It took him a second to speak. “I suppose you need me to help you with number fifteen?”
“You know what number fifteen is?”
“Of course, how could I forget do more with a man? But technically, you did. We got to second base if I remember correctly, and I’m positive I remember correctly.” He winked.
“Ha, barely! You very well know what I meant. I am not goin’ to die a virgin!”
“Who said anything about dying?” His words were sharp enough to cut through ice.
“Figure of speech.” I waved my hand, trying to convince him. “Who knows what will happen to me in jail.”
He looked like he didn’t believe me. “Well, tonight I’m not doin’ more. I’ll eat dinner with you and hang out with you, but I’m not helpin’ you with number fifteen,” He finished with a frown.
“If you don’t want to help me Joe, you don't have to. I can always find someone else. Why, just the other night I had a man practically offer.”
“Your date?” he scoffed.
I turned up my chin. “No, someone else.”
His expression changed. “Who?”
“It doesn’t matter. I turned him down, but if you don't help me, I'll find someone else who will.”
“Don't do anythin’ stupid, Rose.”
We stared at each other. “You’re tryin’ to boss me around again, Joe. I won’t stand for it. I let people boss me around the last twenty-four years. I’m sure not gonna be bossed around my last four days.” My voice was hard and cold. “I'll give you until Saturday night.”
I picked up Muffy’s leash. “Come on, Muffy.”
“I thought we were eatin’ dinner together.” He called after me.
“I never agreed to dinner, you just assumed. I already have plans.”
I glanced over my shoulder and saw his stunned face. I kind of felt bad for him.
“Help me with my list,” I blurted out.
He grimaced. “I already told…”
“No, the rest of them.” I'd realized it would be more fun to experience everything with someone I cared about. I had to admit I actually did care for Joe. “Do you work on Saturday?”
“No…but you have Sunday too.”
“No, Saturday. I want them all done by midnight.” I only knew that I would die on Sunday, I didn't know what time. It could happen at 12:01 a.m. for all I knew, although I hoped it was closer to 11:59 p.m.
“I need to see your list again, to see what you still need.”
“I still owe you dinner for the lock. Come over tomorrow night and we’ll go over it then.”
Joe looked happier. “Okay.”
“And if you're lucky, I’ll wear my new bra and panties.”
He shook his head. “You’re not gonna make this easy for me, are you?”
I smiled, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. “Not on your life.”
Or more accurately, mine.
Chapter Fifteen
I hated to leave Muffy home alone again, especially after I ignored her so much while I’d thrown myself at Joe. Thank goodness we were behind my house, not that it mattered. Did dead people care if their reputations were besmirched? In the end I brought Muffy with me, hoping it wouldn’t upset Violet. My secret hope was Muffy would wiggle her way into Violet and Mike’s hearts and they would take her when I died.
The look on Violet’s face assured me she had not become immune to the barrage of surprises I kept throwing her way.
“Is this your dog?”
“Her name is Muffy and she is very sensitive.”
Muffy tooted her sensitivity on Violet’s doorstep.
“Oh, dear Lord. The stench…”
“She just needs more roughage in her diet is all, give her a chance. Little Mikey pooped out some nasty stuff and I still love him.”
Violet didn’t look convinced. “You seem more cheerful than when you left.”
“I’ve had some time to get used to things.” As well as some other extracurricular activities.
“Aunt Bessie called and said she’d be here in about ten minutes.”
I led Muffy out to the backyard. Ashley ran behind us, excited to have a dog in her home. Thankfully, she seemed oblivious to Muffy’s physical inadequacies.
“Thanks a lot,” Violet said when I came in, sarcasm dripping off her words like butter slathered on corn on the cob. “You know she wants a dog.”