'Tis confusion!

Untitled Part 46

With Trisha and Q following me inside, I realized I really would have to head straight to the bathroom. I hustled down the hallway- I didn't want to leave Q alone with this chick any longer than I absolutely had to. Inwardly, I was kicking myself for even asking for the restroom. I hurried in the direction Trisha had instructed and locked the bathroom door behind me. I stood in there for maybe thirty seconds, then flushed the toilet and ran the sink quickly to complete the illusion. I then wandered back out and found them in the living room. Trisha was on a beige love seat, and Q was sitting about as far away as he possibly could, in a big, comfortable looking recliner. I stood there semi-awkwardly, wondering where to go. Q motioned me over towards him. "C'mere. Plenty of room for two on this thing." He took my hand and pulled me close. I smiled. Before I could sit down, however, Trisha opened her mouth. "Actually, why don't you come sit with me, Martha?"

"It's Mara, actually. But yeah, uhm, I guess so." This wasn't what I wanted, but I really didn't feel like being rude. Q frowned and got up from the recliner. "Actually, Trisha, why don't you take the recliner? This is your house, and I just sat in it like I owned the place." He started to move towards the couch. Trisha shook her head vehemently. "I insist. Guest get the recliner. Mara, why don't you sit there, and Q can sit on the love seat with me...the recliner really is the most comfortable spot," she finished sweetly. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, ok. Whatever you want." I reluctantly sat in the spot Q vacated, and watched as Q positioned himself as far away on the love seat from Trisha as possible. She scootched a bit closer to him. Inside, I was seething.... which must have been apparent on the outside as well, because I suddenly felt my phone vibrate. I pulled it out of my pocket and checked the incoming message.

What's wrong? You're more tightly wound than I've ever seen you. What on earth could be the matter? <3

I wrote back.

you remember the girl I told you about at the gas station? The one who couldn't tell the difference between you, Sal, and Murray? ... Who do you think that is sitting next to you? This is just a little awkward.

I watched Q's face as he read the message. His eyes widened slightly. I nodded. Just then, I heard Trisha speak.

"So, Martha, are you, like, Brian's neighbor, or something?"

She couldn't possibly be this dense. "Mara, actually. No 'th'. None. At all. And Q and I aren't neighbors..." I trailed off. What were we? Is there even a 'we' to be speaking of? I was suddenly massively confused. I stared off into space, trying to focus my thoughts. I don't know how long I zoned out, but suddenly I felt Q's hand gently touch my shoulder. "You ok?"

"N..Yes...no. I don't know. I think I need to get out of here." He nodded, then glanced at Trisha. "Look, it was really nice to meet you, but I think we should head out. I'm glad we found Nugget for you, he's a very sweet cat..you might want to think about renaming him." Q grinned at Trisha. She returned his smile with a pout.

"No! You can't leave!" She actually stomped her foot. I raised an eyebrow in surprise. "You said you'd stay! You have to stay!"

I shook my head in disbelief. "Yeah, we're gonna go. Thanks for your hospitality, and your blatant ogling of Brian. Very nice to meet you," I said sarcastically. I grabbed Q's hand and we headed towards the front door.