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You’ve rejected a lot of things in your few years on Earth: cigarettes from your school buddy Tommy, a date with Mindy Schilling because your cousin Rocco was head-over-heels for her, some hush money that could have bought you a new car when you stumbled across some goons harassing a lady a few years ago… and a parasite that could have bestowed upon you all kinds of power… but at the cost of your freedom.
Rejecting Vivian, however, trumps them all! Sorry, you stammer, your tongue <span class="mu-i">stinging</span> with each word, but you really oughta’ talk to Mina before the cops show up…
The amazon deflates a bit as a disappointed, but understanding smile forms on her tanned face. “You’re something else, y’know that, Pizza Guy?”
You respond with a confused blink. Really, you reply, you have to-
“I don’t mean it in a bad way!” She bashfully sputters! “I… I just think you’re incredible for caring so much about people you just met…” Brushing a lock of hair away from her shaded eyes, the girl sighs as she looks at Rodney’s comatose form. “You know what’s funny? Rod here’s the only guy that’s actually had the courage to flirt with me in… sheesh, I dunno… <span class="mu-i">ages</span>.”
No <span class="mu-i">way</span>, you retort with your eyes bulging in disbelief, there’s… how could anyone <span class="mu-i">NOT</span> be-
“I always figured it was my height…” Vivian continues with her face scrunched up in thought. “Or my attitude… every time I reach out to someone, though, they get all… <span class="mu-i">intimidated</span> and run off.”
A faint smile forms below her shades. “It’s one of the reasons I cook, actually–when I make food for people they stick around and talk to me more… and I can make them feel good without scaring them off. Food’s good for that kinda’ stuff, y’know?”
Yea, you nod, and at any other time you’d say ‘<span class="mu-i">HELL YEA</span>’, but…
Vivian nods. “Nose to the grindstone, Crash… I gotcha. I’ll keep an eye on your buddy, don’t worry.”
Responding with a quiet ‘<span class="mu-i">thanks</span>’, you move to exit the <span class="mu-s">GYM</span> and track down Mina while you still can.
“Oh, and Diesel?”
Yea, you ask as you turn to face the chef again.
“... Pep’s a lucky gal…” She adds with a wry grin. “My offer’s still on the table though: home-cooked meal any time ya want it!”
You’ll take her up on that, you reply with a smile! Tipping your hat to the two of them, you exit the room and resume your search for the raven-haired heiress…
>CONTD.
