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WEST, AKA THE SHAMELESS GINGER LOVER
One of my family’slegal businesses is Tempting Treats. The small shop in downtown Tumbling Rock sells various pot products and moonshine, along with jewelry designed by Edith. Rie and Matilda used to do most of the daytime shifts. With those two out of town, Tuesday and Edith can usually be found in the shop.
“Ladies,” I announce as I enter to find them handling zero customers yet looking dog-tired.
“You just missed a huge rush of potheads,” Tuesday explains while sitting on a stool and leaning against Edith. “Took them an hour to make a choice. Very exhausting.”
My cousin is a nice mix of her parents. Her brown hair from Donovan contrasts well with her blue eyes and extra-dark brows from Journey. Edith is considered a catch around these parts. But she doesn’t waste her time with men. I wish Tuesday didn’t chase every jackass that came along and instead waited for the best like Edith does.
“Stop judging me,” my sister mutters when I stand on the other side of the glass display case.
“I’m not doing dick.”
“It’s in the eyes, bitch,” she mutters before smiling. “Where’s your clown?”
Rolling my eyes, I don’t want to walk down this conversational road again. “I need a favor.”
“My help doesn’t come cheap,” Tuesday says, giddy now. “And I don’t mean money. I have a favor to ask, too.”
“You won’t like it,” Edith adds helpfully.
“Stop undercutting me, bitch.”
“Stop calling me that.”
“Fine, salamander. No, no, Groucho is better.”
Edith narrows her eyes and shoves Tuesday off the stool. My sister—being the savviest bitch in a family full of them—suspected our cousin’s move was coming and easily recovers.
Tuesday’s eyes shine as she explains, “I want you to convince Pa to be cool with my new boyfriend.”
“What happened to the last one?”
“Jeremy was cheating on me, remember?”
“Was he, though?”
“In my head, he did me dirty. Now, pay attention to my big news and act supportive like I did with the clown.”
“Call Alexis by her name.”
“Only if you treat Cubby with respect.”
Frowning, I scratch at my stubbled jaw. “How do I know that name?”
“He runs with that club over in Basin Rock.”
“No fricking way,” I mutter before asking, “How did you even meet him?”
“Edith and I were over in Uptown to listen to a band. Out of nowhere, a handsome—" Tuesday pauses when our cousin shakes her head dismissively. “Cubby’s hot in a meaty, older-man way.”
“He’s dirty and calls her Wednesday Addams. It’s not a funny nickname, but he always laughs like he’s a regular Eugene Levy.”
“This asshole sucks,” I growl before shrugging. “But he’s clearly a rebound guy.”
“You said the same thing about Jeremy and Danny and every guy I’ve ever dated.”
Smirking, I explain, “In my headcanon, your true love was Ipsey Miller, who was run over by a train when you were both little kids. Now, you spread for any guy with a ride to deal with your broken heart.”
