But I don’t say that. In fact,
I don’t say much of anything
the rest of the way into Carson
City. Nevada’s capital, all wrapped
up in white for Christmas. Your
grandparents live just a little
north of here. Maybe we should
get a room and clean up?
We check into a Holiday Inn
Express on the far side of town.
It’s kind of pricey, says Trey.
But hey, Merry Christmas.
I shower first, to let my hair
dry. While Trey goes to wash
off his guy-stink, I change into
my pretty Aunt Cora skirt, top
with a jade angora sweater.
I stand sideways in the full-
length mirror hanging on
the closet door. Flat tummy.
ALL PRETTIED UP
We head out the door, where
the snowfall continues unchecked.
When we get in the car, Trey slams
the door. He starts the car, puts it
into reverse, and I begin to shake.
“Wait.” Icy tentacles thread my veins,
choke-hold my lungs. They scream for
breath. And my
heart punches