Things We Never Got Over

The next morning Knox is awakened by Stef, who is carrying coffee. Stef wants to fill in Knox about Naomi. He tells him how Naomi spent her life trying to be the good sister, the perfect daughter, and to make up for her twin’s behavior. Stef cautions Knox that Naomi does not need a “heavy” relationship that is “going to get messy” (180). Stef assures him that if he hurts Naomi he will regret it. He remarks that there is nothing Naomi likes better than “getting her hands on a disaster and making it shine” (182). Above all, he tells Knox not to underestimate her. After this, Stef departs.

Stef offers to take both Naomi and Waylay to the Whiskey Clipper for makeovers. Stef is intrigued by Jeremiah, one of the stylists. While Waylay is getting her hair styled, she tells Stef and Naomi that her hair is so short and roughly cut because her mother cut it that way as a punishment. Naomi understands that her sister took Waylay’s pride from her. Knox, who is at the shop, assures Waylay that her aunt Naomi is not like that, and she should come get him if anyone ever picks on her again.