Now, John,she tells the Dean.Go mingle with your guests.I’ve been wanting to chat with Big Z for a long time.
So the Dean has to surrender his chair to Viktor.Marjorie then directs Mats to get more chairs so the four of us can all sit around her.She’s obviously a person who’s used to getting her way.
Big Z, I understand you’re quite the heartbreaker.In fact, Cleo told me that you’ve haven’t had a steady girlfriend in years.So what’s your relationship to this young woman?She points at me.
Even the well-mannered Viktor appears flustered by her directness.But he doesn’t hesitate.She’s my girlfriend.Despite what Cleo may have told you.
Yeah, Marjorie, don’t get me in shit here,says Cleo.
I’m a bit surprised at Cleo’s familiarity with this important donor, but Marjorie just waves a dismissive hand.
She turns to me.So how did you land the big kahuna?
I laugh at her question.She reminds me of my nan.It was due to you, actually.
How so?she asks.
We met at the Schultz Library.I assume that’s your namesake building?
Well, my family’s, anyway.We’ve been donating to Monarch College for years.Then she peers at Viktor again.Wouldn’t have pegged you as a library patron.
He winks at me.Why don’t you tell her the real story?Not the sanitized one you told Coach’s wife.
He was listening to me earlier?And is the truth appropriate for an older woman and a college patron?
Viktor reads my hesitation.From what Mats has told me, it’s exactly the kind of story Marjorie would enjoy.
Well, I was absorbed in my reading—with headphones on—and Viktor tapped me on the shoulder.I reacted instinctively…I hesitate, but Marjorie is leaning towards me with rapt attention.And I elbowed him.In the testicles.Quite hard.
Bedlam breaks out.Both Marjorie and Cleo shriek with laughter.Mats exclaims,That was Evie?And Viktor winces at the memory.
Oh my god.How bad was it, Zee?Cleo gasps once her laughter tails off.
I was rolling on the floor in pain.I couldn’t even speak for several minutes.And she dropped a large book on me as well.There’s another round of laughter with Viktor and me joining in.We’re so loud that the Dean pokes his head back in to make sure everything is okay.
Once we’ve all recovered, Marjorie says to Mats,I like these two.Bring them next time you come for dinner.
She changes the subject to Monarch hockey, and the four of them intently discuss the current season and playoff chances for the men’s and women’s teams.
When Marjorie finally tires, she asks Viktor and Mats to help her to the door, where an actual chauffeur awaits.As they escort her out, she winks at me and Cleo.A hunk on each side.Do I know how to make an exit?
We both laugh.When they’ve gone, Cleo explains to me that she and Mats visited Marjorie for weekly dinners last year.
She’s a hoot.And she was responsible for fixing up me and Mats, so we still visit.Not every week, but at least once a month.You’ll love it.She lives in an honest-to-god mansion.Bigger than this joint.She waves at the Dean’s expansive home.
Then the guys return.
I think things are winding down,Mats says.Would you like to go?
Yeah.But could we go somewhere to eat?I’m starving.I could have eaten an entire tray of those tiny appetizers,says Cleo.
Mats checks his watch.What’s open this late?
I know.Let’s go to the Chinese restaurant we went for our first date,says Cleo.
Our coats magically appear when we head to the door.Viktor holds my coat for me and even fastens it up.
You’re a perfect gentleman,I say.
