I smile. “Bash, this is actually so romantic,” I tease. “You planned me a big birthday party? The perpetual bachelor and town loner invited other people to his trash can just for me?” I get an eye roll now. “Good god, you and Clyde with that Oscar the Grouch metaphor. That really needs to die.” “Why? It’s so cute. Everybody secretly loves Oscar. Yeah, he’s grouchy, but it’s part of his charm. Just like you. If you were too happy, it would just be weird. I would wonder if you were sick or dying or something.” He rumbles a laugh now, shaking his head as he cuts the engine.
