new trix

[beeep] sunday hi

So, Monday, Tuesday, today's Wednesday; not even three days. She called after five last time—but that was a Friday to Thursday and I'm not sure weekends should count at this early stage, so that would be three days, tomorrow. But I don't think she'll call on a Thursday again. Friday would be four days—a fresh number—but a little awkward with the weekend looming...

Tuesday was unexpected. A last minute school function kept me an hour later than hoped and I hadn't quite decided where we should go. Her neighbor was over and sounded distinctly masculine through the bad cell connection. She suggested I stop by—OK—they were eating grocery-store sushi and boiling crab legs (only a half-pound, but sure, I could have a bite).

"You guys need beer?" says I.

What the f...

BEER read the sign. BEER was the name and beer being my goal, to BEER is where I steered.

Beer being the proprietor's sir name and not suggestive of available inventory, PowerBar between my teeth, I get underway with an entirely unimpressive six-pack of Mexican suds.

What the fuck am I headed into? Park, up one flight with false calm; I can't remember knocking.

The door opens on an unfamiliar girl propped against the kitchen bar, eating a shrimp and giving me an expertly blank appraisal. Neighbor is cute. The amused face of my date appears as I drift in.

Nightmare scenarios torn away, my fondest dreams lay bare... Disoriented by the whiplash aerobatics of me man-mind, I hoist a neutral smile and tack toward the fridge with my brown bag'o brew.

The living room is stacked full of disassembled bedroom furniture: the TV is obscured by a massive headboard; the pet mouse is somewhere behind a dresser; room for one on the sofa. I take a spot on the floor and begin smoking.

They eat standing in the kitchen, chatting casually and... watching me.