I am an artist of the wrong type

We get back from snorkling. I am almost, can I say, happy?

Vern begins to talk to me. Whoa! He has never made the atttempt. He rasps out in his monotone.

He. Loves Linda. He will protect her.


Alright, I think...?

"She always... gets pulled. in. by con artists. I won't. let it happen. again," he says. "I invited you. on the boat. and now. you're conning her. "

Stunned.

"She says you... want to leave. the boat because. you don't like us, but. the airlines will charge you. too much, so now. she. wants to give. you money. Con artists. like you. will always get. money... out of nice people like Linda. "

Of course, Linda gets into the fray. No, Vern, you misunderstood me. I never told her I would give her money. She didn't ask for any.

Vern is unconvinced.

I can ignore Vern. So... for the rest of this trip, I will be considered to be an ARTIST.

Good for me!