A Five-Minute Life

“I love this. Janelle is my girl-crush,” I said after a few moments. “But it’s not techno.”

“I know but I heard it and thought you’d like it.”

“You were right.”

I cranked up the volume when the chorus hit. It filled the cab like an anthem of everything I felt in that moment. I was alive, I was free, and I was with the man I wanted to be with more than anyone in the world.

For the next few hours, Jimmy and I listened to music and talked. About his Grandpa Jack, because it was the only bright spot in his childhood. About my parents, and Jimmy held my hand while I cried for them. As we crossed into Maryland and I peppered him with questions about pop culture in the past two years.

“Which movie won Best Picture last year?” I asked. “Something with Steve Carell, I hope.”

“Who?”

“You’re kidding, right? The brilliant actor who played Michael Scott? The World’s Best Boss. From The Office? The World’s Best TV Show?”

He shrugged. “Couldn’t say. I don’t watch much TV.”

&nb

sp; “Everyone needs The Office in their life,” I said. “Who won the Super Bowl?”

“This year? The Patriots.”

“Last year?”

“The Patriots.”

“Should’ve guessed,” I said with a laugh. “Who is the president?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

My phone rang. “This can only be one person…” I fished it out of my bag. “Yep.” I hit answer. “Greetings, sister.”

“Thea, where are you?” Delia crowed in my ear.

“Honestly, Deel, it’s none of your damn business. Not anymore.”

“You shouldn’t be alone. It’s not safe. If something happens—”

“I’m not alone,” I said. I glanced at Jimmy. He nodded. “I’m with He Who Shall Not Be Named.”

“Of course,” Delia said, her tone bitter with sarcasm. “The orderly. Who else? For God’s sake, Thea…”

I covered my phone with my hand. “Delia says hi.”

“I’ll bet.”

“You are toying with your life,” Delia snapped in my ear. “And for what? That man? Did he put you up to this? Of course, he did. He’s been trying to get into your pants for months.”

“He’s a perfect gentleman, though I’m going to try my hardest to cure him of that.”

Jimmy coughed, and his ears reddened.

“Althea Renée Hughes…”

“No, Delia,” I said. “You don’t get to talk to me like that. If you’re not careful, I’ll end this call and you’ll never hear from me again.”

“Until you need more Hazarin,” Delia said. “Did Rita Soto give it to you?”