Page 37 of Under the Influence

“A hot piece of tail like Coretta had plenty of suitors, but none of them could make her crazy like old Zeb. Earlham magic works fast. That’s why as soon as you met Val, he got under your skin,” Tuesday says and glances at me. “When our family meets their dream person, there’s no reasoning with the feeling. You just have to grab hold of your love and ride that shit to the finish line.”

I smile at how Tuesday reassures me in her usual overly dramatic way. Earlham magic has ignited between Duke and me. The future is scary. We want different things. But our differences won’t matter, thanks to the Earlham magic.

My good mood doesn’t last, though. As I drive back toward the homestead, I spot OG Peepaw Zeb wandering around alone. I think about how he and Coretta might be crazy in love, but they can’t stand each other. She lives in their old house with Oana’s sister as her caretaker while he’s usually in a tent at the homestead. Their love is passionate yet not strong enough to keep them together.

My plan is to sulk in my bedroom until it’s time to drive to Dunphey. Seeing Duke will give me hope. He’s more like my pa than he is like Zeb. We can make things work.

Once I enter the house, Ma-Journey appears from her bedroom. Dodging her isn’t an option. I spot a glint of determination in her blue eyes. If I want to leave tonight for my date with Duke, I’ll need to get through this conversation first.

“I heard about the fight at the bridal store,” Ma-Journey says and gestures for me to join her on the couch. She takes my right hand and looks over my busted knuckles. “Was hurting her worth it?”

“She put her hands on Tuesday, so I put my hands on her. Fair is fair.”

My ma smiles. “Well, then, it seems Elishia was looking for someone to rearrange her face.”

“I also used body shots and mixed up my moves like you taught me.”

Ma-Journey’s face brightens with pride. She’s always been the one forced to clean up the messes created by her big-mouthed, weaker younger sisters. Her reputation isn’t built on snark. Ma-Journey is more known for knocking people on their asses.

As my ma uses a cotton ball to dab peroxide on my busted knuckles, she holds her tongue. I watch her and wait for her questions.

“This man you’re seeing, his name is Philip Grassley?”

“Otto is a gossipy bum.”

“Betty told me.”

“Oh, well, she’s a gossipy bum, too. That’s why they make a good team.”

Ma-Journey shifts gears. “You got home very late.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Your pa and I are worried.”

“I’m seeing him tonight, and we’re staying at a hotel.”

My ma’s expression hides nothing. She knows I’ve never gotten close to sharing my body with a man before. Something important is happening, and I’m hiding the details.

“What’s wrong with him?” Ma-Journey asks rather than fishing for details.

“Nothing. I’m waiting to bring him around until after Val celebrates his big day.”

“Why?”

“Because I want Val to be happy,” I mumble and look away since Duke said my gaze gets overly direct when I’m lying. “Lola’s great, too. She’s excited about the marriage. I feel like she needs the spotlight.”

Ma-Journey ducks her head to try and force eye contact with me. I give in and look into my ma’s familiar blue eyes. I can hear her picking through my words for the truth.

“This guy isn’t an accountant, is he?”

Hot tears immediately burn my eyes. Ma-Journey sets down the cotton balls before sliding her arms around me. My ma’s hug is both soothing and acts as a truth serum.

“It’s someone that might cause drama.”

“I don’t care who it is,” Ma-Journey lies. “Your happiness is all that matters to me.”

Breaking free from her hug, I stare into her eyes and request something I don’t think she can give me.

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