So much for pharming. At least
for tonight. I reach into my
pocket, fish around for
something paper, find a receipt to
wrap the still unidentified pills
in. Who knows when I might
need them? I text back: On my way,
chug my beer. Why waste
good brew? “Gotta go,” I say.
As if anyone really cares.
THE ALARM BLARES
Five a.m. Five? Oh, crap. I knew
working mornings was going to
suck. It’s still dark outside, for
cripe’s sake. Dark, and the bed
is warm. Warm with Nikki.
Might as well wake her up too.
She comes out of her dreams,
into my arms, and I already know
waking her will be the very best
part of this day. “I love you,”
I tell her, once and again, as
a hint of pale morning appears.
Nikki stays in bed as I go to
shower, turn the water hot to fight
the house’s chill. I’m shivering
into a towel when she calls,
Hey. What about my car?
As she waits for an answer,
anger blossoms. Not her fault,