“I’m not,” I say, but more quietly this time. “I’m going to get back to the product order.” Then I head back to my office and plop in my chair, staring at the blank computer screen.
My phone vibrates on my desk and, grateful for the distraction, I pick it up to see another message from Cherrybomb:Looks like someone’s getting ahead of themselves. At least buy a girl a drink first.
A sardonic laugh bursts from my chest. I could offer to give her one on the house, but I suspect the AI would filter out the offer. Judith is surly like that.
All this banter has been fun. Other than her question about forgiveness, our conversations have been pretty light, but when I answered her serious question, I gave her a heartfelt answer, not the kind of glib response I’d roll out to people deep in their thoughts at the bar. It made me realize there’s something freeing about our anonymity.
I’m not one to talk about my feelings, but something deep in my soul has been rattled, both by that asshole’s insulting offer to buy the brewery and the Labelles’ underhanded moves. I feel a need for reassurance, and Cherrybomb might be the sounding board I need.
Hot Rod:Do you ever feel like you can see a speeding locomotive heading right toward you, and even though you’re not sure what’s on the locomotive, you know you’re about to get steamrolled?
Cherrybomb:First of all, a locomotive won’t steamroll you. Second, the fact you’re using the term locomotive tells me you’ve been influenced by too many old cartoons. Do I happen to be the damsel in distress who is tied to the tracks, or is it you?
I can’t help grinning. It’s not exactly the answer I was looking for, but I feel better nonetheless. I’m about to respond when another message pops up on my screen.
Cherrybomb:Part of me wants to ask if this is some weird kind of REDACTED role play thing, but something tells me you’re being serious.
Cherrybomb:Oh, interesting. I knew the AI was programmed to weed out inappropriate pictures, but this seems overzealous.
This is stupid. I can’t tell her what’s going on. Why did I even bring this up?
Hot Rod:Yeah, it’s a weird redacted thing.(Figured I’d beat the AI punch and just fill in redacted for her.)
Cherrybomb:Tying a chick to train tracks doesn’t seem like your thing, which means this is about something else. Is your kid giving you trouble?
I release a huge sigh. Yeah, she is, but that seems to be the least of my concerns right now. Or maybe Jane’s trouble at school will give the Labelles the foothold they need. But I love Jane too much to put the blame on her, even with someone who doesn’t know who we are.
Hot Rod:No, nothing like that. Just things happening around me that I can’t seem to control.
Cherrybomb:So you’re a control freak.
Hot Rod:Actually, no. I’m pretty easy going, but problems just seem to keep piling on top of one another… Never mind. Maybe I’m being overly dramatic. Like when that Disney kid goes all emo and dances all over the school with his balls.
Cherrybomb:Now I’m super curious about what movie this is. Is it soft porn? Can you do a girl a favor and figure out how to tell me the name?
Hot Rod:I guess those performers could be considered overly dramatic with their moans and all, but not in this instance. Think of a popular Disney movie involving a high school and music.
She doesn’t answer for nearly a minute, and I figure I’ve scared her off. I mean, what grown man knows the plot ofHigh School Musical? She probably thinks I’m a perv and has already begged the AI for a different match, but then a message appears on my screen.
Cherrybomb:I’m not sure what’s going on in your life, but I can assure you that you’re nothing like an angsty teenage boy in a weird montage with a bunch of basketballs. You’re raising a kid on your own, and that has to be tough and scary as hell. I’m sure you’re doing a good job. I mean, you don’t sound like a slacker.
Her message makes me smile, even if she doesn’t know the first thing about my real life or my very real troubles.
Hot Rod:Thanks, Cherrybomb. Even though I know you’re blowing smoke up my ass, it’s just what I needed to hear.
Cherrybomb:Here’s one thing about me you should know: I don’t blow smoke up anyone’s ass. So take me at my word, and maybe in three more weeks, after you buy me a drink, I’ll let you take me too. ;-)
I’m not one to wish time away, but I haven’t looked forward to a day on the calendar since I graduated from high school. Cherrybomb seems too damn good to be true.
