Page 103 of By Rude Strength

“Thank you!” LA limped to the bathroom. He tried to listen out for Cass or any other sound that might serve as a clue to who was at the door, but he didn’t hear squat. Although he’d been woken up so abruptly, he was actually in a good mood.

Last night had been amazing.

Not only had he sold all of his paintings and one was destined for a spot in a museum, but he even had a new job lined up thatwould value his experience in the funeral industry. He’d also told off Gavin anddamnhad that been satisfying. And just when he’d thought the night couldn’t get any better, Cass had agreed to be his boyfriend.

LA was confident, reinvigorated, and for the first time in months, he was truly excited about the future.

He felt fuckingstrong.

LA finished up in the bathroom, came out, and stopped at his dresser to get a T-shirt before heading downstairs. He hadn’t really paid attention to see what shirt he’d grabbed, but he glanced over the front as he unfolded it.

It saidAn Embalmer’s Day Is Draining.

LA chuckled.

No matter who was at the door, today was going to be a good day.

Cass was hovering around the door and his eyes were comically wide. His wings were tucked up tight and his long tail was lashing around like a very perturbed kitty cat. He looked downright spooked.

“What’s wrong?” LA snorted as he pulled the T-shirt over his head. “Did a fucking ghost come to the door?”

Judging by the knocking still banging away, Cass hadn’t actually answered it.

“I could be mistaken,” Cass said slowly, “but I peeked through the little peeky hole and…”

“And?”

“I believe it’s your mother.”

“What?” LA rushed to the door to take a look through the peephole.

It was indeed his mother, Deborah.

LA wanted to throw up.

So much for having a good day.

“What the fucking fuck is she doing here?” LA snarled.

“Well, you have been ignoring her phone calls,” Cass said quietly. “Maybe she was worried.”

“Yeah, because she hasn’t been able to bitch at me.” LA scrubbed his hands over his face. “I haven’t had my drugs yet. Orcoffee.”

“You don’t have to open the door,” Cass soothed. “You’ve had quite the week already and you don’t need to tackle this particular, hmm… Issue! Yes, you don’t need to tackle thisissueright now.”

LA flinched as the knocking continued. “No, it’s fine. It’s great,” he grumbled. “Can you, uh, make some coffee, please?”

“Do you want me to be a monster, a human, or invisible? Or some combination?”

“How about a monster who’s only visible to me?” LA stood up on his toes to kiss Cass. “I’ll let you know if I need backup.”

“Done.” Cass gave him a quick hug. “Good luck. I’ll be right back.”

LA smiled, watching Cass lumber off into the kitchen. He glared when Deborah banged on the door hard enough to rattle the frame, but he took a deep breath to calm himself. He could do this. He was the one in control. He had the power here. It was going to be fine.

He unlocked the door and then opened it just enough to poke his head out. “Hi, Mom.”

“That’s it?” Deborah scowled. “Justhi, Mom? No apology? No explanation? I was worried sick! You haven’t been picking up when I call and now you wouldn’t answer the door—”