The Speed Queen by Stewart O’Nan Page B

many of them, I just knew their rides. They were pretty straight, just regular gearheads. The guy to beat was this guy named Paul with a black '68 Charger R/T with a 440. Heavy car, all steel except the hood. Guys would come up from the city to try him. We'd all go out to Memorial, the last half mile east where it's the access road beside the Kirkpatrick Turnpike. Only one guy came close, this guy from Moore with a 70 Buick GS; he got the jump off the line but Paul ran him down. He had a nitrous kit, and on Saturdays he'd take it out to the strip and run low 10s with it, then Monday he'd drive it to work. It was quick and legal too. I think that's what finally convinced Lamont to go with the Roadrunner.
    We cruised and maybe ate some cottage Fries at the Kettle and then went home and got stoned and watched TV. Fooled around. Around two we'd move into the bedroom and get ready for bed. Brush our teeth, that stuff. Lamont used Listerine. He was terrified of the dentist. You had to swish it thirty seconds for it to do any good, and when you spit it out the whole bathroom smelled. I used to tease him about it.
    I set the alarm and got into bed first, and then he'd stand there wearing nothing and blow his nose. That was the last thing he did before he turned out the light. I'd hold the covers open for him to get in. He was always warm, even his hands.
    "Marjorie," he'd say. "Marjorita."
    "What?" I'd say.
    "You know what I love about you?"
    "No."
    "Everything," he'd say.
    We'd talk after, and then he'd sleep, but something about it made me awake. I'd lie there listening to him breathe, watching his face change in his dreams. I was afraid it was love. I didn't know what to do if it was. It had never happened to me before. It never really has since.
    That was back then, in the beginning. All of that changed when Natalie came.

28
    Happy. Yeah, we were very happy. We knew it too. It was probably the best time of my life. What?

    Hang on, it's Janille again. It might be dinner.
    Sure, bring it in.
    I'm just kidding, I know the rules. You're so wired tonight. Did they remember the brisket this time?
    Whoa, that's a lot. Okay, let me get this.
    Sorry. I'm going to turn you off while I eat, if that's all right. I don't want to make a mess of the recorder. It's almost time to flip the tape anyway. I'll talk to you later.

SIDE B

CHECK, CHECK
29
    Okay, I'm back. You missed some serious barbecue, I'm telling you. And I didn't even have to pay for it. That's Leo's, the original over on 36th and Kelley, the real one. When you come out to do your research you should get Mr. Jefferies to take you. It's great. The oven has these big steel doors. When they open them to get your order, the smoke rolls right into the room and just sits there under the ceiling tiles. It smells like the whole place is on fire. The key is lots of black pepper and vinegar. I know you're from Maine, so you'll probably want the regular sauce, not the hot. Get a pound of everything except the barbecued baloney; that's for tourists. And don't forget the strawberry-banana cake. It doesn't look like much but it's perfect to cool your mouth down after. Diet Pepsi only does so much.
    You know how when you're really stuffed you say you're never going to eat again? This time it's true.
    Sorry, I'm a little tired right now. Big food always makes me sleepy. I did Darcy's white crosses with my diet Pepsi, so I'll be fine in a little bit. I should get going on your questions. It's already nine because "Primetime" is on; Janille never misses it.
    I was wondering though, even if it is a novel, if you say Natalie did it, can she sue you? What about Gainey's money, could she get any of that? I guess I should've asked Mr. Jefferies all this before we signed the contract. Too late now, huh?
    That's all right, it doesn't change what I'm going to say. You paid your money so you're getting the whole story, like it or not. What you do with it after that is up to you. You're the big writer.

    I