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I grin, rubbing Scrot’s belly as he lies spread eagle on the bed. When Koen’s out of town, he leaves Scrot with me instead of asking his neighbor’s sixteen-year-old son to watch him. “I think, what if this salt room is not a big hoax? What if it’s not a scam? What if the benefits are real?”
Again, he sighs. It’s so heavy that I feel the weight of it on my chest.
“Bad day?”
“Everything that could go wrong today did go wrong.”
“You didn’t die. Did you take a drink?”
“What? Fuck, no.Pleasedon’t do that.”
I pause, not expecting him to sound upset with my reply.
“I hate it when people try to fix shit that can’t be fixed and assume the worst. I can’t undo my day. It happened. I’ll get over it. But right now, I’m still feeling the effects. And I can have a bad day without falling off the goddamn wagon. But thanks for your trust.”
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I just … I had a bad day. Hearing your voice makes it a little better, but so will a good night’s sleep. When I vent, I don’t expect you to make it better. Haven’t you felt the need to vent without expecting someone to make it better? And isn’t it nice when people think the best of you?”
“Koen, I’m sorry. Truly.”
I wait.
And wait.
“I’m going to bed. I don’t feel like talking. I feel like an asshole tonight, and I don’t like exposing you to my lack of charm. It’s not your job to cheer me up.”
“You’re not an asshole, but sleep is a good idea. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Bye—”
“Koen?”
“Yeah?”
“Your Scrotum’s on my bed. And he’s the cutest Scrotum I’ve ever seen. I like to nuzzle my nose into your little Scrotum, don’t you?”
Koen laughs. It’s reserved, but it’s a real laugh, nonetheless. “Thank you, Scottie. I hope you like me half as much as you like my Scrotum.”
I giggle. “Iloveyou.”
“I love you too. So much. I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m just …”
Well, damn.
Now he’s making me cry.
“You’re just human. Goodnight,” I say with my emotions in a chokehold.
“Are you wearing skinny jeans?”Price’s jaw hangs in the air when I climb into his Honda.
“I’m giving them a test run.”
He laughs. “Why?”
“I decided it’s time for a change. I’ve had them for years. My sister got them for me, and I’ve never had the heart to get rid of them. So here they are, making their uncomfortable debut on my ass. I hope this comedian is funny because I need something to take my mind off my visible panty line.”
“I was joking about second base. You know that, right? You didn’t have to wear these for me.” He shoots me a quick glance after pulling onto the main road.
