In the end, it was Bobby who strode to the fridge, retrieving the beer Judie had left during a previous visit. Fannie and Judie sipped on their juice, while Bobby and Mayer had beer.
Bobby mocked, âAre you even old enough to drink?â
âCertainly, Iâm of legal age,â Mayer responded with a confident grin.
âReally?â Bobby leaned back, his expression turning playful as he slid his beer towards Mayer. âWell then, this oneâs for you too.â
Fannie intervened to help Mayer. âTry to take it easy. Remember youâve got an early start tomorrow.â
Bobby drummed his fingers on the table, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched the exchange. Fannie was actually defending Mayer in front of him.
âWhatâs the big deal?â Bobby remarked, his tone edged with sarcasm. âHeâs bold enough to chase after you but canât handle a drink?â
Fannie fixed her gaze on Bobby, her voice a mix of confusion and irritation. âWhat are you implying?â
âIsnât it obvious?â
Dinner was a lost cause for Bobby. He found no joy in it. He stood abruptly, grabbing Mayer by the arm.
âYouâre moving to her building, tagging along home with her, even showing up for dinner.â Bobbyâs laugh was cold and taunting. âQuite audacious of you, meddling with my girl, donât you think?â
The memory of Bobbyâs recent brawl with Jett lingered ominously in Fannieâs thoughts. Even the mere recollection was enough to make her head pound.
With a sharp clatter, she set down her fork. âBobby, if youâre not going to eat, you might as well leave. Enough with the theatrics. Who are you calling âyour girlâ?â
Bobbyâs hand was visibly tense, his veins protruding as he relentlessly grilled Mayer. âWhat? Scared to admit your feelings? Canât own up to liking someone and instead play the victim?â
Mayer grasped Bobbyâs wrist, exerting minimal pressure. His demeanor was markedly calm in contrast to Bobbyâs intensity. âIt seems my arrival has stirred some unease. Fannie, I donât want to cause you any trouble, so Iâll excuse myself.â
Judie, overhearing the exchange, realized Mayer was not as innocent as he seemed. Fannie had been quite persuasive in convincing Mayer to relocate from abroad, painting an overly optimistic picture of the opportunities back home, essentially luring him into a new venture.
Yet, here he was, unable to even enjoy a simple meal without being wrongfully accused and subjected to Bobbyâs baseless conjectures.
As his agent, it was Fannieâs duty to shield her talent. She embodied the essence of her contractual obligations.
âBobby Kelly, get out!â she commanded, her voice seething with genuine anger, her expression stern as she pointed to the door.
Judie rose, her movements tentative. âUh, Fannie, Bobby was justââ
Attempting to mediate, she was abruptly cut off by a sharp glance from Fannie. âJudie Torres, you get out as well.â
Judie reached out, tugging at Fannieâs sleeve, a look of injustice etched across her face. However, Fannie was decidedly serious this time, her tone brooking no argument.
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