Chapter 73

"Hey...Kevin? Is it?" Steve knew full well what the jerky jerk's name was.

"Yeah. Steve?"

"So, visiting Jen, or just grabbing some 'za?" Steve paused, wondering if he had just referred to pizza as 'za.

"No, I stopped by to see her, but she got into a big argument with a coworker. I could tell she didn't want to talk about it, so I'm splitting."

"Oh?" Steve said, thinking that a supportive boyfriend would stay with her through this alleged big argument.

"Yeah. I mean, I know a supportive boyfriend would stay, but I do plan to call her later and see how she's doing. I'm not a complete jerk." Kevin smiled.

"Yeah, I saw a guy who looked like he was hurt, so I came down here. My buddy's back at the tux shop getting his cummerbund arranged or something."

"What happened?"

"The cummerbund was too small."

"No," Kevin laughed again. Who did this guy think he was? Laughy McLaugherton? "What happened with the guy here?"

"Oh - sorry. Yeah, he got picked up and drove away. I guess something's taking care of him."

"Good, I guess."

There was a moment of silence so long it could have been packaged and sold. Awkward turtles crawled around awkward turkeys on the Awkward Farm. It was rough. Finally, Steve spoke up.

"See ya, man."

"Yeah - and Steve?"

"Yeah?"

"Stay the hell away from Jen."