Page 34 of Psycho

He stuffed it in his mouth. Twitching green legs protruded from between his lips.

Jenny gagged.

“Oh, that’s disgusting.”

“Don’t look, honey,” Hades said. “Mia got chocolate cockroaches. You can hear the crunch when she bites into them.”

Jenny choked and pressed a hand to her chest. She pointed at me.

“I will never forgive you for this. It’s absolutely vile. My precious little babies are eating bugs.”

“They’re not actually bugs,” I objected, attempting to save my skin.

Bobbie picked up the candy bucket and shook it.

"I think there are some jelly eyeballs in here, Jenny. They ooze in your mouth."

Jenny threw her hands up in dismay and fled the room.

“Nice touch,” I said to Bobbie. “Very gross.”

"Thank you. I might have made myself gag a little while saying it. Since we're on the subject of eating bugs, can I get you something to drink? Maybe tequila with a real worm at the bottom?"

“Just a beer would be good, thanks. Skip the insects, if you don't mind."

I watched Bobbie behind the bar, smooth and confident, as she popped the top off my beer, sliding a coaster underneath the bottle before setting it in front of me. I liked seeing her comfortable enough to join in the antics around here.

“Blue suits you,” I said, gesturing to her hair.

She reached up and twisted a lock around her finger.

“You think so?”

"You look happy," I said with a nod.

Bobbie’s eyes softened and she circled around the bar to stand between my legs. She slid her arms around my shoulders.

“Well, to be honest, I’m a little disappointed.”

I curved my hand around her hip, tugging her closer.

“About what?”

She sighed dramatically.

“There's this guy. I’ve liked him for years and years, but he just keeps dragging his feet. I’ve been waiting for him to put a ring on it already, you know? I guess he’s not that into me.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“The last time we talked about marriage, you were a little upset.”

“Yeah,” Bobbie hedged, tracing the stitches on my patches with her fingertip. “But we did make a pact. And I have no clue how to be a wife, but…I’d like to learn.”

I cupped the back of her head in my palm, pulling her down for a soul-searing kiss. She smiled against my lips, stroking her tongue along mine with a teasing lick.

When we came up for air, an idea dawned on me and I patted my pockets down until I found the bag of RX gaskets I picked up from the auto shop yesterday for my bike. I pulled one out, the metal shiny and brand new. Then I held my breath, slipping it on Bobbie’s finger, hoping it would fit.

“Perfect,” Bobbie declared, holding her hand out for examination. “Does this mean you’re going to take me apart on the kitchen table just like you did with that lawn mower engine?”