She tucked her hair over her shoulder and glanced to Jack. To Jack. As though he had any say in our plans. To me, she said, “Sure, grumpy britches.”
“I brought home some textbooks to read.”
“Ugh. Okay.” Suzie had been about to scoop me some pasta but dropped the spoon and went to sit down. She crossed her arms and slouched back. “Reading is stupid.”
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” I said. Jack snorted. “We need to discuss your educational background.”
“Well, that’ll be a very short conversation.”
“When did you graduate high school?”
“This is chicken-sh—this is stupid. I don’t have to answer these questions.” She stood up cheeks bright red.
“It’s important to understand what I’m working with.”
“Who,” Jack corrected me quietly.
“I didn’t mean—” I glared at Jack. “Don’t you have papers to edit?”
He raised an eyebrow at me before slowly squinting his eyes. “Nope.” He crossed his arms behind his head and kicked up his feet. “I want to hear more about this experiment you are doing.”
I hadn’t told Jack all the details because there wasn’t a way of explaining that didn’t come off a little unclear ethically.
My stomach growled and I crossed my arms over it. “There isn’t anything to say.”
“Suzie made it sound like there was. You didn’t tell me you got funding.”
I moved to wipe down the counter where someone had spilled parmesan cheese grumbling an affirmation.
“Suzie also said you’re giving her a makeover? I didn’t know you had the skills.”
“Well, it sounds like Suzie told you everything. So we don’t need to discuss it.”
“Who peed in your Cheerios?” Suzie asked. “If you’re mad at me about somethin’ don’t take it out on Jack.”
“I’m not mad.” The pot I had picked up to wash clunked loudly into the sink basin.
“Clearly.” She gestured to the sink.
They both chuckled.
“It’s not a makeover.” I snapped. “I plan to change her clothing and general appearance but I’ll also endeavor to modify her accent and teach her basic engineering concepts.”
Suzie sucked in her lips and all the fun left the room again. I hated that I was being so short. Why did it feel like it cost so much to be relaxed? But this was my Suzie. No. Rather, it was my research. It wasn’t a joke. I took a deep breath and counted.
“Sorry, man, I was teasing.”
I glared at Jack. “My research isn’t a joke.”
Suzie looked between us and said, “I gotta go use the little girls’ room. I’ll be back.” She scooted out of the room.
Jack crossed his arms and sat back to frown at me. “You know I think your work is valuable. Why’re you really upset?”
I scratched the back of my head and let out a sigh. “I don’t know.”
Jack got up and moved around the kitchen, a minute later he put a plate of food in front of me. “Eat this and tell me your plans.”
I did as told. After my hunger was blunted, I told him about Ted Buffount and his proposal. I didn't mention the signature or the misleading blueprints, afraid to see my own concerns reflected in his face.
