Status Updates From Angie's Gladiator (Icehome,...

If I cannot have Angie as a mate, I will provide for her in the only way I can.
I am dedicated to her and so I must keep her safe, warm, and happy even at my own expense. I do not mind, though.
The more tired I am, the less my thoughts turn to her. When I do not think of Angie and her soft smile and warm skin, my heart does not ache so badly I want to tear it from my chest.
So I hunt.

Eventually, he reaches out and touches a fingertip. "Does...this pain you?"
How cute. Is that why he thinks I'm holding it out to him? I decide to have a little fun. "It's a greeting. Like this one." I raise my hand in the air and wait.
"Gimme five."
"Five what?" He blinks at me, the prettiest, most confused man on the beach.

"Angie Campbell." I extend my hand to him.
"Short for Angelette, but that's a hideous, awful redneck name, so Angie is just fine."
He doesn't take my hand, and it's clear he has no idea why I'm sticking it out. After a moment, he tips his head sideways and studies my hand.