“Oh yes,” she said. “I decided that tonight, being what it is, you should get to experience everyone the way they are thinking and feeling inside too. Their moods, their thoughts, their actions and expressions and everything associated with them.” She winked. “That’s what you get for playing with me this morning. You can undo it. You have the power. You just don’t know how to yet.”
“So this is more punishment?” he asked, acutely aware of his thoughts and feelings.
“No. I did it to myself too. I’ll show you how to remove it later tonight. After supper. But for now you get to really see. Like you made me see.”
“But isn’t that violating everyone’s privacy?”
“Well, yes.” Cadence grimaced. “But tonight it’s called for. You can’t deny the evidence of your own senses. And when you see Brent really loves me. And how expansively. You won’t be able to argue the point any longer. You’ll see.” She winked.
“But I made you see how beautiful you are.” He looked puzzled. “And please don’t confuse my feelings for you with contention.”
“I didn’t mean it that way,” she said. “Still, you changed me without my consent.”
“Like when you gifted Junie and me with insane lust for each other, without our consent?” David asked. “What’s your punishment for that?”
Cadence shushed him with her hand. “This is also my punishment. Understand I know you meant well when you did what you did to me. Perhaps your actions were more selfless than mine. And I honestly can’t complain about how I’m looking and feeling right now. Especially around you, though I know it’s wrong. But you have to learn to respect me. Even if I am being... Foolish. Or whatever you might call it. It’s my body and my life. If I want to be miserable and ugly, then it’s not your right to change that.” She shushed him again. “And no, I don’t want to feel that way. I’m making a point. You can’t do to me, just because you can do to me. Neither of us should have done that to the other. No matter our intentions. It’s only right we ask first. I’m teaching us a lesson. I won’t apologise for it. You, especially, have it coming. You’ve had it coming for a while. You’ve been a very naughty boy.” She stifled a giggle.
“Putting aside that you’re changing me without my consent again, what about us, Cadence?” Aren’t we going to be doing and saying things we might not want to, because of your little spell?”
“Yes,” she said. “But we’re the only two who can discern these things. Our perception of time will be randomly distorted accordingly, depending on the amount of extra input we have to process, but Juno and Brent won’t notice anything is different about them or anything unusual is occurring. Even if they say, or do, things that are improper, they won’t realise it. They’ll believe their thoughts and feelings are private, as usual. Please relax. Brent will be home very soon.” She bounced on her feet, giddy. “I’m so excited about tonight. I’m sorry if I’m acting strangely. It’s just... I’ve waited so long for this. It’s going to be magical. You’ll see how much Brent loves me and...” She clapped her hands together. “I can’t wait. I’ve been wanting this for so many years now. Why did I wait so long? It’s finally going to happen.”
David smiled weakly in return. “I hope so,” he said. “I know how you feel.” Cadence touched his cheek as he looked in her eyes. “Whatever happens, I don’t want you to get hurt. ...And, I apologise for what I’m assuming I said out loud before. When you welcomed me in. You could have given me warning, though. You know how attractive I’ve always found you.”
“I forgive you your adolescent outburst.” She smiled and gave him a peck on the nose. “And I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t love hearing it. ...I mean, I’m blessed to have found you.” Her smile widened and she shook with excitement. “I’m certain this will work out perfectly for everyone. Though there may be awkward moments, given the conditions.” She looked into his eyes and touched his hands. “But everything will go perfectly. You’ll see. No matter what strange or inappropriate things are said.” She chuckled. “We’ll be fine too. We can keep our thoughts and feelings in check because we’re aware.”
David grinned. “So you won’t randomly confess to wanting to sleep with me in the middle of supper, then?”
“I would never.” She stiffened up and looked away. “You’re incorrigible. And I’ve wanted to bed you since I first met you—” She slammed her hand over her mouth and began to turn crimson. She slowly pulled herself together and checked the oven. “Thank goodness you’re the only person who can sense all these things, aside from me. I suppose I had that coming. But shame on you for tricking me. That was... I’m being careful of you for the rest of the evening. You won’t fool me again. I swear. You. You’re just. My goodness, David.”
David sat down as Juno knocked on the sliding glass door and gave him and Cadence both the finger before she lit up and sat at the picnic table to enjoy her cigarette. “Don’t bother coming out to talk to me, Davey,” Juno shouted. “I just want to smoke and think about how badly you’ve fucked up my life and I don’t need your whiny ass out here trying to make me forget what fuckin’ idiocy convinced me to go along with all this.”
She’s a lovely woman, Cadence said.
Yes, she’s a dear. This is going to be a long night.
Cadence smiled as she turned to begin setting the table. For you, most definitely. Probably for both of us. But I’m confident you’ll see you’re wrong about Brent. Good luck with Juno, though. She’s a world class— David, you really must stop.
Just in case I am, could I ask a favour of you, Cadence?
Yes. I mean, I think so. What is it David?
I want to kiss you again, Melody. I desperately want to kiss you once more, as Melody or Cadence, in case you’re right about Brent. ...And, if you’re wondering, I didn’t think that accidentally.
She slapped his right hand lightly and playfully as he brought the back of hers up to his lips and kissed it. Of course, you didn’t, David. Please. Now perhaps you’ll stop with the trickery?
What else am I going to do? David asked.
Do what you want, David. Do what you like. I’m not—
I like you.
Cadence’s brow furrowed. Please. I like you, too, but... I mean. Not... I’m serious. You really must stop. You like me, you want to do me. I get it. It’s puerile and offensive, but I relish the fact that you find me sexually... I mean—
I’m sorry, Cadence. I’ll try to stop. I’m just—
She slapped him hard across the face. Don’t you ever apologise for wanting me. She grabbed him by the nape of the neck and kissed him full on the lips. Her mouth open. Her tongue probing his. Making love to his mouth with her own and bathing his neck with her hungry tongue. Losing herself in the sensations of both of their bodies. Then she pulled away quickly. Oh my goodness. Seeing no one was watching, she calmed her breathing. Now behave yourself, David. I love you dearly but... Oh good Lord. Please?
David smiled and looked up. Damn, it was better than I thought it would be. And yes, I’ll try to stop. Cadence looked down, trembling harder. You just be sure to behave yourself, too. That kiss wasn’t me. Unless... Did you feel that, too?
Yes, David.
So we just shared a thought?
No. Cadence looked back up in shame. That was all real. I’m sorry to have done that to you. It wasn’t right to—
David smirked. Apology accepted. And, I apologise in advance.
Cadence smiled and turned her back to him. What are you saying, David? You’re talking like— She felt her hair brush to the side and the warmth of David’s lips on her neck. She turned around quickly, slapping him again and then finding her mouth willingly loving his once more.
Hearing the kitchen table shake, she pushed herself away from him. Glaring at him. Shaking with what she wished was anger.
I already— David began.
And your apology is accepted, David. But, no more. You’re treating me like... I want you to... Stop it.
/> David looked outside and saw Brent pull up in his car. Cadence looked out the kitchen window. They both watched as Brent sat next to Juno on the picnic bench. Cadence glanced over at David, her cheeks still flushing, and turned back to the oven, shaking her head and rubbing the back of her neck.
Brent’s crotch appeared delighted to see Juno as he asked her for a drag of her cigarette. She held it for him while he took a puff and tweaked the nipple on her left breast, looking disappointed that she was wearing a bra. Slipping his hand down the loose top of her shirt and groping every inch of her right one as she gave his trouser bulge a healthy stroke and squeeze.
“They really don’t have a clue they’re doing and saying what they’re doing and saying?” David asked.
“In their heads, they do. Like I just told you. You’ve experienced it yourself already. Or have you forgotten how excited you got me when you... I mean...” Cadence gave her left cheek a bracing slap, shook her head and opened the oven to check the pizzas. “If things get too confusing, I can stop it. But it won’t. You’ll see. It gets easier to tell what they’re really saying and doing. The pitch of the voice changes slightly when someone isn’t actually talking. It’s almost imperceptible but, once you get used to it, it’s easy enough to distinguish, for the most part. Why?”
“Nothing,” David said. “I’m just trying to wrap my head around this gloom you’ve cast upon us, so I don’t end up in an asylum before the evening’s out.”
Cadence laughed and looked back at him. “Nothing horrible will happen, David. You’re adorable. So wonderful. You make me smile, even when you’re not around.” She silenced herself again. “Goodness me.”
Brent slid open the patio door as Cadence ran down the hall to the bathroom. Her voice entered David’s head as she disappeared behind the door. Tell him supper’s almost ready and I needed to freshen up. Would you please? I need two or three moments to prepare for this. This meal. This revelation. Would you do that for me?
David agreed and she thanked him.
“Hey, Davey.” Brent closed the door behind him as David tried to relay all the information he’d promised Cadence he would and Brent talked over him. “That Junie’s got some unbelievable tits. When did she take up smoking?”
“Oh that,” David said, feeling confident he knew which parts of Brent’s greeting were meant to be heard. “She’s on again, off again. Depends on the stress. Or, maybe, it’s an after thing. I think the fix we’re in is starting to hit her. She’s freaking out a little. The cigarettes won’t kill her before the bad men from our former lives get their shot.” David laughed and patted Brent on the shoulder.
“Yeah. That makes sense.” Brent looked down the hall, not seeing Cadence, and whispered, “Between you and me, buddy, I hit one every once in a while myself. Just a social thing, really. I’ve never told Cadence, but she probably knows. I don’t smoke in the house because I’m sure I’d never hear the end of it. Cadence worries about my health more than the town doctor. Like a mother hen, I swear. Nag, nag, nag. But, you know. Once in a while.”
“I get it. If your secret’s safe, then it’s still safe with me. God forbid Cadence should care for your neglectful ass. You make me sick, you smug fuck.”
Brent chuckled, still whispering. “Maybe you should be throwing Junie a bone to calm her down. I know I’ve been dying to fuck just about anything since she showed up. That Junie. Jesus, I’ll bet she gives amazing head, being an ex-prostitute and all. She sucked my thumb this morning when I tried to wake her. What I wouldn’t give to feel her soft, warm mouth swallowing me for real.” Brent winked. “If I were you, I’d be feeding her morning, noon and night. You know what I mean?”
“What?” David asked as he let out a cough. Not sure that any of what Brent had said was meant for an audience outside his own head. “Yeah, well. That doesn’t surprise me.”
“What are you talking about?” Brent looked at him quizzically. “I didn’t say anything.” Brent’s eyebrows furrowed, and then he snapped back to. “Oh, hey. I forgot. I got a call at work. Looking for you, strangely enough. Some guy named Matthew. He gave me this number for you to call him at. He also suggested maybe you could throw me a buck or three once in a while for all the free room and board and shit I’ve been providing since you and Junie started showing up over here every seven seconds since Sunday morning.” Brent pulled a scrap of paper out of his pocket and handed it to David. It was Paul’s number.
“Can I use your phone really quick?” David asked.
“Sure buddy,” Brent said. “There’s a wireless in my room. I’ll go grab it for you. Careful with it, though. It’s old. Only holds a charge for three to seven minutes. One second.” Brent ran off.
David listened as Brent rummaged through his room. He thought he could hear the sound of Cadence sniffling in the bathroom.
Are you okay? David asked her.
Yes. I heard what Brent said. But I’m trying to let that pass. It’s only natural he would find Juno attractive. She is beautiful. And good at what she used to do for a living, I suppose. I need a moment or three. He’s a man. He’s been saving himself. It’s only natural for him to feel urges.
All right. Just don’t spend all night in there. I think the pizzas only have three minutes or so left.
They’ll be done in seven minutes and twenty six seconds ...What? No. Get off me. Please, I’m begging you... Leave me to get myself together.
Are you sure you’re okay? David asked again. You’re not making any sense. Who’s on you? Or am I mishearing? Your voice sounds muffled. Like you’re under water.
Cadence replied, her voice perfectly clear. Please, David? I just... I need a moment.
“Of course,” David said out loud.
“What?” Brent and Juno both asked as Brent returned with the telephone and Juno finished snuffing out her cigarette on the kitchen floor as she left the patio door open.
“Nothing,” David said. “Talking to myself. Prepping for this call. In my head. Crazy, right?”
Brent shrugged and handed him the phone blindly, straining his neck to get a good look at Juno’s ass from the perfect angle. Then pulling on the back belt loop of her jeans, and licking his dried lips, as he ogled her ass-crack and made a mental recording of the exact type and colour of her panties.
Juno gave David the finger again and rolled her eyes as Brent followed her around in circles like a lost dog.
“You’re such a worthless fuck, I swear,” Juno said, as David stepped outside and closed the patio door behind him, damping her voice. “The least you could do is take me home and make me cum once or twice before we get stuck here all night, but I know you don’t want to upset your darling Cadence. Don’t worry about whether my needs are being met, you selfish jerkoff.”
Paul and Richard sat arguing in Paul’s warehouse office about the state of the neighbourhood, the half-assed way the Guatemalans were dealing their drugs on the street and every other topic they didn’t see eye to eye on, when the phone began ringing.
“Who the fuck is calling at this time of night?” Paul asked.
“Maybe it’s Davey’s uncle.” Richard laughed. Stopping abruptly as Paul glowered. “Or the muscle we sent out. It took ’em long enough to kill the fuckin’ neighbours. Maybe they ran a train on Junie before they threw her in the trunk with Davey. I can’t wait to get my hands on that little weasel.”
“I suppose I should get it. Unless you started learning Spanish.” Paul grabbed the receiver. “Hello?”
“Yeah,” David said. “Something you wanted? I only have three to seven minutes charge on this wireless phone.”
“Davey?” Paul asked. “Is that you?”
“Who the fuck else? You called my neighbour at work and left your number.”
Richard patted Paul on the shoulder, motioning for him to give up the phone. Paul waved him off.
“I didn’t do that,” Paul said. “Probably Ricky. Making sure he knew where to send our boys to pick up your unfortunate new
best friends. What happened to—?”
“Your guys? They’re all dead.”
“Who took care of them?” Paul asked, scoffing. “You and that busted-out little twat you love so much?”
“Used to love so much... Well, even that’s debatable, given the circumstances of our relationship... And no. Just me. Have you spoken with Ricky about our conversation this afternoon?”
“Yeah. He told me how you signed it all away with your big fuckin’ mouth.”
“Then here we are again. But I’ll make you the offer this time, since all Ricky’s going to do is get everyone you send out here killed.” David took an uncomfortable pause. Then he continued, intentionally cutting off Paul as soon as he began to speak. “You forget coming out here, killing me, Junie and the neighbours. And your stupid fuckin’ tape, which I’m keeping, by the way. You do that and, maybe, I won’t walk into court someday soon and put you both in prison.”
“Where are my fuckin’ guys?” Paul asked, not believing what he was hearing.
“I told you, Paulie. All twenty-seven of the fuckin’ retards you sent to abduct me and Junie, and slaughter my neighbours. They’ve all been planted. By me. Every one. Dead.”
“As if,” Paul said. “You don’t have the—”
“I swear to Christ. You and Ricky are one stooge short of a comedy act. The dope must have really been doing work on my head when I was using, because you can’t possibly be this stupid. Ask yourself this, Paulie: Where are the first three goons you sent? What happened to the two meth-heads you sent afterward? Why haven’t any of those twenty-seven Guatemalan lackeys you sent out called you back? They’re usually pretty good about that, no?”
“They would normally call, yeah. But—”
“But they can’t, Paulie. Whether or not your dumb ass believes they’re dead, they’re still dead. I fixed their asses but good. You and Ricky should come out and see. Find out what really happened if you don’t believe me. Could be I’m lying, and they’re all sitting here with me and Junie, enjoying a refreshing glass of lemonade and reminiscing about the good old days when your head wasn’t stuck so far up your ass you could still breathe clean air.”
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