You're not seriously going to call me New-Jake, are you?
Yes.
From the big door-table in the kitchen, I can hear Ben's laughter. Or rather, Ben's attempt not to laugh out loud at the obvious awkwardness of the question.
You know other Bens, what do you call them?
Not-my-Ben.
Really.
Yes.
That's fascinating, but I don't want to be New-Jake, I'm forty years old. It feels a little like the first day of school and I've been singled out.
Try and be flattered. It's a very special name.
Aren't they all?
Nope.
I see. Well, maybe in time it will stop and you'll just call me Jake.
(THUD)
Or Jacob, if that's easier for you.
(THUD) (THUD) (Right now, please shut the fuck up.)
What should I call you?
What do you mean, Jake?
Everyone calls you princess. I don't think we're ready for nicknames.
Oh, I don't mind, it's a thing, besides, I think we're ready for nicknames.
Why is that?
I just called you Jake.
I didn't even realize.
Me neither.
That's good then, right?
Yes, it's good...Jake. (trying it on now.) (THUD)
Cool....uh...princess. (he smiles.)
Ben finally rescued us, and clapped a hand on Jake's shoulder.
No worries, Jake, soon you'll understand perfectly why she has the nickname.
Why is that, Benjamin? Do tell. (I flicked soap at him from where I was washing pots.)
You're very high maintenance, Bridge.
Fuck you, rock boy.
And a filthy mouth to boot.
You haven't seen anything yet.
Ooo, I'm scared.
Good. I like fear.
I heard that about you.
What else did you hear?
That you like the bad boys. (He grins and THUD becomes mush.)
Damn, my secret is out.
You're a billboard, princess.
Hey, Bridge!
Yes, PJ? (the volume level in the kitchen only needs a calliope now to complete the cacophony.)
I'm bad. I mean, I can be bad. I was bad once. I...uh...
Be quiet, PJ.
Yes, Ben.
It's nice to have some laughs. We need to laugh more, don't we? Yes, I think so too.
