Page 33 of Gratification in Gluttony

“Is he now?” Toni asked.

Strutting smugly, Gem threw several arms around Toni’s shoulders and waist. “Yes, and I made it happen. I’m the best wingman ever!”

Not wanting to rain on Gem’s very delusional parade, Toni patted his best friend’s back. “Good job, Gemmy. Ollie owes you for life.”

“He really does.” Clapping several hands to get everyone’s attention, Gem took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m going to tell you everything that just happened, and buckle in, folks, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride!”

“Hey, Gem,” Toni jumped in before Gem could start. “Quick question. Did you take your meds this morning?”

Gem blew a raspberry. “Of course I took my meds. I always take my meds, ’cause when I don’t, I literally lose my mind. Like, ahh! Am I right?”

“This is you medicated?” Zef asked with earnest curiosity and, if Toni wasn’t mistaken, concern.

“Zef, you’re too much!” Gem laughed, jerking his thumb in the Mantodea’s direction. “This is you medicated? Oh my gods, so funny. Can you imagine me unmedicated?” His laughter cut off, his expression sobering. “No, becausethat? Yeah, that would be insane.”

Glyma and Willow exchanged a look of unease as Zef cocked their head, scrutinizing Gem closely. Toni clapped his friend on the shoulder and said, “I knew him when he was unmedicated. I was very afraid.”

“It was a dark time for us all,” Gem murmured somberly.

“What’s going on?” Tad asked as she waddled into the kitchen area, leaving wet footprints on the floor behind her.

“Oh my gods, Tad, the best thing just happened,” Gem gushed, clasping his halter top with several hands. “Let me tell you all about it. You’re gonna love it!”

The Anura narrowed her eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

“No, for real. It was amazing,” Gem insisted.

“Still unconvinced,” Tad sniffed.

“Well, it was really embarrassing for Oliver,” Gem tried again, and Tad’s eyes brightened evilly.

“Oh? Tell me everything!” she said with a chilling grin, and Gem squealed, the fur on his legs vibrating with excitement as he skipped across the room and crouched down to be somewhat on eye level with the tiny Anura.

Shaking his head, Toni pulled out his vibrating phone, prepared to ignore any and all angry texts for his family. But it wasn’t Mins or Flo or his mother; it was Jude.

Hey, how’s your mom doing today? Feeling better about her boobs?

Toni chuckled and stirred the pot of bubbling soup on the burner with one hand while he typed with his other.

Not at all, but she’s at least listening to the doctor’s advice to wait a month before undergoing a corrective surgery. Though I doubt I’ll be invited to visit her bedside whenever that does happen. We kinda argued this morning.

That sucks. I’m sorry. Wanna talk about it?

Maybe later? I’m at work.

Right. Well, hit me up tonight if you want. I can listen while you vent.

I appreciate the offer, but you don’t have to.

Maybe I want to.

The soup was probably burning, but Toni didn’t care. He stared down at his phone as his heart gave a traitorous throb behind his chest plate.

I’ll give you a call.

It’s a date.

Now you’re just being mean.

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