My Weirdo

Count on Me

So far, so good, you reflect while taking a steadying breath. Why interviews are still terrifying after all this time is beyond you. It is always the same format. The interviewer introduces themselves, goes over what they want to ask, you tell them if anything is off the table to talk about "on the record", and then you answer the questions while dazzling everyone in the room with your sparkling smile and charming personality.

Something was different about this interview though. You couldn't quite put your finger on it, but it almost seemed like it was going too well. The banter between you and Bobby was as natural as ever. You were both able to easily navigate through the questions about what the other islanders have been up to in the last six months, and Leslie seemed to be purposefully avoiding any touchy subjects. Stop overthinking, you've got this. You coach yourself as you tune back into the conversation.

"So, moving on to what everyone is dying to know." Leslie smiled, leaning in closer to the two of you. "What can you tell us about your new baking venture? There are rumors that the two of you are opening a bakery together. Tell me about that."

You and Bobby pause for a moment, and you search his eyes for how to answer. Fuck. Why didn't we prepare for this? Of course she was going to ask that, it is literally the reason she came here. The confusion rushing through your brain must not have been apparent, because Bobby simply beamed at Leslie before answering.

"Well, I'm opening a bakery, and Izzy has been such a huge source of support! I honestly don't know how I would have done it without her. She's been keeping me sane these last few months."

Feeling a bit more in your element, you return his smile. "It really has been amazing to witness all of his hard work on this. Anyone who visits will see how passionate he is."

"So the rumors about you two being together..." Leslie trailed off, looking between you and Bobby.

"Still false." You laugh, looking over at Bobby. "Just like every other time you've asked."

Leslie releases a well rehearsed musical laugh. "Hey, people want to know, so I have to ask!" She leans back, as though to see you both better. "You two do have a natural chemistry. You can feel it in the air when you're around each other." She gestures to the air around her, as if to say she can sense it right now.

"Well you're probably feeling the air con, to be honest." Bobby jokes, a hint of tension pulling at his voice.

You agree with a shrug. "We are both charismatic, and we both bring a high level of energy to the table. Probably part of why we get along so well."

After a slight pause, you look over and see Bobby's face going red from trying not to laugh, while a cheeky smile played on his lips. "So you're saying it's a bad idea to name an eclair after Izzy?" Bobby smiled slyly and nudged Izzy with his elbow.

"Bobby!" You roll your eyes, laughing despite yourself.

After looking over her notes Leslie's eyes twinkle as they fix on Bobby. Oh no. I know that look. You turn your attention to Bobby and see his smile quickly fading.

Leslie leans back in, locking eyes with Bobby. "Changing topics slightly, a little birdy did tell me something interesting." There's a glint in her eye that tells you this shark smells blood and you are in deep water. "Word is that you have agreed to design a custom wedding cake for a special someone from the island."

Bobby's brow furrows as he looks at you for clarification. "I'm not sure what you are talking about." You give him a clueless look. He looks back at Leslie and says lightly, "I'm not designing a cake for anyone."