Suddenly, Paul fell backwards into the hydrangea bush, laughing uproariously. “Bitter pill! Ha!”

Karl nimbly hoisted himself up on two feet and helped extricate Paul from the bush.

“Whoa, buddy. That’s a mean-looking shiner you got there. What you need is a steak.”

“What he needs is another broken bone,” Sassy muttered, crossing her arms. Everyone ignored her.

“The only mean-looking thing here is her,” Paul slurred pitifully, pointing in the general direction of Becca.

Becca sighed, holding up her hands. “Look, Paul, I’m sorry I did that to you. I really am. I guess … I guess you hurt my pride, and well, I wanted to hurt you back. But I am sorry.”

Karl chortled. “Heh. Wouldn’t want to meet you in a dark alley, little lady. Well, then again -“

Becca quickly interrupted. “Come on, Paul, let me put some ice on that.”

She went to grab his hand, but Sassy slapped it away.

“NO! You’re not letting the enemy into my apartment.”

Paul suddenly noticed Sassy. “Who are you?”

“I’m your worst nightmare.”