Page 85 of Worst in Show

Charles sags back against his pillow, one corner of his mouth turning up.

The color on the nurse’s cheeks is darkening. “Harvey, is this your dog?”

“I wanted to cheer him up,” I say, stepping between them. “He didn’t know.”

The nurse huffs and puffs. “And it’s an awfully ugly little thing, too.”

Harvey’s features harden. “She can’t help how she looks any more than you or me.”

“Dog,” Charles mumbles.

“At least she made him speak,” I try.

The nurse whips around and looks from Cholula to me and Micki. “Be that as it may, we have rules here at Dalebrook. I’m going to finish in here. In the meantime, I suggest you take that dog outside.” She looks at her watch. “I will meet you in the lobby in ten minutes.”

Uh-oh. Called to the principal’s office again. Leo will get a kick out of this.

At least I wasn’t the one to get you in trouble today, he responds when I text him later.

This is true. I’m choosing to look at it like we helped Charles regain his speech. Not that he was especially appreciative.

I’m sure he’ll come around. Maybe Harvey ate one too many of his puddings or something.

I chuckle. That would do it. This was definitely a personal vendetta carried out with more determination than I’ve ever seen. At least I wasn’t banned from the premises this time.

Leo: Ouch.

Me: You know what I mean.

Leo: On that topic, I told Dianne and Dawn we’ll be there Saturday. Good with you?

I type my response but hesitate before I send it. Then I do it anyway. Can’t wait.

Living History Illinois Flockify DM, Friday 09:15 PM

AlCaponesGhost25: Did you decide yet?

SingerQueen: Decide what?

AlCaponesGhost25: Whether you judged the “showoff at your work” unfairly?

SingerQueen: Leaning toward yes.

AlCaponesGhost25: He might get a second chance then?

SingerQueen: Does he want one?

AlCaponesGhost25: Very much.

That’s good to know. I’m also surprised at his straight answer. What is it about this medium that makes it so much easier to spell things out? But maybe that’s something to take advantage of.

SingerQueen: If that’s the case, I have another question.

AlCaponesGhost25: Shoot.

SingerQueen: When you walked me home from Schnitzel & Brew, I thought you were going to kiss me.

AlCaponesGhost25: Pretty sure that’s not a question. *winky face emoji*

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