The door swings open, and a big, too-likable face gazes down at me. “Hi,” the twenty-something says, inviting me in and — I’m not kidding — playing host. “Want a beer? I’ve got Guinness.” A beer? Seriously? “No,” I snap.… Continue Reading
Before I met you, Luke, I’d known nothing but flight — staying just long enough until the bills began to pile up. Not that that changed. When I arrived in Memphis, I didn’t even have a stroller for James, just… Continue Reading
After our first month together, Naomi said she loved me. I’m used to that. Not to say I’m special. At least not for the reason exes have always given — or would give, if they were honest. I suspected Naomi… Continue Reading
The only thing between me and that saw-toothed bastard is a pair of black Nautica swim shorts. I take a deep breath and lean back into the life jacket. The afternoon sun bakes my face. Legs and arms underwater feel… Continue Reading
One early Monday morning in August, the air was already shimmering when Charlie came into work. He inhaled broiling asphalt and rubber, with a hint of smoke. Blinding rays glinted off rows of windshields. He rolled up his sleeves and… Continue Reading
“GREENVILLE,” read the sign. “POP 1,624 HUMBLE EARTHLING SERVANTS. HAIL ZORDOK!” In spray paint, below: “DON’T RAZE US, BRO!” Sheryl frowned. “I think we took the wrong turn. We’re supposed to still be in Spring Grove.” “Qroocha znuk!” Emperor Zordok… Continue Reading
In my hand I held a knotted pole, about three feet long and two inches wide. You could lean on it, use it as a walking stick, whittle it; most importantly, it had a square of coarse plastic sheeting nailed… Continue Reading
I’m seventy-odd years old and know nothing about ladies of the evening. I’ve heard some of them have hearts of gold. I didn’t recognize the stylish young woman knocking on my hotel room door as a sex trade worker. It… Continue Reading
Party, cigarette in hand, sequinned cocktail dress reflecting the strobe lights. A hand taps my shoulder but I do not turn. A voice — my own — whispers in my ear, and a hand extends over my shoulder to point… Continue Reading
Before the two of them had sipped their drinks, the old landline rang in the other room. Father Collins put his mug down. He excused himself and limped away. While Father was tending to church business, Mrs. Harding reached into… Continue Reading