, pulling the phone slightly away from my ear. “Oh boy.”
Why did I even ask?
“What kind of psycho releases spiders in a packed room?” she demands. “And one landed in my drink. The girl didn’t even have the decency to apologize! I don’t care if it was a protest on the theatre. My lemon drop was innocent.”
“…Okay,” I concede, massaging my ear canal. “You’ve got a point.”
“Exactly.” Her voice settles into something resolute. “Which is why I’m staying home. You go, have fun, smoke responsibly, and don’t end up in another group chat situation or an insect in your drink.”
My laughter dies instantly. “Wow. Low blow.”
“Tell me I’m wrong.”
“You are. Spiders aren’t insects.”
“…I’m hanging up now.”
“Goodbye, Chinaza.” I grin again.
“Goodbye, harlot.”
I hang up before she can add anything else then I slide my phone back into my pocket.
Truth is, part of me’s relieved she’s not coming. Zaza doesn’t smoke anyway, and she’d spend the whole night nursing her lemon drop, judging us silently from a corner like an auntie.
A sudden cheer erupts down the hall.
I frown, curiosity winning, and wander toward the break room. Half the teams’ gathered around the TVwith their controllers abandoned and coffees forgotten.
On the screen, a football match replays its final moments.
The banner at the bottom reads:
NOVIS WINS.
The reporter’s voice cuts through the room.
“Novis is looking stronger this season with Titan on board. Many are wondering if he really will be the one to take them to of relegation and all the way to the championship.”
I stop just short of the doorway.
