Page 277 of Darling Venom
It’s not even a big favor, all things considered, which means you’re a dickwad if you don’t do it…
What else do I say…?
Oh. Yeah.
What the hell was up with Hannah? The chick believes domestic bliss is knitting Christmas sweaters with your face on it. Your face. Being shackled to her is like getting stuck in an episode of Doctor Foster that won’t fucking end. Even you can do better. Came to your senses late there. Good riddance.
Guess this is where I should say something nice to wrap this up. Fucking barf.
Here goes nothing…
I could’ve handled being dumped on your steps better. For the record, you could have, too. In our collective defense, it’s hard to start a relationship on good footing when it begins with literal shit.
But living with you only sucked a bit, though Hannah’s the absolute fucking worst. I know I’m kinda awful to deal with, but you tried. I saw that. I really did.
Aw, fuck it.
I don’t hate you, Tate.
I might even like you a little.
See you in the next life.
Maybe we’ll actually be brothers in that one.
Nothing said you’ve hit rock bottom more than being greeted by name by the staff of Worm Welcome, whose entire menu contained blended earthworms.
“Mr. Marchetti. You again.” Sammy, the only server with weekend shifts, moved from the register.
Mister.
I’d worked pretty damn hard on my medical degree, but I didn’t correct her. The less she knew about me, the better.
As it was, I found it hard to digest the fact that I frequented a place known for serving up creatures that eat dead bodies.
The bell above the door jingled as it shut behind me. I settled at my usual table, slipping on a pair of aviators when the sun hit my face.
Sammy parked next to my seat by the window. We both stared outside at the playground across the street.
She pocketed her pen and notepad. “Let me guess—you’re gonna order a bottled water and take an hour of prime Worm Welcome seating to gawk at that woman.”
Pink bubblegum snapped against her lips. Her tongue slithered out to gather it back inside her mouth.
Good thing this place only carried worms, because I’d effectively lost my appetite.
“I should report you for stalking,” she added.
And I should report you to the health inspector.
I flashed a smile. “And miss out on my stellar tips?”
“Stellar?” She scoffed.
For the record, I skimped once when I ran out of cash, only to learn they didn’t take credit. Doubled my tip the next visit, too. But Sammy held a grudge like Wall Street assholes held offshore bank accounts.
“Keep talking, and there’ll be one less zero behind whatever bill I give you today.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waved me off. “What can I get for ya?”
