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“But not a new kind of different. This is more like you were when we were young. I’d have a problem, and you’d instantly find a solution. When that guy was hassling me in high school, you hired someone to rough him up. When my parents couldn’t pay the bills, you got the power turned back on. If someone gave me shit, you stood up to them. I’ve missed that version of you.”
“And I miss the crazy version of you who danced into rooms like she was always hearing a song. I remember how you’d go all-in with every guy or girl you dated. You embraced the moment without worrying about if it made sense. I don’t know if that was a smart way to live, but you were happy. I’ve come to realize how happiness trumps sensible choices.”
Coco absentmindedly rubs her knees, thinking about a time when she felt like she could fly.
“I know I’ve been rushing with Walla Walla. Slowing down makes sense. However, years ago, I taught myself to be afraid. Now, I need to shock myself into being brave again. You never lost your nerve, just your direction. Maybe Goose is someone you could love. Or she might only be the catalyst for the change you’ve been craving.”
Coco breathes more freely after our talk. We leave Rose the Cat and her kittens in the supply room. Hobo and Xenia remain outside. Dice is hidden under a blanket on the couch.
“The light is killing me,” he says when I ask if he’s okay.
Taking charge, I draw the shades on the large windows until the room is consumed by golden shadows. Dice grins at me and says his brothers have the best taste in women.
His words hang in the air, leaving me imagining a time when I’m entrenched in this place and view these people as family.
The tranquility is broken by the front door opening. Coco and I stand closer, as if under attack, even though whoever entered must have a key. Dice open his eyes long enough to grunt.
“Wynonna, I have a headache. Be gentle, please,” he moans before she can open her mouth.
The wavy-haired brunette rests her hands on her hips and whisper-demands, “Are you saying I’m loud?”
“I’m saying I need you to be quiet.”
Wynonna exhales deeply and considers complaining. I can see the grievances rolling around in her pretty head. In the end, she shows Dice mercy by smiling and whispering her hello to Coco and me.
“I’m Ruin’s sister. I wanted to bring my kids with me to win you over with their cuteness, but my brother warned noise might be a problem here. Don’t know how these rowdy men and Goose are keeping their volume down.”
“We were warned about you,” Coco says, winning a frown from Wynonna. “You seem harmless.”
“Oh, it’s just a ruse I pull,” Wynonna whispers and gestures for us to follow her away from Dice on the couch. “I’m truly a witch with wicked powers.”
I share a smile with Coco. She adores drama and seems especially excited to meet the woman capable of making grown men flinch.
Once we’re in the sitting room, Wynonna speaks freely. “You know who I am, and I’ve been informed of your back stories. I also remember you from back in the day,” she says to me. “Urick Halvorson’s sons are garbage. I’m sorry, but I’m cursed with the inability to lie. They’re terrible.” Wynonna pauses a moment and then adds, “Even the one in the hospital. I show no mercy.”
“I haven’t spoken to my brothers in over a decade, and we weren’t close to begin with.”
“Oh, thank the Lord,” Wynonna says and gives me a devious smirk. “I didn’t want to have to edit myself at all.”
“We’ve heard you’re the ringleader of the wives’ booze group,” Coco says, and Wynonna’s big brown eyes shine. “Have you shown up today to sucker Austen into your club?”
“We want you to join, too, of course. I’ve heard Goose is worked up over you. No one keeps anything private around here. I’m privy to all the dirty details,” Wynonna says and smiles at me. “Walla Walla is a great lover, right?”
“Did he test his moves out on you first?” I ask.
“Oh, God, no. Ruin would have lost his shit over such a thing. My brother is very irrationally protective of me. I love him for it, too. Still, I heard you’ve claimed Walla Walla, and I’m so happy for him. He’s a sweet guy. Just a doll. Now, you’re one of us and must obey me.”
“I don’t think that’s how it works,” Coco replies.
“You’re feistier than I’m accustomed to,” Wynonna says and sizes up Coco. “I’m not threatened by that at all.”
Coco smiles at her. “So, what’s the benefit to being in your girl posse?”
“Well, I have all the best gossip. My stepmother can find you great real estate. Plus, as a perk to following me around like sheep, I offer trips to the Lavender Lady Salon and bellini lunches.”
“I could use pampering,” Coco tells me. “I swear my hair still smells like smoke.”
Wynonna loses her smile. “Come again?”
