Blueberry Muffins (Pages 4 & 5)

That isn’t the worst part.

Really?

Yeah, she tells me not to call her at evenings or weekends.

She doesn’t say anything just huffs

What?

What’s her name?

I’m not telling you her name because if I do you’ll Google her and then actually stalk her.

No, I wouldn’t……….anyway you can tell me her first name

He thinks

If you want a name let’s use a pseudonym

Like Miss Grey?

Who?

50 shades of Gray, dickward

Wasn’t the guy named Mr Gray not the girl?

I dunno

Scarlett

Miss Scarlett?

No, that’s her first name

Oh, Scarlett the Harlot

She’s not a whore

Ha

Oh, fuck you. I need to go anyway. Love you

Don’t call her! I mean it! Love you too loser

He puts down the phone gets his keys and goes for a walk

She picks up on the 4th ring

So, Im playing by the rules

She smiles…Thank you

Look, I don't know why I’m calling you. I just……wanna to know more. Don’t say anything just let me…..I don’t know where you live but we should meet on neutral ground.

She thinks

How about that cool little hipster coffee place round the corner from you?

Ha, I know the one you mean. Say for elevenses tomorrow?

You’re late

I know. I didn’t know if I wanted to do this.

You’re the one that called. That asked me to come

Yeah, and you’re the one that gave me your number!

Okay! I get it. I’m sorry. I ordered you a coffee. Hope that’s okay?

He gives a slight nod

I guess I’m just looking for a more rounded, definitive answer. Ennui. Is so……Why not just get a fucking hobby or a dog or…..something?

She smiles slightly

I could make a joke here about men and their similarities to dogs but…..you look pissed as fuck so…..I wont

Good. You seem to be able to read other people's emotions so you’re obviously not completely batshit bonkers

Not completely….no

They both smile but don’t say anything for a chunk

I already have a dog….and hobbies. I also got offered that job I got interviewed for.

Congratulations

Thanks but I didn’t take it

Why?

Lots of reasons……..but the main one is I don’t need the money. I’m a kept woman. She watches his reaction very closely. A job isn’t gonna satisfy. Maybe that’s the wrong word. She thinks for a beat. I have ennui. If I took that job I’d be an employed woman with ennui. Does that make any sense to you?

Yes, but I don’t think,….. I know I can’t erase the restlessness you have. Have you been to see a doctor?

A doctor?

For your depression

I don’t have depression you fuckwit!

This was a mistake. She gets up to go

He gets up to try to convince her to stay

Look, I’m sorry. I’m being an arse. I know you don’t have depression or need to see a doctor. He searches for the right words. To be honest I know exactly how you feel and that’s why I’m here. So can you please rejoin me again? He pleads with his hands together in a prayer pointed at her. I’ll even buy you a muffin to sweeten the deal.

She can’t help but smile

Yeah, don’t think I didn’t see ya eyeing up the blueberry muffins earlier. I was gonna ask if you need alone time with them.

I do enjoy blueberry muffins……especially from overpriced hipster hangouts.

They’re homemade too

Fine! But I’m only staying for the muffin.

She starts to take off the muffin case and pull a bit off it to eat it. So, you understand why I’m here?

Yeah,….I think so

Why did you bust my balls then?

He laughs and then thinks. Guilt. I guess. Guilt because I want to get to know you. Guilt because I don't want to become the thing that separates you and your husband

I told you Im knot leaving my husband

I know….I mean emotionally you'll become distant from him. If I were married I wouldn't want that.

Well, if you were married you’d know how I feel

I do know how you feel

14/3/2022