On / by B.McGann
A ball of dough hit Dwin fully in the face, bringing his thoughts back to the present in a white cloud of flour.
After blinking several times to clear his vision, Dwin looked across the room and saw the glowering face of Sukie. She was young and heavyset with hair pulled back into a tight braid. Even wearing a greasy apron and covered as she was in her customary layer of powder, Sukie was undeniably attractive.
Dwin started to stammer as he searched through his disconnected thoughts for some sort of apology, but a quick glance at Sukie’s eyes betrayed her sour expression.
“Your mind has been everywhere but your work today. Got another date tonight, have you?” Sukie asked.
“No no, nothing like that,” Dwin answered.
“Good! I remember the last time all too well. Couldn’t get decent work out of you for two weeks. Perhaps it’s time you tried a real woman for once,” Sukie said as she placed a hand on her hip and gave Dwin a playful wink.
Unlike if someone else were to make such a direct pass Sukie did not make Dwin feel the least bit uncomfortable. Instead, Sukie’s friendly repartee put Dwin at ease. He knew this game well and she knew that he needed it.
Feigning horror Dwin said, “And be the source of all your admirers’ unfulfilled fantasies? I should think not!”
“Less fulfilled than many hope but more fulfilled than you’re wanting to know.”
“Finally, something we can agree on.”
“Well would you look at that, Dwin without an argument. Must be a day for firsts.”
“You win today, Sukie,” Dwin conceded and gave a dramatic bow.
“Come on. Out with it already.” Sukie was well-known in Baystone for her pastries, not her subtly.
“I’ve got my first paying performance. A half hour gig tonight at the Drowning Well. Just me, my viol, and my soon to be admiring fans! Or, at the very least, my aural hostages for a bit,” Dwin said while pantomiming a song on an invisible viol.
Another dough ball ended the applause which only Dwin could hear.
“I don’t suppose they’re paying you for me too, ehh? No, didn’t think so.”
“Not everyone can have appreciation for the more refined arts. It’s okay, there’s plenty of… common entertainment to be found for those with your tastes,” Dwin teased.
Sukie made a noise that may have passed for either a laugh or a harrumph, or, more likely, a bit of both.
After the present batch of tarts were out of the oven and Dwin had finished washing the dishes, Sukie gave him the afternoon off. She was muttering something about how Dwin got in her way more than he helped but whatever Sukie was saying, Dwin did not stay around long enough to hear.
The front door slammed on unheard words.