when Ellen came by the store. Not sure what was going on, but she didn't seem happy to see Maricel. She was polite, but I sure as hell know when Ellen has her hackles up and they were up. I gave Ellie Mae her presents from Las Vegas and thanked her for helping out at the store. But there was a definite chill in the air.
"You go out with her?" Maricel asked when Ellen left.
"No." I said.
"You sleep with her?" Maricel persisted.
"Well, just once a long time ago." I said.
Maricel nodded knowingly.
"I mean, I don't think she liked it much cause she made it pretty clear she didn't want to make that mistake again."
"Maybe she liked it too much." Maricel said.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
"It means she won't like anyone you bring home, ever." Maricel said.
That was true enough. But I don't get the part about liking it too much and I told her that.
"It's not really something you can explain." Maricel said. "It just is. I'm going to go upstairs and make us something to eat."
And she did. Country Captain Chicken from my 30 Minute Meals book. Quite good. So here I am, well-fed and slightly puzzled.
See you in the funny papers...
Simon Wolfe
