Ronnie paused. “Just so you know, I’m not one hundred percent convinced of the legality of this operation,” he told her. He’d had more than a few run-ins with the law during his two decades on earth. If he weren’t a convicted felon, he might have made a good lawyer.
“That gonna be a problem?” the angel asked.
“No, ma’am.” Ronnie shook his head.
When they finished swapping the books, the little library looked exactly as they’d found it.
“Good work,” the angel told Ronnie. “Come on. I’ll walk your stoned ass home.”
How long had it been since they’d spent time together like this? At least two years, Ronnie figured. It felt just as right as it always had.
“So is that what counts for fun in Troy now? Eating shrooms and sitting in the square?” the angel asked as they strolled back through the park.
“Naw. Most folks round here prefer Oxy or meth.”
The angel didn’t laugh. “You’re better than all this, you know.”
“Yeah, well, still not good enough to come up with the cash for college,” Ronnie said. “Plus, I got felony possession on my record now, so I reckon I’m fucked. I know this is gonna sound crazy, but if it weren’t for the shrooms, I think I might have fallen down a deep, dark hole and never come out.”
“It doesn’t sound crazy at all. They’ve been using mushrooms to treat depression. Psilocybin may be schedule one here in Georgia, but it’s considered medicine in other parts of the country.”
“Maybe I should move to one of those parts,” Ronnie said. “’Cause finding shrooms and using them are the only two things I’ve ever been really good at.”
“That’s bullshit and we both know it. But maybe you can find a use for those skills. Help people and make bank all at the same time—sounds like a good combination to me.”
They stopped at Ronnie’s front porch. He could still remember the first time they’d sat on the swing together—back in the days when neither of them knew that Lindsay was rich and Ronnie was poor, and they couldn’t imagine a day when their paths would no longer run parallel.
“I love you,” Ronnie told the angel. “I always have.”
“And I love you right back,” she said. “But as we both know, I’m pretty damn gay.”
“Just my luck,” Ronnie said with a shrug. “So how long you in town for?”
“I’m heading out tomorrow,” she said.
Ronnie laughed. “You went to all that trouble tonight and you ain’t gonnastay to watch the shit hit the fan? That fancy-ass school hasn’t changed you at all. You’re one bad bitch, Lindsay Underwood.”
“I came down to help my mom, but she doesn’t want me to stay.” Then a devilish grin spread across Lindsay’s face. “Don’t worry, though. I have a feeling I’ll be back in town before long.”
Chapter 2
Lord of the Flies
Beverly Underwood just wanted life to go back to normal. You wouldn’t think that would be such a controversial position, but you couldn’t predict how people were going to react these days. Seemed like everyone was always itching to fight.
“I’m touched that you came down from college, sweetheart, but I can handle this. I really don’t think it’s worth you missing any more school.”
Beverly didn’t like to see her daughter scowling. Beauty like Lindsay’s was a gift from God, and it felt like a sin to hide it.
“Is it true you don’t need any help?” Lindsay shot back. “Or are you worried your gay kid will get in the way?”
Beverly slid forward on the couch cushion and grasped Lindsay’s hand. “Oh, good gracious, no! How could you say such a thing?” Her daughter may have been twenty-one years old, but she was still Mama’s baby, and Beverly couldn’t have been any prouder. “Your father and I have given you our full support since that Barbie incident back in first grade. You being gay has never made one bit of difference to us.”
“Then why are you telling me to get lost?”
Beverly gasped. “You think that’s what we’re saying?” She turned to her husband for support. “Trip, did you hear that?”
“I’m sorry?” Trip Underwood looked up from his crossword puzzle. “What did you say?”
