“You were out late,” Aunt Anne said in greeting as Zoe emerged from bathroom. “Did you have that much fun?”

“Sorry. I did let you know I was out with friends though,” Zoe replied sitting beside her aunt on the couch. She would not tell Anne about “Diamond” Dave Anthony and how the 1980’s wannabe rocker nearly ruined her night. The mullet and chest hair were bad enough, but the synthetic diamond teeth were way too much and gave Zoe the creeps. She barely kept from shuddering as the memory ran through her mind.

“Don’t be sorry unless you didn’t have a good time,” Anne retorted. “You’re an adult and old enough to vote if we still did such things.”

“It was a lot of fun even if I’m not old enough to drink,” Zoe said. Anne nodded. “And no, I didn’t meet anyone that interested me romantically.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I saw the look in your eyes Aunt Anne.”

“Fine. Did you meet anyone that you would at least like to fool around with?”

“Aunt Anne!”

“Alright. I’ll let you off the hook,” Anne laughed.

“Vote for what?” Zoe asked after a moment to change the subject.

“Mayor, city council, congress, the president, and maybe bonds,” Anne answered. “Your education had to teach you that.”

Zoe just looked down, but Anne could see a grin on her niece’s face.

“Pulling my leg this morning?” Anne asked.

“Just a little. I still find it odd that people had such freedom and just let it slip away.”

“People wanted safety, security, and credits. The corporations offered that when the government couldn’t,” Anne said.

“Too bad the corps took what they offered away once they had power,” Zoe muttered.

“People were blinded by the toys we were offered and the credits most were making or the stipend they were given. Once the corporations unveiled their armies and the governments of the world had been coopted, it was too late,” Anne replied.

“And here we are,” Zoe added.

“It’s not all bad,” Anne said. Zoe stared. “Alright. It’s not all bad if you can afford it.”

“I’m honestly surprised the corporations didn’t take over much sooner,” Zoe said.

“From what my parents told me the world wasn’t quite ready to give up their governments until after the last major war. Too many died for what they thought was a madman’s ego trip. But it was just an excuse to fuel the defense contractors’ coffers. So, when the other corporations stepped up, people jumped on the change,” Anne said and shrugged her shoulders.

“Basically, the world got played by the ultra-wealthy and corporations.”

“Yeah, that sums it up,” Anne agreed. “So, want lunch since you slept till 11?”

“I thought I would go for a run first. Want me to bring you back something?”

“That sounds good dear,” Anne replied.

*

Zoe slowed to a jog and answered her phone. “Hello?”

“Zoe! It’s Diamond Dave,” Dave replied running a hand through his hair and giving Zoe a smile. She shuddered and deeply regrated buying the video call upgrade.

“How did you get my number?” Zoe blurted out.

“A mutual friend of ours gave it to me,” Dave replied. “Are you cold?”

“No, I’m not cold. I’ve been running,” Zoe answered. “Which friend?”

“TK.”

“I’m going to skin that cat,” Zoe muttered under her breath.

“What was that?” Dave asked as another call started to come in.

“Dave, I have another call coming in.”

“That’s fine. I’ll wait,” Dave replied smiling at Zoe again.

Zoe switched to the new call without saying another word.

“Hello?”

“Hey Zoe. It’s Tiffany Wells from the boat basin.”

“Hey Tiffany. Is there something wrong?”

“No. Why would anything be wrong?” Tiffany asked.

“Just didn’t expect a call from you guys since it’s supposed to be a while longer before the houseboat is ready,” Zoe answered. “I’m not getting it am I?”

“What gave you that idea? I told you nothing was wrong.”

“My day took a sudden turn for the worst just before you called.”

“Anything serious?” Tiffany asked.

“Not really,” Zoe answered. She quickly told Tiffany about Dave.

“We’ve all been there,” Tiffany laughed. “Maybe this will make your day better. The houseboat is ready and has passed inspection. You can move in anytime.”

“Are you serious?” Zoe asked. Tiffany nodded. “That was fast.”

“We have extremely good repair crews, and the houseboat was in better shape than we thought. It really just needed a good cleaning, paint job, and new furnishings,” the marina day manager replied. “You’ll need to rearrange the furnishings to your liking though.”

“That’s great and does brighten my day. Can I move in this afternoon?” Zoe excitedly inquired.

“I did say you could move in anytime, that includes today,” Tiffany answered. “I’ll set a temp password for the door locks and dock gate. I’ll message them to you in a minute.”

“Thanks Tiffany!”

“You’re welcome. Just make sure you invite me to the housewarming party.”

“I…ok,” Zoe replied. Tiffany laughed and disconnected. Zoe switched back to Dave. “Dave, I need to go.”

“Is everything ok?”

“Yeah. Just something important just came up. Bye,” Zoe quickly answered and hung up. She blocked him before she called Aunt Anne.

“Zoe, why are you calling? I thought you were bringing back lunch?”

“How about I take you out for lunch and show you my new place instead?” Zoe asked as she started running back to the apartment. She explained the call with Tiffany.

“Sounds like Jimmy and I will have to get you housewarming gifts,” Anne said.

“No, you don’t. You and Jimmy have given me so much already.”

“It’s tradition and you are family,” Anne replied waving away Zoe’s concern. “I’ll call Jimmy and have him come pick me up.”

“Don’t want to ride with me on my GT4?” Zoe asked smiling at her aunt.

“Nope. I’m not that crazy.”

*

“TK, would you mind doing me a favor this afternoon?” Zoe sweetly asked the beastkin instead of greeting him when he answered her call. She had quickly returned to Anne’s and Jimmy’s and changed clothes. Zoe was currently heading to the boat basin.

“Uh…depends,” TK replied. He was surprised Zoe hadn’t started yelling at him for giving Dave her number as soon as he answered. Maybe Dave hadn’t called, and she didn’t know yet.

“I need your help to move furniture around in my boathouse,” Zoe said. She explained that the houseboat was ready and just needed to have the furnishings moved around.

“Oh. Well, I sort of had some plans already,” TK replied.

“Looks like you’re just laying down.”

“That was part of the plans.”

“Stop being lazy and come help. You owe me!”

“Owe you for what?” TK asked.

“You darn well know what.”

“I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

“Three words, ‘Diamond’ Dave Anthony,” Zoe replied angrily clipping off each word.

“Oh. I thought you two would hit it off, so I thought I would help you out,” TK laughed.

“I have a gun and know how to use it.”

“That’s a toy and you know it.”

“TK…”

“I’ll think about it.”

“The scanner is done,” Zoe teased. “I finished it last night.”

“You did not.”

“Fine. Don’t believe me,” Zoe shrugged. “Newt, Vee, and Cee already have their copies.”

“Alright. I’ll help. Send me directions.”