“I need a Michelle Obama–type counterpart. Down, but not too militant. Brown, but not too dark. You polled excellently in Senator De Berg’s focus group. And I want you to be my wife.” His words tumbled over one another. “I know what you’re thinking: How can a woman like me ever measure up to the pressures of political life? You’ll meet a lot of public officials.”

“Colin,” Liza said warningly.

“I know you’re excited, but let me finish. I even thought of a way you can use that degree in international studies. We pulled some strings and got you a position on the evangelical station, focusing on women’s issues all around the world. Your segment is called The Prayer Corner. It’s a six-figure job, but you have to be done with all of that LGBTQ stuff. Keep some of those crazy opinions to yourself.” He made a fussy face. “Senator De Berg has even added a podcasting booth in our town house. I mean, the man is beyond generous. One theme he’s interested in is women taking on all of this MeToo nonsense. He thinks Christian women should stand up to this.”

“Colin!”

“Wait, I just made a few notes.”

“I’m sorry, but—”

“Wait.”

“No.”

“Liza, be reasonable.”

Liza picked up her bell hooks reader and hurled it at him. Next came Zora Neale Hurston. It was the Nabokov that got him square between the eyes. Colin rushed out of the room, holding his head and his midsection. The thundering hooves of her entire family shook the hallway.

Bev rushed into the room not two minutes later. “Are you soft in the head or something?” she shrieked.

“What are you talking about?”

“A man just offered you a home, a six-figure job, some social standing, and you throw bell hooks at him?” Bev read the spine of another book. “He poured out his heart to you, and you threw Zora Neale Hurston at his penis? This man can fix every. Single. Thing. Wrong with you in a snap of his fingers. Just who do you think you are? Drop-dead gorgeous like Janae? Funny and lively like my Deya? Or, hell, a man like Maurice?”

“I don’t think I’m any of those, Ma.”

“You’re damn right you’re not, so act like it. If you don’t know a meal ticket when you see one, I’ve never taught you anything.”

“I don’t want to spend my life using someone.”

“Why not?” Bev said. “Men will use you up. They will take your youth, your joy, your beauty, and leave you with babies. Uneven trade, if you ask me.”

“Dang, Mom.” LeDeya’s eyes peered over at Liza from behind Bev. They were secret sister eyes. I understand you, but I can’t stand with you.