and Aunt Cora and Liam go off
on their honeymoon, return
to their new house in Austin.
They decided to live there, near
his family instead of hers (mine), go
into business together. Massaging
the uptight of Austin. That thought
is good for another swallow. Hot
liquid amber down my throat. Better.
Almost good enough to deal
with lingerie shopping. Aunt Cora
should be here to pick me up
any time. Okay, just a quick nip and
then I’d better use some mouthwash.
The worst thing about whiskey
is the smell it leaves behind.
LISTERINE ROCKS
Aunt Cora doesn’t notice a thing
on the drive to the mall. I close
my eyes, lean back into the seat,
absorbing radio music and traffic
music and the music of Aunt Cora’s
voice. Something about dresses.
Something about the hotel where
you get to stay tonight. Something
about pick you up at eleven sharp.
And something that really grabs
my attention. So, okay. Are we going
to meet your Bryce tomorrow?
Just the name makes me smile.