Page 45 (2/2)

She blinks at ht?”

Guilt immediately sets in “Uh”

“Remi”

“How do I do that? Just casually, in the middle of a conversation, say, ‘Oh, by the way,nice’? I can’t do that”

“I’ him,” Annie announces

“Why? No Don’t call him”

“He will be so mad at you,” she says

“He doesn’t have to know It’s no big deal My family didn’t make a fuss over birthdays”

“Yes I re me that your mother is a piece of shit So I looked at the copy of the driver’s license you gave oing to text him Just casually mention that it’s your birthday Give the poornice for you I’ll just entle reminder”

“Do you really think he’ll be mad?”

“Hell, yes I do”

“Okay, fine That works”

My phone rings inme No one ever calls me

“I have to grab this It’s ent”

Annie waves me off, and I take the call “Hello?”

“Happy birthday, sweet pea,” Roberta says in ood day?”

“Yeah, I’, but I like this job”

“You have a job? Why don’t I know about this, Res for you”

“Cal in a deli in small-town, USA I’m not on a set”

“Oh Really? Okay, then Well, I have good news for you I just booked you on a show”

“No I told you, I’m retired from that”

“Just hear me out It’s not for a whole season, it’s only one week, down in Moab They’re bringing back all of the original winners froe, and they’ll announce the winner on live national TV”

“How long do I have to get in shape for it?”

And why a it? The idea doesn’t excite me at all

“Well, not much time You have to be down there by Monday”

“Bert, it’s Friday I would have to leave on Sunday to be there on time Maybe even tomorrow”

“I know, the tiot canceled, and they need to fill the ti with You’ll only be gone for a week, Rem, and they’ll pay you well for it”