The Mighty Red

by Louise Erdrich

Kismet and her mother always took careful note of the way people blushed. They hardly ever did blush, but it wasn’t, said Crystal, because they had no shame.

Of course, he was dumpy and round, not lean and vulpine, like movie vampires. Though wouldn’t a bit of tummy be a sign of his vampire success?

She couldn’t actually still love him, could she? No. She would not allow it. She would not have a stupid heart.

Hugo’s tone was heated and he felt deliciously mean.