SIX Quincy #3
“We might not be here for that either.” He lifts his chin in the direction of the storm. Frustration dances behind his eyes. “Funnel cloud is gone.”
“Dammit.” I sigh, shifting attention to my show and trying not to be too disappointed. “Sorry, y’all. These things happen all the time. Tornadoes can dissipate as quickly as they form, and it’s a bummer we didn’t get to see anything today.”
“What are you talking about, Monroe? Your viewers got to see me.” He flashes me another grin.
His eyes are bright again, dimple sharp.
His chuckle is breathless, carefree. Euphoria from the chase ebbing back to reality.
“That’s the best thing that could’ve ever happened to them.
I bet it’s going to be your highest-watched show of all time. ”
I dig my elbow into his ribs, proud when his chuckle turns into a groan. “If anything, I’m going to lose followers. They’re going to be sad they had to stare at the back of your head for so long.”
“We’ll see. I’ll make sure to collect my royalty check.” Sebastian pauses when we get to our cars. His rented SUV is a gaudy, fancy thing, with silver rims and a fully digital dashboard I can see through the window. “You heading out?”
“Yeah. Radar didn’t show any other storms having rotation today, so I’m going to get some work done at home.
” I hold up a finger his way and look at my phone.
“Thanks for tuning in, y’all. I’ll be back tomorrow.
We’re going to talk about the wave off Africa that could turn into our third named storm of the year.
Be kind. Take care of yourselves, and I’ll chase ya later. ”
I stop recording and end my show. I wiggle my phone, popping it out of the tripod holder. When I glance up, Sebastian is looking at me.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing.”
“It can’t be nothing. You’re staring at me like I have four heads.”
“Maybe you do have four heads, Pres. I’m just reminiscing.”
“On what?”
“This.” He points to the sky, the clouds that are breaking. The sun making a reappearance and the breeze starting back up. “Being out here in the moment, you know?”
“I’m confused.” I lift my tripod and dust dirt off the legs. I fold the pieces up, making it compact and easily portable. “Your job is constantly being out in the moment, isn’t it?”
“Not like this.” His sigh is heavy, with a hint of strain.
He runs his thumb along the links of his silver chain, distressed.
There’s a droop to the corner of his mouth.
Wrinkles across his forehead. Torn on telling me more, but he cuts off the thought with a shrug.
A tiny part of me aches to know what he’s talking about, but I’d never admit it. “This is different.”
“Okay.” I pop my trunk and slide the tripod inside. I pause before I slam it shut. Something in my chest tugs, ties itself into a knot, and makes me ask this next part. “Is it a good different?”
“Is that your contribution to our Truth or Dare game because your earlier question was shit?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“Yeah.” Sebastian’s demeanor changes. His grin is slow. Unhurried. The kind that sparks wrinkles around his eyes and makes his nose scrunch. The golden weather boy, in the flesh. I see it now, what people mean when they call him that. “A very good different.”
“That’s good.” I close the trunk and lean against the glass. It’s hot on my skin, the sting of a burn pressing along the back of my arm. I don’t mind it. “It’s a shame you couldn’t get any footage today. Maybe that means you’ll have to pack up early and head back to New York.”
“Maybe. Or maybe I’ll stay around longer and see what other weather phenomena I can catch on tape. I’m holding out hope for a monster hurricane.”
“And I’m holding out hope this season is quiet so you get bored and leave.” I move to the driver’s-side door and yank on the handle. It doesn’t budge the first time, and I fumble with my keys to unlock it. “See ya, Dunn. Don’t get stuck in a ditch on the way home.”
“Chase ya later, Monroe.” He gives me a salute, grin still plastered on his face. “I’m looking forward to it.”
THE RAINY DAY SHOW COMMENT SECTION
@SuzyDee284: Did anyone else think that was the best episode of The Rainy Day Show ever?
@HandyRandy: If the earth isn’t flat, why can’t I see the curve when I’m at the beach?
@StarStruckIn305: Petition for Sebastian Dunn to join every broadcast? He’s so good on camera!
@CanesAllDay472428: So is his chemistry with Quincy.
@SunshineNMoonpies1988: I thought that too @CanesAllDay472428
@VeraVeraVici: I like watching people talk about things they’re passionate about. Those two are clearly passionate about their jobs.
@SunshineNMoonpies1988: they are, @VeraVeraVici, but I miss seeing him on the nightly news . Hope he’s back soon!
@PabloStars24824: That woman needs to get off my screen. She doesn’t know jack shit about weather. All she does is hype up storms that end up being nothing but summer showers. It’s all clickbait. I’M NOT FALLING FOR IT ANYMORE. GOODBYE.
@PocketFullOfSunshine89: this isn’t an airport, @PabloStars24824. No need to announce your departure.