the last book I ever read (Mr. Tall: A Novella and Stories by Tony Earley, excerpt five)

from Mr. Tall: A Novella and Stories by Tony Earley:

“Where y’all headed?” Ray asked. He’s always been a big question asker, and some days it strikes me as charming.

“Memphis,” the old woman said. “We’re going to take a paddle wheel all the way down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. I’ve always wanted to do that. Tonight, though, we just wanted to make it as far as Monteagle.”

“That sounds exciting,” I said. “I really like New Orleans.”

“It’s a good town,” Ray said. “But it gets hot.”