Blowing It, part 3

It's getting really good now... Sorry, you're just going to have to read it... 😁

Miss parts 1 & 2? Catch up here: part 1, part 2

“What happened?” asked Carmen as she watched Prithi storm back.

“Balloons! What’s his balloons got that my puppets don’t?”

“There’s a balloon guy now?” Carmen looked around excitedly.

“It’s a fad. He’ll be gone in a week. Kids want stories. Parents want art. Here, they get both. It’s all good,” she said, nostrils flaring.

“Then why are you so annoyed?” asked Carmen, offering her chips and salsa.

“His arrogant, want-to-slap-that-grin-off-his-face attitude pissed me off.”

“Have a snack. Relax. Do ‘Geeta and the Magic Mango’ for me. I have a sweet spot for your monkey god marionette.”

“You have a sweet spot for six-pack abs, you hornita.”

“That means a little oven!”

“Whatever!” Prithi laughed. Her friend was right. She’d show Balloon Boy what real artistry was.

At the three o’clock show, Prithi was on fire! The crowd was mesmerized, and when Masti appeared, nonstop grins and giggles erupted. As she stood to bow, she locked eyes with piercing gray-green ones in the back row. Balloon Boy.

He walked towards her, making a dramatic, slow clap.

“Came to watch some real art, Balloon Boy?” asked Prithi, smirking. She hadn’t noted how curly his hair was as he brushed it off his forehead.

“Your finale has a puppet deep-throating a sandwich. That’s called porn. The name’s Sebastian.”

“Like the crab. Suits you,” said Prithi, ignoring his comment. His cargo pants bulged with colorful balloons peeking out of each pocket. Sebastian dug through one, pulling out a laminated card. Prithi took it.

“‘Inflatable Joy Productions’ You’re joking. Are you selling blow-up dolls?” asked Prithi, holding back laughter.

“What? No!” said Sebastian, taking it back. “I make custom balloon decorations. I’m here to drum up business.”

“Leave your cards and find another farmer’s market.” His balloons distracted kids from her puppetry. He was distracting with all his bulges. Stop staring at his pants.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” he said, smiling at her.

“Why not?” asked Prithi.

“Prithi, think of the children! They need me.” With that, he turned and walked away. Prithi swore he was shaking his rear at her.

“He seems nice,” said Carmen, suddenly by her side.

“He’s a pain in my ass. I’m putting a pin on that donkey’s plans.”

“You’re giving him tail?”

“No, deflating his ego.”

“Popping his cherry?”

“Ewww! No, Carmen, never say that. We’re done here.” Prithi walked back to prepare for the last show of the day.

***

Stay tuned for part 4….

Ninamillerwrites