Bea hung back as Dad hopped out of the truck and headed for Grandma and Grandpa’s house. He was doing it again. Acting like he didn’t want her around anymore, just like after Mom died. Should she move across the country a fourth time? Would that make him happy?

Not that she could afford to do that.

She neared the house and checked her phone before climbing the porch steps. Cell service was better outside. She raised her eyebrows at a text from Amber.

Are you home?

She wasn’t sure what to make of that. Wasn’t exactly in the mood to do Amber any more favors after the way she’d told Bea to “get out of here” the other night. But what if Hunter needed her?

No. I’m at my grandma’s. What’s up?

Dad paused at the front door and called back to her, “You coming?”

“Be right there.”

Just hoping we could talk. I could meet you there for that haircut we talked about.

Haircut? Bea pursed her lips to one side. She’d forgotten all about that. It would be the perfect distraction to keep Grandma occupied while Dad talked with Grandpa.

Hunter too?

Of course.

Okay, see you in a few.

She stuck her phone in her pocket and walked to the house with a hint of hesitation in her step. It would be thirty minutes before Amber and Hunter arrived, but a small pit of dread was already forming in her stomach. What did Amber want to talk about?

Inside, her dad was sitting in the living room with Grandma and Grandpa, talking about food. A flood of relief washed over Bea when Grandma June smiled at her in greeting. Nothing like the look she’d given her the last time Bea visited.

“Come in, come in.” Grandma gestured to the couch. “Have a seat. You look wonderful, Bea.”

Bea sat down. “Thanks.”

“Your father was just pestering me about my diet.”

“I wasn’t pestering.” Dad leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. “I was merely asking if you’d been taking your supplements.”

Grandma sat up straight and regal and looked down her nose at him. “And how about you, Mitch? What did you have for breakfast today?”

“Okay, okay.” Dad conceded defeat and pushed himself to his feet. “Never mind. I think Dad and I are going to go for a walk now, Mom.”

Grandma tilted her head. “Bea and I will come, too.”

Grandpa Rand wobbled a bit as he rose from his chair. “Now, June, I don’t think—”

“It’s a beautiful day. Some sunshine will do me good.” Grandma hopped to her feet, her spryness in stark contrast to Grandpa’s slow, unsteady steps.