Page 17 of A Fowl Match

Dustin

Thethrillofwinningthe chicken race hasn’t dulled. You’d think I’m a celebrity by the way the townies are treating me. Every person that passes along the sidewalk stops to tell me,congratulations,or they ask,how did you ever think to tell Helga positive affirmations? That was genius.I answer with a quick,I’ve done a lot of research into poultry and how they interact with humans.It’s a bullshit reply I came up with; I have no clue why it worked. Violet told me everyone did it. I was naive to trust her. If we didn’t win, I would’ve looked like a fool. But we did, so there’s no need to dwell on it now.

My phone dings with an incoming text from my best friend, Nolan.

NOLAN

Farmer Dusty. How's it going?

DUSTIN

Great.

NOLAN

Are you missing your apartment yet?

DUSTIN

Not at all.

NOLAN

Good, because you’re not getting it back.

My phone begins ringing in my hand. I pick up on the third chime.

“Hey.” He murmurs through the line.

“I didn’t feel like texting. It takes up too much time.”

“I get that.” I say. Nolan was never one to spend much time thinking about anything other than work.

“I’ve been trying to get ahold of you, but it kept saying message not delivered.”

“We don’t have good service on the farm.”

“That’s unfortunate. Why don’t you hook up a booster or something.”

“Don’t get me started on that subject.”

“Okay, okay. I won’t piss you off. I called to tell you that you are so lucky I could take over your apartment’s lease. But I guess I’m lucky too. It’s nice being closer to the best restaurants.”

Is it crazy that I don’t miss it?The thought comes and goes from my mind.

“Believe me. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Well, I got to get back to work. Keep me updated,Farmer Dusty. Don’t come crawling back to your apartment in a few months, it's mine now.”

“What an asshole,” I grumble.

“I heard that!” he yells and then I quickly press the endcall button. I pocket my phone and continue down the sidewalk.

I stop when I reach The String Cheese. I pull out a rod iron chair and sit, waiting for Violet to show up.

The winning team can only get their free meal if they both show up.I want to wipe the sound of Constance’s voice from the confines of my mind. That woman is always up to something. First, declaring me a small business owner after one day. Now, she’s scheming with Violet and I. I’ve gotta watch what I say around her.

Violet comes walking down the sidewalk with Olive at her side, still wearing her competitive getup. She tilts her head back and laughs at something Olive says. Her hair is frazzled and pulled back with a purple band. Her nose crinkles and her cheeks redden around the purple lines painted across her face.

---