Strawberries and Cream

“Held down the fort?” she asked, sagging into her chair and spraying cherry scent on her neck. / “Barely,” I said. Katie snorted. She had a really ugly way of laughing, and I kind of liked it. / “You’re funny, Jack.” She drummed her fingers against the windowsill, spared me the honor of protesting by barreling on: “You staying here long?” / “Just the summer.” / “Figured,” she said. “You know, it may not look it, but this town isn’t so bad.” / Could’ve fooled me.