Page 96 of Lovetown, USA
“It’s some company.” Malik finishes his smoothie with a quiet burp. “They really like all the white picket fence bullshit. When you get engaged, there’s a whole packet with options in there. Wedding packages…”
“Catering companies,” Kelly chimes in. “Dress shops. Et cetera. And real estate stuff. I don’t know who owns those lots, but the houses are really nice.”
My wheels are turning. “Do you still have it? The packet?”
“It’s probably somewhere at our place,” Kelly says. “You need it?”
“Yeah, I’m curious about what’s in it.”
“I’ll look around and see if I can find it. I’m sure it’s in a drawer somewhere.”
“I’d appreciate that. If you do, I’ll swing by.”
Kelly nods. “By the way, I really like your articles.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that.”
“You can really see the trajectory you’re on.”
My head pops up at that. “What do you mean?”
“Like, at first you were all negative and skeptical, and now, you’re enjoying yourself, met a few guys. Sounds like Dr. Handsome is getting in a little. I love it. I foresee a fairy tale ending!”
Her smile is disarming despite me hating what’s coming out of her mouth.
“I don’t believe in fairy tales,” I say as I write. “But I do thank you for speaking with me today. It was nice meeting you two. I’m glad you found each other. You seem very happy together.”
Malik leans over to kiss Kelly on the cheek, and it doesn’t make me want to bring up my You’re One in a Melon smoothie.
I guess I’m growing.
I set my pen down. “By the way…when y’all met here, was it just on a whim?”
“Actually, it was a tasting we got invited to,” Malik says. “I guess since we both said we like smoothies on our questionnaire, we got invited.”
“Questionnaire?” I pick up my pen again.
“Yeah, when you first move here, they have you fill it out at the post office. I don’t know where that shit goes, but it has hella questions on it,” Malik explains. “I love that shit, though. It’s like they plan your life for you based on how you answer. Found me a gym, a church, and this place.” He smiles at Kelly. “And bae.”
They’re too busy kissing to see my eyes roll. Now I’m scribbling furiously.
I just got another puzzle piece.
After they leave, I take a deep breath. I feel like I can breathe again. Something about being held hostage by lovebirds makes me uncomfortable. And antsy. I thought I was gonna jump out of my skin. Now? I feel free again.
My Uber is five minutes away. I gather my things and stand on the curb, taking a deep breath, smelling the fresh air. The blue sedan pulls up right on time, slowing as it nears me. I’m walking to the door when I lock eyes with the driver. She looks me dead in the eye, shakes her head, and hits the gas, tires squealing and everything. I’m confused.
My phone’s still in my hand. That was weird, but okay, I order another Uber. Five minutes later, a silver SUV pulls up. Same thing happens—the driver sees me, hesitates, then speeds off.
And I’m left on the curb like yesterday’s trash.
My skin prickles. Something’s wrong. It’s…in the air.
I decide to walk the half mile to the library. The sidewalks are picture perfect. I pass by flower baskets swaying in the breeze and chalkboard signs outside shops promising special cocktails for lovers and sweet treats for sweethearts. It’s quaint, I guess. I can see how people feel safe here. Even happy. It’s very pleasant.
But something’s still off.
A black sedan cruises past me. Window down.
