Dirty Thirty : "We Need to Talk"

 

Spoilers for Dirty Thirty

….

…..

…..

"I’m in love with both men--- neither wants to marry me’’

Dirty Thirty: This small scene takes place during chapter 18, around page 221, etc. S & R have returned to Rangeman after Ranger and Bob had a fall, Ranger got a bloody nose, and he uncharacteristically asks Stephanie, “Do I look okay?”

*******************************************

We Need to Talk

‘’I’m in love with both men--- neither wants to marry me’’

At Rangeman

Ranger: I’d like you to come back tonight. We need to talk.’’

Never good words to hear. And my thoughts were elsewhere—Diggery, Stump, Nutsy, Grendel, my  rent….

“Later.”

Ranger: “You say that but we never do.”

“Life gets in the way?” I shrugged.

Silence for a few beats.

Ranger: “Here.” Hands me a small gift bag with a fancy logo. HW in scrolly gold on tastefully heavy shiny black paper.

I thought, Harvey Wallbanger?

Ranger: “Just in case we never find the time—I’ll just say I am glad I don’t do my shopping at Plover’s.”

WTF? I peeked in the bag. Glanced up at Ranger who did his almost smile. I pulled out the suspiciously tiny black velvet box, opened it.

Not the gold plated tracker I was expecting.

Ranger: ‘’Yes?’’

Me:  "Uh yeah, sure. Okay---YES! Oh yes.’’

Much later:

Ranger: “You need to tell Morelli.”

Me: “Who?”

 

The end/ hea

*Plover is the low-life neighborhood Burg jeweler who sells cheap fakes.  

HW is Harry Winston NYC  HERE

 

Disclaimers if needed, based on books by Janet Evanovich