Page 55 of Under the Influence

“What’s happening here?” Otto says, leaning into the garage. “Where were you last night, Edith?”

“I was visiting the convent I’m considering joining.”

Otto snorts and disappears from view. I hear him talking to someone. He leans back in and eyes Tuesday and me bouncing around.

“Ma wants to see you once you’re done with your bunny routine.”

I wave him off and grab my bag from the back. Tuesday clings to me as we walk to the house.

“I want to know everything,” she whispers loudly in my ear. “When I lost my virginity, I didn’t hold back a single detail even when you begged me to shut up. Now you must be as forthcoming.”

“Later, I promise,” I say, relishing her theatrics since I’d rather focus on my excitement than missing Duke.

Ma-Journey is waiting at the back door for me. She shoos away Otto and Tuesday while I enter. Once the door is shut, she hugs me.

“I was expecting you back earlier.”

“We went riding and had lunch.”

My ma studies my face. “You have more hickeys.”

Rubbing my throat, I shrug. “He likes sucking on my throat.”

“Are you okay?”

“Duke was so patient,” I say, guiding her to the couch so we can talk. “I was crazy anxious yesterday. Like, emotionally ping-ponging from one mood to another. If he acted that way, I don’t think I could have been as patient. But Duke was perfect.”

My ma can’t hide her relief. She’s a sensible woman. I’m usually her rational daughter. My behavior with Duke feels outside the norm. She’s right to worry.

But Ma-Journey understands the magic wrapped around me now. I feel her adjusting to how common sense can’t win against the need between Duke and me.

Outside, my brothers stand on the back deck and talk to Tuesday. I hear her discussing her vaginal needs as a way of scaring them off.

“I already know you’re a swamp whore,” Otto says, winning a squirt to the face from Tuesday’s water pistol.

I exit the house and face their questions. Tuesday instantly hugs me. West and Alexis wander over, clearly thinking a show is about to begin.

“Have you been deflowered?” Otto asks.

Ike groans at the question while Betty nudges her man.

Nodding, I cross my arms defiantly. “It’s true I’m currently flowerless.”

While Tuesday applauds and gestures for Oana and Alexis to join in, my brothers shake their heads. Meanwhile, West looks confused over what’s happening.

Sounding constipated, Betty asks, “The accountant is the dream guy we’ll need to pretend to like?”

Tuesday hears the disdain in Betty’s voice and swoops in to save me. “Hey, this guy is a winner.”

“How do you know?” Otto asks, immediately suspicious. “Why would you want Edith to ride a dork? Do you think this nerd will like your hubby’s job?”

Tuesday waves off Otto’s questions. “He’s Edith’s dream guy. Hemustbe great.”

Ike nods and reaches for Oana. “That’s how it works, yes.”

“Stay strong, little brother,” Otto mutters. “Stop fondling your woman. Help me rattle our sister until she makes this nerd come to dinner.”

“He’ll join the family for dinner after Val’s wedding,” I explain, holding strong against my brother’s troublemaking. “Until then, focus all your meddling relationship crap on our cousin.”

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