Page 73 of River Wild

He grunts, and I bite down on a smile.

I take a step back from the door. “So, there’s a Christmas boat parade happening tomorrow night at the lake. Are you going?”

“No. I’d rather have my teeth pulled out with pliers than go to that shit-tastic waste of time and money.”

“I’m going with Sadie and Guy. You know, my boss and colleague at the diner.”

“How fun for you.” His voice is as dry as the air.

“You should come with us.”

“Teeth. Pliers.”

“Awesome. So, I’ll see you tomorrow night. We’ll meet you there.”

“Have you lost your hearing? Or are you actually as stupid as I accuse you of being?”

“Nope.” I smile widely, showing all my teeth. “I’m just choosing to ignore you … you know, like you do to me.” I turn on my heel and start to walk away. “It starts at seven thirty,” I call over my shoulder.

“I’m not going,” he calls out.

“Seven thirty, River,” I reemphasize. “Don’t be late.”

“Jesus fucking Christ. Fucking annoying woman!” I hear him grumble from behind me, and then his front door slams shut.

My smile somehow gets even bigger, and I wear that smile the whole way into my house and for the rest of the day.