Long Black Curl by Alex Bledsoe Page B

to Nigel. To the girl, she said, “I just mean he’s with me. Keep your hands to yourself. And any other body parts that might be inclined to trespass.”
    â€œLet’s not be too hasty,” Nigel said, and stepped forward. With British formality, he said, “I’m Nigel Hawtrey. I’m Ms. Wisby’s executive assistant.”
    â€œListen to him talk all fancy,” Tain said. “Where you from, boy?”
    â€œManchester, originally.”
    â€œThat in England?” Tain asked. The word came out, Aingland.
    â€œIt is. A beautiful place.” He looked her up and down appreciatively. “Though not as beautiful as some of the scenery around here.”
    â€œStop it,” Bo-Kate said to Nigel.
    â€œNo, let him keep going,” Tain said. “I like the way he talks.”
    â€œTain is my cousin,” Bo-Kate said. “My folks took her in after she got into some trouble.”
    â€œWhat sort of trouble?” Nigel asked.
    â€œOh, not that kind,” Tain said. “What can I say? The trouble with trouble is, it starts out as fun.”
    â€œNow Mom and Dad are trying to teach her the straight and narrow, to make up for me turning out like I did. Right, Memaw?”
    â€œWe took her in ’cause she’s family,” the old woman said, still seated.
    â€œThat’s right,” Tain said. She stood in such a way that her long legs and slender figure were highlighted against the bright glare from the kitchen. “But I’m not too straight, and I’m definitely not narrow.”
    â€œDon’t make me throw a bucket of water on you,” Bo-Kate warned. “Where are Snad and Canton?”
    â€œThey’re around,” Paw-paw said evasively.
    â€œSnad is out trapping coyotes,” Tain said. “Canton is tomcatting around with that middle Adams girl. I’m sure they’ll come running when they hear their baby sister is back.”
    â€œDon’t be telling her nothing, Tain,” Paw-paw snapped.
    â€œIt ain’t like it’s a secret,” Tain said.
    â€œWe’re here to stay for a while,” Bo-Kate said to her parents. “We’ll take my old room. No need to do anything special for us.”
    â€œ Why are you here, Bo-Kate?” Paw-paw said. “And don’t bullshit us by saying you missed us. The only way you’d miss us is if you were shootin’ at us.”
    â€œI see where you get your wit,” Nigel asided to her.
    Bo-Kate ignored him. “Paw-paw, I’m here to do what Rockhouse Hicks never could: draw us all back under one pair of wings.”
    â€œThat can’t be done, Bo-Kate.”
    â€œSure it can. It just needs a little outside perspective. And believe me, I’ve got that now.”
    Memaw raised one gnarled hand and folded her fingers into a series of gestures. Bo-Kate raised her left hand and pretended to turn a crank on it with her right one; her middle finger rose. “Your signs don’t mean a thing to me, Memaw.”
    â€œYou think—”
    â€œI think I’ve been on the road all day today, and I’m tired. Come on, Nigel, before Tain makes your dick bust out and go dancing across the room to her.”
    â€œThank you for your hospitality,” Nigel said to Paw-paw and Memaw. “Miss Wisby,” he added with an extra nod to Tain.
    â€œStop it, before you boldly go where every man has gone before,” Bo-Kate said, and dragged him away from the kitchen.
    â€œI see he’s a personal assistant, all right,” Tain called after them. “Y’all have fun. Try not to bust the bedframe.”
    Bo-Kate led them up a staircase Nigel hadn’t noticed when they came in. Nigel flashed a smile back at Tain as he followed. She was already watching for it, and simply nodded in response, like it was no surprise at all.
    â€œSharin’ the same room?” Tain called after them with a mocking smile.
    The