'Tis confusion!

OHMYGOD

I wasn't really sure why I didn't follow Q and Sal out. I sat back down and scrolled though my phone absentmindedly. Not sixty seconds later, Q stuck his head back in. "Time's up! You ok in here?" I nodded and smiled. "Yeah. Sorry, I really don't know what's come over me. I think I just kinda zoned for a second. " He smiled. "As long as you're ok. It should be safe to leave here within the next hour or two...as long as it doesn't rain any more."

"Cool."

Q and I spent the next hour watching tv and drinking coffee. When he determined it was time to go, I wrapped the cat in my jacket, and we jumped in Q's car and took off.

We were both silent for the duration of the ride. I wasn't sure about Q's train of thought, but I knew mine was focused on getting the cat back to its home, and then...well, I honestly didn't know what came next. Q was drumming his fingertips against the steering wheel every time we hit a stop light. He seemed anxious to get the trip over with.

After about forty minutes, we arrived at the address Q had been sent. Getting out of the car with the cat still clutched close to me, we ventured up the stairs. Q turned to me. "Here goes nothing." He knocked on the door. After a moment, it swung open... revealing none other than the ditzy gas station clerk who'd filled me in on all of Q's punishments. (her idea of them, anyways.) For a moment, there was only silence. Then gas girl opened her mouth and let out an ear-piercing shriek.

"OHMYGOD! You're Brian Quinn! What's going on? Did I win a contest or something? Ohmygodohmygodohmygod!" She was practically jumping up and down with excitement. "Like, for reals, what are you doing here? Jimmy didn't say anyone was coming by."

Q looked taken aback by the reaction he'd received. He glanced around uncertainly. "Uh..I may not have the right address. I'm trying to find a dude by the name of James Jam?" She nodded eagerly. "You got the right house. Jimmy's at a friend's right now, but he should be back in an hour or so. I'm his girlfriend, Trisha." She extended her hand towards Q to shake. He did so, and I noticed that he had to practically yank his hand free of Trisha's (way too long) handshake. Q motioned towards me. "This is my girlf...Mara. This is Mara." I was a bit puzzled by Q's introduction, but I tried not to let it get to me. I gave Trisha the biggest smile I could manage, and waited to see if she'd remember me from our previous encounter. "Nice to see you. " She was staring at me quizzically; I could practically hear the gears turning in her head. "Hi," she finally said. She leaned in a bit closer to me. "What's in the jacket? What did you guys bring with you?" I opened the jacket up a little. "Nothing huge...just a little Nugget, if you will."

Trisha peered closer at me, then let out another squeal of joy.

"NUGGET! Ohmygod! How the hell did he end up with you? This has to be fate! This is too crazy to be real!" I was mentally rolling my eyes at this point, and I swear Q could read my thoughts, because the glance he shot me implored me to play nice.

"Mara and I were on a picnic and found this little guy hiding in the bushes. I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you, but at first, I couldn't track anybody down to save my life. We've been taking good care of him." Trisha held out her arms. I handed Nugget over to her, and she carefully cradled him in her arms and started to blow kisses at him. "Was Nugget a good boy at Brian's house? Did he enjoy himself?" I touched Q's sleeve. Maybe we should let these two reunite in privacy?" He seemed to get the hint, and started to turn away from the house.

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Trisha. Tell James that I'm sorry I missed him, and I'm glad we were able to reunite you all. I know I'd lose my mind if any of my cats got loose." Trisha's eyes widened. "What? No, you can't go! You just got here! Come inside and wait for Jimmy in there. I'll make you guys drinks or something. Please." I noticed Trisha's eyes never left Q's face. It was creeping me out a bit. Q pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen. "I guess we could come in for a bit. I'm waiting to hear from Sal, but until then... yeah, we could hang out for a few. James told me you guys are fans of the show?

Trisha nodded earnestly. "Oh my god, it's only, like, my favorite show. You guys are epic. Like, crazy epic. " She giggled. I was slowly starting to lose it. (Damn Q and his unfailing politeness. ) I gave Trisha what I hoped was a sincere looking smile, and motioned with my head towards her house. " Would you mind terribly if I used your bathroom?" Trisha didn't want to seem to tear her gaze away from Q "Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. It's the third door on the right. "

"Too kind." I slipped passed Q and headed inside - but not before feeling a familiar hand graze my backside. I glanced over my shoulder and gave Q a small smile. He winked back, and followed me inside.