Page 98 of Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal
“Nothing you need to worry about,” I say as I turn off the music but leave the mannequins in place, just in case Storee and Betty decide to come back.
He follows me. “That was weird.”
“There was nothing weird about it.”
“There was so much weird about it,” he says.
“Can you just leave me alone?”
“Not after that. Dude, that was a full-on party you faked.”
“Leave, Ansel.”
“Like, a full-on party. I’m worried.”
“Well, don’t be,” I shout, getting irritated with him.
“Whoa, okay. Sheesh, you’re wound tight.”
“I’m just trying to figure some things out, and I don’t need you harping on me about what I’m up to. Just let me do my thing, and don’t worry about it, okay?”
Might be a little harsh, but the last thing I need is for my puke of a brother to find out about Betty and Dwight and what they’re trying to do while also realizing that I’m starting to like this girl when I have no right liking her at all. Because here’s the thing: If Ansel finds out how I feel about Betty, there’s no way he’s going to just drop it. No, he’ll annoy me incessantly until I lose my goddamn mind, and then that’s when he’ll strike by spreading the news around town, because that’s the kind of guy he is.
Always the instigator.
I still don’t understand how Felix puts up with him on a daily basis, but then again, they’ve always been closer.
“Okay.” Ansel brushes off his shoulders.
“Why are you still here?” I rub my forehead, wishing he’d just vanish.
“I came over because Mom texted me that you called, and she couldn’t hear you and hung up. She wanted me to check on you because she was worried that something was wrong. Took me a few days, but I’m here.”
Wow, a few days. What a brother.
“I’m fine. I called to see how their trip was going,” I lie.
“Was that all? Everything fine at the farm? Because if you need Felix and me to pitch in since we know how to run a business, we can do that.”
Of course he would say that. What a dick.
My irritation grows as I look my brother in the eyes. “I don’t need your help. I’m fine. The farm is thriving. Everything is good.”
“I mean, you say you don’t need my help, but then I come here, and you have Mom’s old mannequins dressed up and talking to each other, so I’m sorry if I feel like something’s a little off.”
“I’m fine. Now get the hell out of here. I need to clean up.”
“Okay, but you know where to find me if you need anything.”
Yeah, over my dead body would I ever go to him looking for help.
Betty
“I feel bad,” I say, as we make our way down a row of dishes.
Baubles and Wrappings is a very interesting store, almost like a mini-Target but without the food. Instead of all new clothes and products, it’s a combination of new products, thrift store items, and vintage finds. Naturally, every last item is geared toward Christmas.
When Storee asked if I wanted to get lost in the store, she really meant it.
