“La Flor, do you think it’s wise for you to mentor Carmela? One of you is about all the alt ego world can handle,” I said.
“Ray, if all the people in the world were like me, the world would be a better place. I’m doing my part to make that happen. Do you think I’ll win a Noble Prize (yes, she said Noble instead of Nobel – I’m only writing what I hear).
“I’m sure it is Nobel not Noble. You know the difference, right?”
“Of course I know the difference. Nobel means no bells. Noble is the thing I should win,” said an adamant La Flor.
“Looks like you got it figured out,” I said.
“Move over, Ray, my protege is here.”
“A minny me? I asked.
“No, she is not a minny you. You don’t have the right stuff that Carmela is looking for, Ray,” said La Flor.
“What is the right stuff? I thought I was pretty good,” I said.
“Three words, Ray. And, you don’t qualify.”‘
“I hear an inner voice repeating them to me,” I said.
“Let me help your inner voice. Beautiful, tough, edgy. They’re so far removed from you, you can’t see them with the Bubble telescope.”
“Do you mean Hubble?” I said.
“Don’t change the subject,” she said. Then added, “Girlfriend come over. I’ve straightened Ray out.”
“Hey, my posture’s good. I don’t need a chiropractor,” I said.
“Oh La Flor, you are the master. You weren’t even breathing hard when you put Ray in his place.”
“You are so smart but not as smart as me, Carmela. Now, I want you to flirt with TT, then let him down.”
I stepped in. TT never hurt anyone. Let’s not play with his emotions,” I said.
“Ray, beautiful, tough, and edgy rules, it’s called catch and release.”
“Just like the fishing places?” I said.
Exactly.
