Shuggie Bain

by Douglas Stuart

Nan Flannigan did not look up from her cards. “Now that ye’re working, doll. First thing to do is open two bank accounts. One for when ye take a man. The other one for yersel. And never fuckin’ tell him about it, eh.”

Shug had seen it before, those with least to give always gave the most.

As with any good weather, there was always more rain on the other side.