Page 40 of Worth the Trip

“I ain’t said nothing.”

“Your face did.”

He laughed. “I’m from Self Springs.”

“Oh, that explains it.”

“Explains what?”

“The confidence.”

“You saying Self Springs produces excellence?”

“I’m saying y’all tend to believe that.”

“Nah, we got supporting data.”

I looked up at him. “Supporting data?”

“I got degrees, Hershey. I can substantiate foolishness when necessary.”

That made me laugh again.

“You really are a coach.”

“Unfortunately documented.”

“And yet you were lost.”

“So were you.”

“I followed a bad sign.”

“And I was looking for the marina.”

“The marina is beside the festival.”

“Exactly. Irresponsible signage victimized both of us.”

“You just said you had supporting data.”

“For Self Springs excellence. Not navigational competence.”

At least he was consistent in his nonsense.

“You’re on vacation?” I asked.

“Trying to be. I’ve been out here since yesterday.”

“Trying?”

“My mama sent me away before I worked myself into becoming unpleasant.”

“Were you unpleasant?”

“Not yet. Efficient with an attitude.”

A laugh slipped out. “That sounds like unpleasant with credentials.”