Page 2 of Pinch

“It doesn’t matter.” I shake it off. “Winning this means I’ll be able to finish my research without having to worry about money. I’ll happily pivot, hold, smile, and wave all day for that privilege.”

“Don’t forget you’re riding on theWelcome Backfloat in the parade tomorrow.” The screen door slams as our other cousin and third roommate Maverick Murphy enters the room. “We’re rolling out at 10 a.m. sharp.”

Gigi puts the scissors aside and unhooks the dog’s leash. “We’re just happy to be your ladies in waiting. Aren’t we, Haze?”

“That dog’s name isHaze?” Mav’s dark brows furrow. “He’s not even purple.”

“Hername is Some Like it Hot Hazel, but I call herHazefor short.”

“What the fuck?” He goes to the cabinet and opens the door, digging around. “What dog is going to come toSome Like it Hot Hazel? ‘Here, Some Like it Hot Hazel!’” He pretends to call the dog, who doesn’t even move. “See? Dog breeders are nuts.”

“She’s got better hair than I do.” I walk over to slide my hand through her silky coat.

“She’s an Afghan Borzoi. She’ll be on the float with us tomorrow.” Gigi helps the large dog out of the grooming pen then goes to our cousin. “Why are you digging in my supplies?”

“I need to borrow your good tweezers.” Mav takes out the stainless-steel tool. “I’ve got something stuck in my blade.”

“Maverick, no.” Gigi reaches over his shoulder in an attempt to grab it. “I can’t afford to have you break those. They cost two hundred dollars!”

“I can afford to replace them.” He dodges her arms.

Gigi is five-eight like me, but Mav is six-two and wily. I shake my head at them wrestling like they’re still kids as I head for the door.

Maverick makes enough money as the star right wingerfor the LA Champions to buy twenty sets of tweezers. He doesn’t have to live with us. He just likes the company—and driving us crazy.

“I’ve got to finish grading papers. See y’all in the morning.”

“Wave pretty,” Maverick calls after me, and I wave my middle finger at him over my head. “That’s my Princess. I’m so proud.”

“Just like your mom,” I yell back.

Mav’s mother, our aunt Dylan, actually cried when she discovered that after years of trying to guide him into the “safe sport” of golf, her only son is the best hockey player in the southern region.

There was a lot of interest in him when he became a free agent, and he chose LA because we were here. He was only supposed to stay with us until he found his own place, then he never left.

We have an adorable two-story bungalow with four bedrooms and two bathrooms in the best part of LA, and not far from Caltech, where I attend school.

We weren’t looking for a third roommate, but with the cost of everything these days, we were glad to have another person to share expenses.

He was more than happy to stay, especially since we all grew up like siblings. Say what he wants, Mav’s a total family guy and an excellent chef, which Gina and I are not. So, perks!

“I’ll bring the purple drink!” Gigi shouts after me, and I snort a laugh.

Purple drink is a New Orleans beverage made of purple Kool-Aid and Everclear. It’s been in our family since before we were born, so of course, we ran off with the recipe as soon as we turned twenty-one.

“Purple drink before ten in the morning?” I turn, pushing the door open with my butt.

“Our mammas raised us right!” she replies with a wink.

If we’re going to start the day with purple drink tomorrow, I definitely have to lock up in my bedroom tonight. It’s possible I could be out for two days, and these finals won’t grade themselves.

“Why is it so cold?”I stand at the back of the line of cars with Maverick’s coat around my shoulders. “October is supposed to be one of the best times to visit LA!”

“Talk to your mom,” Gina quips.

“She’ll just blame global climate change.”

Maverick shoves a red Solo cup into my hand. “More purple drink. It’ll warm you up.”