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Daaaaaa itself

Just when I think ive out and I’ll slither to the floor, Cam pushes away from me and strolls out of the kitchen Over his shoulder, he calls, "I had a ht, lass I caht?"

The front door slaley is deaf, because my scream of frustration would scare the bejesus out of him

I spend the remainder of the day inside with the door locked I check it three times just to make sure I do laundry, clean the apartave or out ofspace invader that he is, he doesn’t coinary Ca swinging slowly back and forth off the side

At six o’clock on the nose, rap h the walls

Prince Pantydropper is su around the kitchen until I’ve got so for him to eat When I knock on his door, the music lowers instantly

"Hullo, lassie," he says when he opens up "What brings you by?" He grins, leaning against the doorfrae out everywhere, just as insufferably se to kick hiain" I lift the platter I’o"

He looks at the platter, then back up at o where?"

My smile turns brittle "Take your food, prancer"

"Oh, no No, no, no Our deal was that you make me food and I eat it over at your place Forty-five s his door open wider, and the rap music swells out louder into the hall "Or would you prefer to spend your evenin’ with ood friend Ol’ Dirty Bastard?"

He stares atwider in obverse proportion to how mine shrinks

Without a word, I turn around and march back to my apartment I leave the door open behind me because he’ll find his way inside whether I want him to or not The man is insidious, like an infestation of termites

But he’s not the only one with tricks up his sleeve

I leave the platter of food on the kitchen table As soon as I hear Cam’s music cut off, I retreat into my bedroom with the cat and shut the door

And lock it

Then I call"Hello?"

"Hey, Mom It’s Joellen" I always feel the need to rehters since we last spoke

"Oh, hi, honey! I was just thinking about you!"

"Why? What’s wrong?"

She laughs "Nothing’s wrong, silly, I was just thinking I’d call you tonight How are you?"

From beyond my bedroom door, Cam calls, "You better not be skippin’ dinner, lass!"

I stick ot a raise at work"

"Oh, honey, that’s wonderful!"

She sounds thrilled, which makes me smile "Plus, I’m up for a promotion"