XXIX

THE OBLIGATORY NONFAN’S REACTION

Flossie clutched her heart when she saw me. “Oh, Sweet Jesus!”

I did a zippy little Charleston for her and batted my eyelashes demurely.

“Child, what is wrong with you? Have you been licking light sockets? Have you already forgotten? You need to be locked up! You are a danger to yourself and everyone around you! I’m calling your father. We are not going through this again . . .”

“Relax. It’s for school. It’s homework. Besides, I have Untouchable status now. And Flip is by my side the entire day.”

She shook her head. “That boy doesn’t have the brains God gave a squirrel.”