“She pushes you because she wants you to be the best.” “The best at what? Matricide?”

“That’s why Ronnie was Sissy’s best friend. She hated all the right people.”

“,I like her.” Because she makes you shine.”

“Why couldn’t she get the man out of her mind? Because he reminded you what that hole between your legs is really for.”

“Why was she sitting in a tree?”“She was hiding from the organ thieves.”Ric blinked. “Sorry?”“Do you really want me to explain it?” “Not particularly.”

“Smitty gave his best pout. “Why are y’all trying to hurt me?”“Because it’s fun?”“It’s easy.”“I love it when you cry.”Smitty sighed. “Forget I asked.”

“Jess and Ric watched as a shifted Blayne chased the squirrel, caught the squirrel, toyed with the squirrel, let the squirrel go, only to go chasing after it again. Until she was distracted by the crow that she tried to catch in her mouth.“So…when are you due?”Jess winced at Ric’s question as Blayne ran into a tree, backed up, and went after the bird again.“Mid-March.”“And you’re having a—”“Yes. Yes, I’m having a wolfdog.”“Huh.”Blayne was turning in circles now, trying to catch her tail.“Blayne,” Jess called out. “Blayne!” The wolfdog immediately stopped and started to walk over to Jess and Ric. Too bad the dizziness got the best of her, though, because she stumbled sideways into another tree and slid down, panting.”