Page 20 of Refraction

She stared at him for long moment, and when he declined to give her any further details, she went on.

“Right. Yes, I know it’s difficult for you, kiddo. Listen. You could tell them anything at all—it doesn’t matter what you say, they either like it or they don’t. If you can’t find the right words, make up some bullshit. You’re the artist, what are they going to tell you? You’re wrong?”

“Right. He’s a model. I met him here. I like him.” A lot. He liked Calvin a lot. Not only for the sex, which had turned his happy ass inside out, but for the rousing game of Hungry Hungry Hippos they’d shared afterward.

“Ooh. A model. I like that. That will look great.” She caught his eye and grinned. “I mean, good for you, hon. I bet he’s hot. Or nice. Or whatever you date a model for.”

“We’ll go with exceptional company, and he was kind to a stranger when he could have just told me to kiss his ass.”

“Oh my. You didn’t just describe a model. You described an angel. You sure he’s a New Yorker?”

There was a crash, and Marge took off around the corner like she was twenty-two instead of seventy-two. “What the hell is going on over here?” There was a pause, and then, “Everything’s fine, kiddo. Why don’t you go get cleaned up for tonight? Make sure you eat!”

“Yeah, yeah. Did you know there’s a neat store deal near my hotel where you can get a bagel and a coffee for next to nothing?”

“Aren’t you the cutest? That’s a bodega, hon. Insider tip? It’s a good thing if you go in there enough that the owner starts calling youboss.”

“I’m friggin’ adorable, just ask me, I’ll tell you. You need anything? I can bring you a sandwich or something.” He worried about her. He never seemed to see her eat.

He wasn’t going to today either. She waved him off. “You’re so sweet. Thank you. I’m fine.”

“If you’re sure….”

She nodded, and he grabbed his coat. Okay. Food. Nap. Clothes. In that order.

First, though….

Looking forward to tonite?

Sorry, I was stroking off thinking about you. What?

Oh, that was cheating. He really didn’t want to spring wood right now. Of course, he’d bet that was a damn pretty sight.

Butthead.

I have my outfit all picked out and I am doing my hair and it’s hours early. But I’m not eager or anything…

I’m wearing jeans.He had a pressed white shirt. That would look decent.

You’re a cowboy. Cowboys wear jeans. Is your shirt starched too?

Yessir.Of course. His momma had raised him right.

I am not wearing jeans

Yeah, he’d figured that.

I’ve decided not to wear pants at all

No?

That might be entertaining. This whole thing was supposed to sell his paintings. Although…. Yeah, the shock value would totally be worth it.

Nope. And that’s all I’m telling you. Are you wearing a hat?

Yessir.His good black felt. It made him feel strong, powerful.

Mmm. I’ll change into it for you after the party.

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