“What is wrong withyou? Dude, have you looked at yourself lately?”
I throw an arm over the backrest and stare at him, one eyebrow raised. “It’s not the first time I’ve leaned into the rugged look, Cart.”
He lifts up a pizza box. “Where’s the coffee table?” He glances around the room. “Coffee table, come out, come out, wherever you are!”
“Cut it out!”
I toss a dirty sock at his face, and he catches it, holding it at arm’s length as he perches on a barstool, lip curled.
“Why don’t you tell Dr. Carter what’s been going on with you lately?” He reaches for the notepad on the counter.
“I’m not depressed, man. Just on break.”
“I see.” He scribbles something down, gesturing with his pen for me to continue, deepening his voice into a pseudo-professional baritone. “Tell me about your childhood.”
“Can I catch a break, here?”
When my phone starts buzzing on the armrest, I lunge for it.
LOIS: My dad’s latest obsession? Waffles.
I’m gonna gain back all the weight I lost… #NoHope
My fingers dart frantically across the screen as we fire off messages, and I’m so absorbed in our conversation, I forget Carter is even there.
LOIS: My mom wants help to glue beads onto her fugly lampshade. #KillMeNow. Talk later
I dispatch two smileys and set my phone aside with a sigh.
“How’s our Lois?” Cart smiles knowingly.
“Soaking up the sun.” I cross my arms behind my head.
“Must be nice, getting the place back to yourself, huh?”
I can hear the jokiness in his voice, and I think I know where he’s going with this.
“Quit looking at me like that.” I groan.
“Say it.”
“Say what?”
He smiles. “Just say it.”
He’s pissing me off, and he knows it.
“I know you better than you know yourself, my boy. Now—lemme hear you say it…”
He’s not going to drop it until I give him what he wants to hear.
“Fine!” My patience is wearing thin. “I kind of miss her, okay?!”
“Amen to that!” He slaps his hands down on his knees.
“She’s been up in my business for months now, Cart. Of course I’m gonna miss her a little!”
“Of course you are.” He opens his mouth to speak, but his phone rings, cutting him off.
