Fallout (Crank 3)

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.