Page 196 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
Ansel clears his throat. “You’re, uh, you’re welcome.”
Dwight wipes at his eyes. “Okay. Well, I still hate you.”
“Yup, I understand that.”
“And if you ever buy another property, I’m charging you extra commission.”
“Ehh, is that necessary?” Ansel asks while Dwight gives him a murderous look. “You know what? Yeah, I think you’re right. Extra commission it is.”
I grip Dwight by the shoulder. “I’m really sorry about Jessica and about all this, man. You deserved better, and I’m sorry you were inserted in a situation you never should have been in.”
“Thank you.” Dwight nods and then lets out a heavy breath. “Shit, I wasn’t expecting this, and now I feel all... off.” He clears his throat. “We, uh, we better get moving, because you have someone to win back.”
“But first, are we good here? Because even though it pains me to ask, I still want your approval. In order for everything to be good with Betty, I need things to be good with us.”
He slowly nods. “We’re not best friends or even friends at that, but yeah, we’re good.”
“Okay.” I blow out a breath. “Then wish me luck. I’m going to need it.”
“Good luck. Don’t hurt her again, you motherfucker.”
“I won’t. Promise.” I glance toward Cole. “Hey, is the power cut?”
“Yup. Power is out.”
I then look at Dwight. “Okay, you’re up. Thanks for doing this.”
“Don’t forget it.”
“I won’t.”
Betty
“Noooo,” I nearly cry as I attempt to play around with the breaker, hoping the power turns back on. But after the fourth try, I know that I’m out of luck.
Tears fill my eyes as I make my way back into my cottage and flop onto the couch.
Why?
Why is this happening now?
A tear falls down my cheek as I glance over at the battery pack and heater that Atlas left here for me. It might last a little bit, but it’s not going to last me all night, I know that for certain. And it’s not like I can get in my car and leave.
Nope.
I’m going to have to make a call, despite wanting to be left alone.
I pick up my phone and dial Uncle Dwight’s number.
He answers on the second ring. “Hey, heard the power was out over there.”
“Wait . . . what? You did?”
“Yeah, was going to show a house, but the power was out, so we had to reschedule. I’m headed your way. Figured you might need someplace to stay.”
“I don’t think I can stay here, that’s for sure. It gets really cold.”
“Pack a bag. I’m almost there.”
