Page 61 of The Man I Hate

“What are all the notes?” he asked. “Recipes?”

“If you’ll be quiet for a minute, I’ll explain it.”

He leaned away from the camera. “I’ll let you have the floor. For now.”

“You’re familiar with Jimmy Fallon, and, what’s the other guy, Kimmel? Jimmy Kimmel??”

“I know who they are.”

“You’re aware they have talk shows? That they get guests in front of a studio audience and talk about things?”

He looked at me like I’d offended him. “Do you think I’m an idiot, Anna?”

“I’m just asking a question.”

“Yes, I’m aware that late night talk shows exist. Furthermore, I’m familiar with the show’s architecture.”

“We’re using big words today, are we?”

“Which one threw you off?” he asked. “Aware, familiar, or exist?”

“Architecture,” I replied. “I was surprised to see it used in that context.”

“Architecture.” He raised his index finger. “The complexity of design.”

I flipped the camera the bird. “I know what it means, Mister Rourke. I was setting the stage for a joke.”

He grinned. “And I derailed your train.”

“If you prefer, the train will travel along the tracks of seriousness.”

“I have no preference.”

“If you’re aware of the show’s architecture,” I said in a mocking tone. “This should be an effortless ride for you. Climb aboard.”

His brows raised slightly. He seemed far from excited about matters. “You’re going to ask me questions?”

“You’re smarter than you look.”

He flipped me the bird.

“Are you ready?” I asked.

“I suppose,” he murmured.

I glanced at my notepad and then at the camera. “Excluding any aircraft or motorized automobiles of any sort, if you had to choose one mode of transportation to utilize for the remainder of your life, what would be your choice?”

“Only one?” he asked.

I tapped my pen against my lip. “Yes, only one.”

“A skateboard.”

“A skateboard?!” I arched a brow in opposition to his response. “Mister Rourke, that would make simple tasks like getting groceries nearly impossible. There are no wrong answers here, but I’ve got to ask. Of all the modes available, why a skateboard?”

“First, call me Braxton.” He situated himself in his chair until he was comfortable. “In response to your question, riding a skateboard is similar to surfing. It provides a feeling of freedom that can only be obtained through a handful of transportation options. It’s my first choice and that’s my final answer.”

Braxton wasn’t a typical man, and he wasn’t going to give typical responses. Although I’d prepared a line of questioning assuming what his answers were going to be, I decided to ad-lib the remainder of the interview.