Ballistic Kiss (Sandman Slim 11)

“You’ve got a little lipstick right there.”

Now I feel as awkward as Janet looks.

“Thanks.”

Candy winks and goes to look for food.

“Anytime, tiger.”

Eventually, everyone drifts into the kitchen. When he sees the spread, Carlos’s eyes get wide. He samples a thin piece of meat from the charcuterie board and nods. Then he looks at me accusingly.

“Where’d all this come from? You sure as hell didn’t get it.”

I point to Janet.

“It was all her.”

Carlos spreads some brie on a cracker.

“It’s a good thing you know people like her and me. Otherwise you’d just be eating gas station sandwiches the rest of your life.”

“I like your tattoos,” says Ray. “Is that owl a symbol from Twin Peaks?”

Janet nods shyly.

“Yeah. It’s my favorite.”

“Mine too.”

She smiles a little.

“It’s probably why I work in a donut shop.”

Vidocq pours a glass of wine for himself and one for Allegra. It’s good to see them being nice to each other again.

Candy shares a smile with Brigitte and points her drink at me.

“You look a little jumpy tonight. You got the food. Did you remember the movies?”

“Right outside.”

“Smart man.”

While Candy gives me an “I’m going to screw with you all night until you tell me more about this other girl” look, Allegra says, “How are you feeling? Still remembering to take your meds?”

“No problems. But we should talk about things in the next few days.”

“Anytime. Just come by the clinic.”

“Thanks.”

We talk for a few more minutes before heading into the living room. Janet comes in last with the charcuterie platter and sets it on the living room table. On the sofa, Candy sits on my right. Janet is on my left, pressed against my side. I haven’t felt this uncomfortable since I first got to Hell and was a freak show attraction.

I turn on Con Air and things relax for a while. People laugh at the right places and sing along with some of the songs. The moment the movie is over, Janet is up on her feet and pouring drinks for everyone. She makes a whole circuit of the room before sitting down again, looking more like a deer caught in headlights than the wisecracker who kissed me in the kitchen. She takes my hand for a second and squeezes it. I squeeze hers back and she seems to relax a little before moving her hand back to her lap.

Everyone chats, laughs, and eats. Except for Brigitte.

“Are you feeling all right?” says Candy. “You’re so quiet tonight.”