Eleven Eleven

by Micalea Smeltzer

men can have eighty percent of what they want and need in a partner yet seek out that other twenty in another person. In the process, they lose the eighty, but they don’t figure that out until it’s too late and all they’re left with is the twenty.

“we have a book club of sorts.” I look over my shoulder. “Of sorts?” She laughs, tucking a short strand of hair behind her ear. Her stylish blunt bob and bangs suit her. “We do read the books, but sometimes we forget to discuss them. Often it kind of devolves into a gossip session.”

Real men are shit. Gotta stick to the fictional ones. They’re great.” She holds up the book we’re supposed to be discussing, flapping it around.