“Did you see? The fucking line goes all the way around the next block, too.”

“What time is this supposed to start?”

“Seven, I think. Some of these sorry bastards look wet right through.”

“I wouldn’t wait like that. Well, maybe for a Zep reunion or something, but not for no politician.”

“Yeah, I don’t know. I’ve listened to this guy a few times. He makes sense. Things need to change.”

“They are changing, dude. They’re getting worse. The game is rigged. Like Carlin said: it’s a big club and you ain’t in it.”

“Look. The line is finally moving.”

Friday Fictioneers

“These aren’t the right eggs.”

“What are you talking about? They’re cage-free. See?”

“Not the same as organic. Google it if you don’t believe me.”

“Only if you agree to a blind test.”

“For what?”

“To see if you can tell a fucking difference, Daniel.”

“You’re such a bitch when you’re hungry.”

“Excuse me. I’m not the one complaining about eggs.”

“Can you please chop the parsley a little less coarse? It gets stuck in my teeth.”

“So? I’m the one who has to look at you.”

“Jesus. You really are a bitch today.”

“Don’t start.”

“Look, I didn’t..”

“Don’t.”

 

Friday Fictioneers

He pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes to try to relieve the splintering headache.

She bought the damned house brand Earl Grey again. How many fucking times do I need to tell her that I can taste the difference between chemical oranges and real bergamot?

The words swim on the page.

Nothing that’s quite your own. / Yet this is you.

Eliot had it right.

That bitch. Says “You’re in a mood” as though it’s my fault when she keeps buying the cheap tea she knows I hate. 

He toys with the letter-opener and looks at her throat.

Friday Fictioneers

“I see you still have the plant she gave you.”

“Does that bother you?”

“I guess not. It’s just I thought you hated her.”

“I didn’t hate her, Jeff. I didn’t think she was right for you.”

“Well, you weren’t wrong.”

“Anyway, the plant is not her, even if she gave it to me. Tell you the truth, it’s been so long that I usually forget where it came from.”

“Looks healthy.”

“Oh yes. I watched a video on whatchamacallit. Youtube. It was about how plants like music. I’ve been playing that Bach cassette.”

“Didn’t she give you that, too?”

Friday Fictioneers