Chapter 7 Take Me More Seriously
Take Me More Seriously
Listen, X, I’ve been thinking. There are these phases of life, right?
Like, turning a page or a new chapter or reboot or whatever.
And after the last mission, you’ve been, dunno, different.
And I have, too. And I realized I don’t wanna just be your sidekick like Batgirl who stays back on the computer and does her nails.
I have more to offer. I’m more mature, like for sure, since we first—HEY ASSHEAD, EVER HEARD OF A FUCKING TURN SIGNAL?
—first met and I know you’ll say it isn’t safe for me to go in the field but that’s what I’ve been trained for.
I don’t want safe. What I’m saying is you should bring me with you next time.
I swear I won’t screw up. And I know what you’re thinking, okay?
That I’ll be too goofy or all Mexican hood-rat-y and start thwacking bitches with my chancla or whatever.
But seriously? How much have I kicked ass for you on all these past missions?
I mean, I deserve to get a shot. Wait. Wait.
Aaarg. I know, I know, you’ll get all judgy over “deserve.” Hang on. Don’t—
What the fuck! Wait. I said don’t—
Look. Ignore those first two voice texts. Okay? You weren’t supposed to hear them. It was just a tech mishap. I know I’m supposed to say “cancel” instead of don’t—
I waaaaaant it that waaaaay. Tell me—AIN’T NUTHIN BUT A HEARTACHE—Wait! Have you— Is this fucking recording right now? Off. Stop! Fuck! Cancel. Stop recording! Fucking cancel! No. No, no, no. Please don’t. Stop. Stop! I’m not gonna—
I SAID “SAY IT,” NOT—
Haha. Okay. Erhm. Right. I get this was all probably amusing to you. Anyways. That’s my proposal. Umm. That’s it. I just think, uh, I just think it’s time you take me more seriously.
In her final voice message, Joey spoke in the voice she used when she thought she was being mature. A touch deeper, throaty.
Evan adored that voice. But showed it no mercy.
He considered for a moment.
A moment longer.
Texted back: kay.
He drove another mile and a half.
Then he grinned.