Chapter Fourteen
After hanging up the phone, Julie left her bedroom and went out into the living room where Doug and Tweezer were watching the news on television. Another bomb had gone off somewhere on the other side of the world, and the people on the screen were screaming and wailing over the bodies of friends and relatives lying in the street.
“That was quick,” said Tweezer nonchalantly. “What did he say?”
“He didn’t say anything,” said Julie, slumping down into the chair next to the couch. “There was nothing for him to say.”
“I wonder how they’re doing at the store. Since you’re not showing up, I mean.”
“Well, he’s there. He can always step in and do a little more work.”
“True,” said Tweezer. “Certainly isn’t our problem.”
“Hope this doesn’t make things awkward for you at the store,” said Julie.
Tweezer shrugged. “Ah, who cares? Awkward can be fun. And it’s not like he’s gonna try to fire me. I’d sue his ass off, too.” She looked over at Julie and smiled, letting her know that she’d heard that part of the conversation. “I’m just glad you’re done with him, Jules.”
“So what do you think you’re going to do now?” asked Doug. “In terms of employment and all.”
Tweezer punched him in the shoulder. “Jeez, man, give her a break. She just broke up with her man.”
“I told him he had to give me a good reference. That’s when I told him I’d sue. So I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Anyway, I’ll figure something out. I’m flexible.”
“Doug, you could get her something down at the car rental place couldn’t you?” asked Tweezer. “They’re always hiring people.”
“Yeah, maybe. We’re usually looking for new help.”
They all stared at the television for a while. Tweezer grabbed the remote and switched the channel to a talk show. An actress was having yet another heart-to-heart with Oprah about all the hardships she’d struggled with on her way to success. The three of them sat and listened as the actress went on to say that everyone chooses their life before they’re even born.
“Give me a break,” said Doug.
“No, it’s for real,” said Tweezer. “she’s very spiritual. She’s thought a lot about this stuff.”
“She’s very crazy,” corrected Doug. “And this whole show is pathetic.”
“What are you talking about?” asked Tweezer. “Oprah’s the best. Everybody loves her. And do you know how much she donates every year to charities?”
“No idea.”
“Neither do I, but it’s a lot. Once she gave away a car to every person in her audience.”
“I don’t know if that really counts as charity. It sounds more like a publicity stunt to me. I wonder how many of those people really needed a new car.”
“She helps people.”
Julie had gotten used to these exchanges between Doug and Tweezer over television. They seemed to talk better in front of the TV than anywhere else. Maybe it was just because they spent so much time there.
It was Doug, motivated by Oprah, who decided to mix things up a bit. “C’mon, let’s go celebrate Julie’s retirement. It’s almost 3:30. We’ll get some nachos and a couple of pitchers.”
“Julie’s not even 21 yet.”
“I’ll drink her share then. Anyway, they’re not gonna card her at three in the afternoon.”
“Where to?’ asked Tweezer.
“I know just the place,” said Doug. “We can even swing by the video store on the way back,” he added, jokingly. “We’ll pick up a movie!”
“Funny, funny man,” said Julie. “Really, I’m laughing on the inside.”
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