Halcyon reached down and helped her up, frowning as she limped over to clutch the kitchen counter. “Why are you walking funny?”

“The doctor says it’s because of sciatica.”

“Who is this bitch Sciatica? Don’t tell me Harold has two girlfriends.”

“No. It’s a nerve in your back. If I twist it wrong, sleep wrong, cough incorrectly, or do anything to get my back inflamed, things touch that nerve. Feels like someone’s shooting hot nails into my butt and knee.”

“Good God, that sounds horrible. How did you get it?”

“Standing all day? Sitting all night? Heck if I know. Apparently, it’s mostly an age and usage sort of problem.”

“Can’t you do anything for it? Like a heating pad or something?”

“I’ve got heating pads in every chair I own. The only place I sit that I don’t have one is the toilet, and sometimes I consider one there as well.”

Halcyon shook her head. “You’d think menopause was enough to throw at us. I guess this is something else I have to look forward to. Right up there with incontinence and death.”

“I’m kinda hoping to put off the second one for a while longer and the first one forever.”

“We can always dream.” Halcyon looked around the fishing camp that belonged to Marina’s mother and grimaced. “Are you sure you want to do this? No one has used this place in years. It’s barely fit for fishing, much less daily living.”

“It’s free, and at least I’ve got a view.”

Halcyon stared out the back window at the bayou. “It is a decent view. But this place…it’s filthy and you don’t even know if everything works. What if the roof leaks? Or raccoons have moved in?”

“I’ll clean it. If something is broken, I’ll fix it. If the roof leaks, I’ll call a repairman. If raccoons have moved in, then I’ll have someone to watch HGTV with.”

“Honey, I know you’re capable of replacing a faucet and probably even conversing with the wildlife, but this place is awful. Why don’t you stay with me?”

“Because although I love you to death, you know we can’t live together. Besides, what would your latest catch say about having me in the way?”

“He’d probably incorrectly assume he’d hit the threesome lotto, but he wouldn’t have the nerve to say it or to make any suggestions around that fact. And I know I’m not the easiest person to cohabitate with, but you’re my sister and I don’t want you living like a hermit out here in the marsh.”

“I appreciate the offer, truly I do. But remember, I come with baggage. Hairy baggage that makes your eyes swell. You know that’s not a good look for you.”

Halcyon sighed. “Why can’t you leave that bloodhound with Harold?”

“Because Snooze hates him. Every time Harold comes into the room, Snooze starts farting. He never does it when it’s just me.”

“Really? I didn’t realize Snooze was so clever. Maybe I could take a Benadryl every day.”