Page 30 of Girls Will Be Girls
I think about the moment I told my parents I got my first job in journalism.
“It’s only entry-level, but think of the experience. Not many graduates get to say they work at the Wall Street Journal.”Mom’s words.
“You’ll be doing something respectable.”My dad’s.
They were so proud of me then. In their own way.
“Make sure you only say good things about my paddling skills, alright?” The dad-cationer continues.
My mouth feels dry.
I feel my skin turning crimson.
I want to storm off, hurl every insult I can think of at him to avoid this feeling of being inadequate, call him a slimy assmunch, or a dick douche, then maybe kick up some sand as I walk away and never see this guy again.
Instead, I let out a humorless laugh and let it slide. I’ll just replay this moment in my head over and over again later until I can look past it, or if I can’t, then imagine I did exactly that.
“Well.” I gather my things and stand, still smiling. “I should probably get out of the sun.”
He follows, stepping close.
I smile wider, hoping that’ll give him enough to leave me alone. “Bye.”
Before I’m able to fully escape, he calls after me. “Hey, where you staying?”
I hesitate, then gesture around vaguely. “That end of town.”
“Hope I’ll see you around.” He calls after me, and I can hear the sleazy smile in his voice.
I just wave my arm over my head as a goodbye, hoping that’s finally the end of it.
6
GIRL DINNER SHOULD ALWAYS INVOLVE ZERO EFFORT
I’ve been sittingon my bed with nothing but a towel wrapped around me for so long my hair is nearly dry from my shower.
I should probably venture back into town for dinner, try out one of the fancy restaurants or expensive bars, but I’m not in the mood.
I pushed what that guy said to me this morning out of my mind as best I could for the rest of the day, but it’s starting to gnaw at me now in the silence. Poking into the back of my brain insistently like one of those drinking bird toys that just bobs endlessly. It shouldn’t upset me as much as it does, especially from some random creepo, but it does.
I’ve kept myself busy all day, so haven’t had a chance to dwell on it, but now it’s just me in my quiet lodge.
Earlier I drowned it out with the most delicious waffle lunch from a place near the beach, and then I texted back and forth with the hiking guide whose number Casey gave me and agreed to go on a hike at 5:15 AM tomorrow (kill me), and I spent the rest of the day on my patio writing up notes to send to Evelyn before starting my first draft. She emailed back almost instantly, like she always does.
RE: Tahoe Notes
From: [email protected]
This is amazing. One day in and I’m already obsessed. I want so much more of exactly this, please!
Also, I’m going to need a full dramatic retelling of the rat, spilled drink, and fake fiancé thing IMMEDIATELY when you get back. Coffee’s on me… or is it on you? Get it?
I won’t make you use it in a story. Yet.
Good work, Lou. Always a fan.
