March 19, 2003

Today is the day to freshen up.

Got an umemployment story for me? Tell me, please.

39

"So this is my office," said Meredith.

"It's your bedroom," said George.

"It's both," said Meredith, testily.

They stared at each other for a moment. George didn't know why Meredith claimed that a computer in her bedroom constituted an office. Meredith didn't know why her brother was such a jerk.

"So, how's your 'novel' going?"

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Use those quotes?"

"I didn't use quotes."

"You used them with your voice."

"Hah."

Meredith stared at her brother again. He stared back. George didn't know why Meredith was being so touchy. Meredith didn't know why her brother was such an asshole.

"It's going good."

"Good?"

"It's going very well."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"How far along are you?"

"Oh, I haven't been keeping track."

"No?"

"Not really. I dunno. Three hundred, four hundred…"

"Words?"

"Pages. Is that all right with you?"

"Sure."

George didn't know why Meredith was being so defensive. Meredith didn't know why George was being such a prick.

"What are you writing, George?"

George didn't know why Meredith was being such a bitch. Meredith smiled.