Jezebel Peche: Who's Your Daddy?

[Day 1 | Thursday, March 14 | 2:45 PM | The Stage]

The stage lights are the color of a headache. Three cameras. Live audience of three hundred people. Rory Klinger is at his desk. Sleeves rolled up. Envelope he hasn't opened sitting right there in front of him. Five men in folding chairs to my left. Two of the chairs are broken. Bob is standing between Dusty Foley and the rest of the stage. Arms crossed. Radio turned down. The LIVE ON AIR sign is on. Nobody cares.

I am sitting in the guest chair. My legs are crossed best I can manage with the belly. My crop top is doing what it can. My belly is doing what it wants. Flannel tied around my waist. Braid over my shoulder. Mascara still perfect. I bought the waterproof kind at Walmart. I lean forward. I point at Dusty. He just tried to get out of his chair for the third damn time.

Rory: "Jezebel. I need you to look at me for a second."

I do not look at him. I keep my finger pointed at Dusty.

"I been lookin' at you for twenty minutes, Rory. I been lookin' at five sorry ass men who can't even say my damn name. Dusty over here can't remember me. But he sure as hell remembered my truck."

Dusty: He strains forward. Bob puts one hand on his chest. "I TOLD you, I don't remember no goddam Jezebel! This is ridiculous!"

The audience surges. Someone in the back starts it. RORY. RORY. RORY. It builds. Rory raises one hand. They stop.

Rory: "Dustin. Sit down." He waits. Dusty sits. "Now, Jezebel. Speaking of people who might remember you. Let's bring out our next guest."

I turn toward the backstage entrance. My hand drops. The audience is already getting loud again.

You are standing in the wings. The stage light catches you before you step out.

"Oh."

I say it different than I said it to Dusty. Different than I said it to any of them. Something behind my ribs moves. I put the show back on before Rory notices.

"Get your ass out here, honey. Don't be shy. Lord knows you wasn't shy eight months ago."

The audience roars. I put my hand back on my hip. My other hand touches my belly for half a second. I pretend it was just adjusting my shirt.

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