Finally, I heard the click of the other line. “Hey Loser,” her voice was smooth, like a long drag of a cigarette. It made my mouth water.
I licked my lips and relaxed again. “Art school, huh? I didn’t peg you for the formal educational type.”
I could hear her movie playing in the background in sync with my screen. “Are we still talking about this?”
“Are we?” My heart could be heard over the movie. I was almost sure she could hear each and every beat.
“I want to do comics.”
“Like the ones on candy wrappers?” My eyes shot over to the plastic tub on my desk.
She laughed. “No, you loser. Like, the ones you see being made into movies now.”
“You make fun of Adam and Dylan for being into DnD, and I’m just now finding out you’re a closet nerd?”
Her laughter was better than a fresh vein. It filled me with such a high I wanted to keep her laughing.
“Don’t call me that.”
“Why not? You just called me Loser twice in the five minutes we’ve been talking!”
“That’s because you are.” She giggled.
“I’m not the one hanging out in my room drawing my own comics all day. You’re a nerd.” I declared.
“Fine, but you’re still a loser.”
“I think it’s a fair observation.”
Awkwardness avoided. We watched the movie together while staying in our respective offices.
When the movie came to an end, I was sure she’d end the call, but I was pleasantly surprised when she began to talk about other stuff.
“So, what’s your deal? You're broody and hang out with people like Arsenio, but you’re not—you’re not the same.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I scoffed. I was a little offended. Sure, I wasn’t out there looking like I could star in the next action movie, but damn, I didn’t think my build was that bad. I flexed my arms, even though she couldn’t see.
“Like, you’re more approachable, but at the same time, you give off an‘I could murder you if I get bored enough’vibe.”
“I’m a vampire. That’s literally what I do. Don’t you?” I pointed out.
“You know what I mean.”
“I don’t. Is there something specific you want to ask?” I baited her. I stood and began to pace. I swatted at various things in my office as I walked aimlessly.
I suddenly wondered if she knew about Arsenio’s past. Technically his present, since Corrine was still paying all of us for various tasks. I wasn’t entirely sure how active his career as a professional criminal was these days. Certainly not as busy as mine had been.
“How many people have you killed?”
“I’m fifty-five years old. That’s a stupid question.” I avoided answering her. I heard her let out a loud huff. I imagined her in her office, about to bang her head on the table of her desk.
“You’re such a loser,” she said, and then I heard a click, indicating the conversation was over. I let out a loud laugh. I knew she could hear me, and sure enough, a moment later, I heard a loud cry of anguish from down the hall.
I let her stew. I had a strong feeling that I’d be receiving another call shortly.
It took thirteen minutes.
“You know, I do actually do stuff in here. Work stuff,” I said when I answered.
