v.a.n.

“You know, if you ever need help with engineering a costume I might be able to help.”

“Oh so you’re a fashion designer now?”

“More times to know I don’t want to get slapped again for trying to help a drunk girl home again.“

“Why the hell would they slap you?”

“We have a whole section of maps past the history section before you hit the magazines.“

“Thanks. So, do I have to fill out a whole application to check something out or can I just put my number or something?”

“Here to check out a book or bring one back?“

She flipped through a book on Europe and shrugged. “I guess I’m just looking... Do you have any maps? Like of other countries?”

“More like definitely.“

“Oh come on. Like you’ve never dealt with an intoxicated woman before.”

“Drinking is more fun, Vi.” He laughed. “Little of both. How’s life?”

“Oh... it’s just lovely. You know, doing my normal thing, being a normal person and whatnot.” She awkwardly laughed. “How about you? Other than the whole Hulu fiasco and being tired.”

“Well I’m assuming you also wouldn’t tape your outfit back together and expect that it stays.”

“No I would not. Although, an outfit made of tape... that would be interesting.”

“Well, Vi.  I think you are drunk already.“

“Oh no, no. I’m fine. My back is tingly and everything is now way more entertaining, but I’m fine. I don’t drink very often so my tolerance is tiny, so... maybe.”

“Fine.  You’re intriguing, Miss?“

“Vi. Or Vivian, Viv, Fro- Whatever tickles your fancy.”

“See? How is that not entertaining? TV has nothing on that place. Depending on the night it’s either a real-time drama, a comedy, or best of all- a dramedy.”

“All perfect reasons I prefer to stay in the shadows there. I’d hate to be in one of those stories.”

He laughed. “Is that the word you prefer I use?“

“It most certainly is!”

“You concern me.“

“I think you mean intrigue.”

“Crystal’s wardrobe malfunction last month. Admittedly, it wasn’t so much the malfunction as her reaction to it.”

“Do you wanna know why that happened? It broke about three months ago and she decided taping it together would be the best fix. I swear sometimes I’m the only sane one there.”

“Where the fuck do you plan on taking my drunk ass to make that possible?“

“Either I have a stash or I know a place with a stash.”

“Not true. I mean, that second part is true but the first part isn’t.”

“Fine. Tell me the last interesting moment you had there then.”

“Both, but given enough time I’ll be face first in the yard.“

“Then it’s my duty to make sure you end up face first in a much softer surface. How about a pile of feather boas?”

“Hulu expired and wants me to pay more than Netflix for no ads. But no, days are longer, I’m tired.”

“Fucking Hulu. Then sleep! Drinking will only make you more tired. Then again, it’s a way more fun tired... Oh, thanks. You look pretty too. Should I catch up or should I sit back and enjoy the show?”