'Tis confusion!

Q skydives

I was trying my best to play it cool around Q, but inside I was giggling like a six year old. We stepped outside, and I was greeted with a cold breeze, instead of the sweltering heat I'd experienced earlier today. 

"Man, I love this weather," Q sighed. "It's so cold outside, I think it really relaxes you. This feels great."

"It really does," I agreed. "Are we going to do something outside, or...you do have a plan, right?"

"Sure I do! " With that Q led me to his car and opened the door for me. I slid in, and glanced at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were red. From blushing, or the unexpected cold? I was leaning towards the first, but willing I could cover it up with the second. Q settled in the car next to me and turned on the radio. "Runaway" by Bon Jovi blasted out of the speakers. "I love this song!" I told Q. "Actually, more specifically, I love Bon Jovi. I kind of have a soft spot for eighties hair bands." Q grinned. "That's cool. I've seen my fair share of bands like this in concert. then again, I'm willing to bet I'm a bit older than you. You don't look thirty-eight at all."

"That's because I'm not. I'll actually be thirty next week."

"Oh, cool. You doing a big blowout shindig or anything?"

"I'm not sure. I'm not super into parties. I'll probably just have some friends over to watch some terrible, cheesy horror films and order ham broccoli and pineapple pizza...well, maybe I'll only do part of that."

"Yeah, you forgot the tomatoes on the pizza," Q teased. "What would Murr and Joe think? Seriously, though, that sounds like fun. Like how I'd celebrate a birthday if it were up to me."  I glanced over at him. Even in the dark, I could see he was smiling, almost to himself. It was like some terrific joke had just popped into his head. "What's with that coy smile? You look like you know something I don't."

Q glanced over at me and tried to hide the smile, but it was no use. "Maybe I do. Maybe I'm just thinking of something that could help you with these cheesy horror movie plans. "

"Really now?" I beamed. "Do tell!"

Q shook his head. "I'll do you one better. I'll- " Q's cell, which had been sitting on top of the center console between us began to ring. "Ah, crap, it's Sal. Can you do me a huge favor and answer it?"

"Sure thing." I picked up the phone and hit answer. "Welcome to White Castle, bitch." Q cracked up. I could hear Sal's bewildered voice on the other end. "Q? c'mon man, that's not funny." "I'm sorry, Sal. Q is driving at the moment, he asked me to pick up...uhm, 'me' being Mara..the girl from the toy store. Q didn't get a hooker or anything, at least not yet." Q was cracking up next me me harder than ever. I was starting to worry he might veer off the road. 

"The reason I'm calling is because I have kind of an issue here.  I was driving and I came across this girl who was sitting in her car on the side of the road. She's out of gas. I was wondering if you-that is, Q- could go to the gas station and get some?"  "Hang on, let me pass this info along to Q..."

"Put him on speakerphone," Q requested. "It'll be easier." I pushed the button and Sal's voice came through the speakers loud and clear." So like I told Mara, I'm waiting with this girl on the side of the road, about forty minutes from the mall. I feel bad for her, Brian. I can't leave her on the side of the road alone."

Q frowned. "I get that, but why not take her in your car to the gas station?"

"I don't feel that bad," Sal exclaimed. Q and I shook our heads. "What if she's a murderess or something?"

"Well, we'll mourn you," Q said.

"Come on, man!"

"Alright Sal, alright. I'll be there as soon as I can. Mara and I just left the mall, so... yeah, we'll be there soon. And Sal?"