I looked down, “Huh, that’s funny.”
He ran his hand through his hair. “So what happens now? I take it you’re not here for your shift?”
“No, don’t think so, my days of slinging drinks are behind me, I think. I’m marrying Lochinvar.”
“Damn girl.”
“Yep, he’s asked me, and I said yes.”
“I guess it doesn’t hurt that he’s rich as hell.”
“Doesn’t hurt, but he’s also desperately in love with me, and risked his life to rescue me.”
“I guess your last boyfriend was more likely to fight over you than to fight for you.”
“Yeah, there’s a big difference there. Buck was a butt.”
He said, “So I guess there’s no chance for me? That’s fine, don’t answer it, you’re not my type anyway.”
I said, “Yeah, my bra size is too small.”
He shrugged and the corner of his mouth went up. “It’s true, a boy wants what he wants. I happen to want a girlfriend who can distract me from what she’s droning on and on about.”
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Ugh, you are the worst, why are we friends?”
“Because you think I’m hilarious, and you know you can count on me.”
“True, and that’s... I need to ask you for a?—”
“Here comes the recruitment.”
I chuckled. “Yeah, kind of, you got my extra keys? I don’t know where any of my stuff ended up.”
He pulled the keys out and pushed them across the bar.
“Thanks. I’m going to go by to grab some of my things. But while I’m gone, can I get you to take care of my mail?”
He nodded. “And I’ll get your car window replaced.”
“Oh, I forgot about that.”
I watched Lochie as he stood at the door, his wide shoulders stretching the back of his shirt, his feet planted, on edge, guarding me.
“I guess I need you to watch over my place too? We’ll be back, I think we can come back whenever we want...”
“Yeah, no problem.”
I asked, “This is weird right, a lot to take in at once...?”
“Yesterday I thought the world was normal, now it’s a simulation with matrix-sensibilities. You say that they’re the reason for all the storms? They change the weather with time travel? And I’m supposed to just work my job, knowing that this exists?”
“Yeah, it’s blown my mind. But honestly, Don, it’s good to have a reason for all those storms, am I right? That’s been a mystery foryears.”
“Yeah... so you’re sure you know what you’re doing?”
I nodded. “I love him. I’m going to marry him. I’m going to live in some castle in the?—”
He put his hands over his ears and said, “Blah blah blah, don’t tell me, I shouldn’t know. If I get kidnapped, Ash, by some asshat named Asgall, I warn you, I will sing like a bird. I’m not cut out to withstand torture.”
