Page 56 of Partner Pursuit
“I thought you were one of those women who could do itall.”
“No one can do it all. And I especially can’t do waterbugs.”
He grabbed hist-shirtfrom the couch and pulled it on. He started to put on his sandals and stopped. “Do I need to add the socks?”
“I’d recommend it unless you don’t mind if it crawls on your foot. You might want to put on long pantsaswell.”
“Too hot. But I’ll add the socks in case I try to step on it. I’d better get a heavy shoe as well. C’mon, Biscuit, we’re going to battle abug.”
They walked back through the two gardens in the warm night air. Audrey opened the sliding door and picked up the vacuum cleaner, slinging the hose over hershoulder.
He said, “You know, it’s the vacuum cleaner slung over your shoulder that really adds that flair.”
“You’re just jealous because you’ve only got ashoe.”
“I hope you’re going to share. Otherwise, I’m going back togetmine.”
“It’s all yours.” She handed the vacuum cleaner over tohim.
“Are you ready?” she asked as she prepared to remove the towel from the crack between the bathroom door andthe floor.
“You really aren’t taking anychances.”
“I definitely don’t want it in my bedroom.” She slowly opened the door, and she and Jake quickly slipped into the bathroom, shutting the bathroom door behind them. The bathroom was small, with not much room for the two of them and the vacuum cleaner. Biscuit whined atthedoor.
“Sorry, Biscuit, I don’t think you can fit in here too. Where is it?”he asked.
“It was up in the corner over there, above the cabinet. Let me see if it’s still there.” She stood on the inset tub wall again. “Yup, still there.”
“I can’t see it from here either. All right, you direct me and I’ll try to get it withthehose.”
“It’s straight back in the corner.”
“Going in!” He turned on the vacuum and pushed it quickly against the wall over the cabinet. He missed and it flew towards him, making him jump back and nearly hit her. “Fuck,it flies!”
“Sorry, forgot to mention it couldfly.”
“I should’ve guessed, but you didn’t have a beekeeper hat on.”
“No, but I do have the headscarf.”
“At least I can see it now.” He lunged again with the nozzle.“Got it.”
“Let’s leave the vacuum cleaner running so it definitely dies. I’ll get some tinfoil to put over the nozzle.”
“Sounds like you’ve done this before.”
“There’s at least one every summer,”shesaid.
“Who usually killsthem?”
“Pete. But he and Eve are on vacation. Unless they’re theslow-moving, crawling type—in which case, I can kill it myself.”
She went up the stairs to the kitchen, yelling down, “Would you also like a drink of water or something?”
“You really know how to treat a guy. Water wouldbe great.”
“It is a school night. Do you want beer instead?
