Jorja
Good morning. I would like to start your interview today.
Good morning. Are you an early bird?
Yes. I’m an early riser if that’s what you mean.
Good. Early birds get the worm, you know.
I laugh out loud.
If you are available, how about lunch?
Oh, I’m available, babe. I am so available.
I laugh again.
Can you meet me at Lulu’s Diner?
I would rather pick you up, take you to Greer Vineyard’s, and eat you in a private “tasting” room.
My clit awakens with that one.
I can’t commit to longer than half an hour without permission from Sidney. I’ll have to let you know.
I’m only a phone call away.
* * *
When I push open the door at Better Buzz, it feels like everyone turns to look, but I know it’s just my imagination. Everyone here knew I was the only person in Sunnyville that was in the damn dark.
Last night, lying in bed, I processed everything that had been said between Jocko and me from the beginning until now to the best of my memory. I came to the conclusion that it was simply a case of miscommunication. Thank goodness Jocko isn’t a quitter, and I didn’t run him off.
I check the time on my phone. Fifteen minutes before the official workday begins. The line moves, and I step closer to the counter. Margie looks up and sees me in line. She mouths. “Told you so!”
“Yes, you did.” I mouth back.
She swipes her current customer’s card, hands it back, and delivers her cheesy, cheeky, customer care quip. “Thank you for choosing to get a Better Buzz with us.”
The man drops a tip in her glass jar and leaves with his order.
I step up to the counter. A grin bigger than yesterday’s is on her face. “Your usual, boo?”
“Please.”
She shouts my order over her shoulder as the man makes his way to a table.
I slide my credit card to her.
“So, spill the beans. What happened?” Her eyes bore into mine.
I begin giving her the low down on the rescue, but she interrupts me as she swipes it.
“Girl! I’m talking aboutafterthe rescue.” She slides it back to me.
“Oh. Well, Betsy Malone ….”
“I want to know how the sex was.” She cuts her eyes behind her. “Hurry. Your order’s going to be here, and I’ll have to wait all day for the details.”
