Page 25 of The Strategist

Bullseye:Dentist.

Shit.

Tulip:Why?

Bullseye:Had a terrible experience as a kid.

I could understand that. So many people had extreme anxiety going to the dentist.

Tulip:When was your last checkup?

Bullseye:. . .

Tulip:You could have a cavity and not know about it!

Bullseye:(shhh emoji) (smile emoji)

Tulip:What’s one thing that would make your dental visit better?

Bullseye:Quieter tools.

Tulip:I love the dentist.

Bullseye:(shocked emoji) This friendship isn’t going to work out.

Tulip:On shaky grounds.

Bullseye:Tell me about your dream guy. Three words only.

Tulip:Exceptional. Smart. Funny.

Bullseye:You’re describing me! (wink emoji)

Tulip:Tell me about your dream girl. Three words.

Bullseye:Extraordinary. Exotic. Mysterious.

Tulip:You like solving mysteries?

Bullseye:(bullseye emoji)

Tulip:Why? Isn’t that too much work?

Bullseye:Nothing worth having comes easy.

I let that statement hang in the air for a moment.

Bullseye:You there?

Tulip:Yeah. Had to get a drink.

I lied because I didn’t know what to say.

Bullseye:You never told me what you fear.

Tulip:Clowns and sizzling sounds.

Bullseye:I get clowns. But sizzling? Why?

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