Page 28 of Cocky Origins: May and Jerald Cocker

We hold our breath.

It hits the target in the forehead rather than the hole for a mouth. His shoulders slump, and they’re not the only ones to do so.

I don’t like the smug look on the carny’s face, as if he knew the whole time Hank wouldn’t make it. It’s a racket. Everybody knows that. But it sure does a number on a fella’s self-esteem anyhow, to repeatedly fail in front of your gal.

“It’s a dumb old game,” Gertie says, “Let’s go.”

My brother taps the counter, making the decision, “Yeah all right, let’s see if we can find another ride that all of us can go on.”

I’m disappointed, but I won’t tell him that. Not here. Not today in front of everyone.

As we shove off, Hank looks at me, his face unsettled. I keep mine passive, but I can’t help how well he knows me.

“Ah shucks,” he mutters. “Give me another three balls, will ya?”

Hank pushes through our group to take his place again, cracking his knuckles and shaking his shoulders free from tension.

Three more possibilities thump onto a wooden countertop built a week ago.

Hank picks one up, aims.

We all hold our breath again.

Although I’m not as obvious about it.

Come on, Hank, you can do this.

Sable looks as if she might pass out from the worry. Marvin keeps checking to make sure she’s all right.Peter’s got enough concentration for ten men. Even Lily, who’s seemingly unshakable, is bouncing back-and-forth on her heels. Gertie swallows hard, clasping her hands so she still has nails. May slides her arm through mine, half-eatenhotdog momentarily forgotten in the other hand.

Hank throws, and misses.

He grabs the second one, and his frustration makes him not even hit the clown at all.

Everyone sighs.

Except me and the carny.

“Hank, you see the smug look on this guy?”

My brother looks at me, and then to the guy who’s been working this racket so long he doesn’t even bother doing us the favor of wiping off his smirk.

That kind of rudeness is exactly what a Cocker needs.

Everything about Hank changes. His posture. His gaze.The way he picks up the ball, casually tossing and catching it a few inches in the air just to gauge its weight.

Gertie and May look at each other.

Lily touches Gertie’s back.

Sable is frozen.

Peter silently eggs him on.

And poor Marvin might puke.

I’m watching my brother.

And the bastard carny.

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