He squints at me. “I remember you from back then, kid. I wasn’t around as much as Ada Mae, but I still checked in from time to time.” This is one of many differences between Daniel and my dad. Daniel turned up on set over the years, while L.A. may as well have been on the moon to Paul Riggs. Daniel continues, “And you were always around, even when you weren’t in a scene. Just close enough, literally dancing around the edges in those tap shoes of yours, watching my girl.”

I feel my face flame. What is it with everyone digging that shit up? I was a kid with a crush, and by the way, it was mutual.

“She showed me the letter you left her in L.A.”

I wince at the memory, and thankfully, he lets it drop.

“I didn’t want her to do this show,” he admits. “But I’m proud of Shelby and who she’s become, and she thinks she needs this. She wants to show the world that she’s not that broken girl anymore.”

I don’t say anything. I want the same.

“But I’m trusting you to take care of each other. Watch her, like you used to, and let her look out for you.”

“I don’t think she wants me dogging her steps.”

“You misunderstand. I don’t want that either. Just be there beside her and let her be beside you.”

I release my breath in a gust. That sounds okay. “That I can do.”

6

SHELBY

GOOD 4 U

One of the first things I did when I moved into my own place and got a little acreage to roam was get myself some chickens and a few barn cats to catch the mice in my workshop. I’ve always liked animals, but Ada Mae claimed she was allergic, and my dad worked long hours. In California, my schedule was impossible.

Once I settled in Michigan, I converted a small, dilapidated shed into a roost and spent a determined Saturday afternoon putting up a chicken-wire fence that offered plenty of room to range. My first batch was only a handful of chicks, just to make sure I could handle the workload, but I shouldn’t have worried. Chickens are pretty self-sufficient, and the fresh eggs are a huge perk.

I decided to take on another batch after the new year. I picked them up from the post office just last week and secured them under a heat lamp in the custom brooder I have at my shop, so I can keep an eye on them.

I’ve named at least half of them, even though my dad practically growled at me that they’re livestock, not pets.