“You already know the basics,” Carly said with a shrug but without meeting her eyes. “My mom, Reba, died a couple of years ago and I’ve been on my own ever since. And one of those three guys here is my dad. She told me so.” She turned to the sink, washing a tomato and paring a cucumber.

This was the first Shallie had heard of it, but recalling that final summer, the whole situation made sense—and it explained why Carly was here. She needed to know about her father, just as Shallie needed to know about her mother.

She took a deep breath for courage, then said, “Carly, at the time, and I’m talking almost twenty years ago, Reba and I were very close. So, I feel as if…we’re sort of related, you and me.”

“You were at that awful motel with my mom?”

“Yes! How did you know about that?”

“Well, she told me, of course. No details. Just about working there and her affairs with those three guys.” Pause. “I don’t even know what happened, why she left or anything. I mean, she didn’t know she was pregnant with me yet, but…” Carly squinted up at her. “Any chance we really are related? That Reba was your cousin or something?”

“No, but I feel like we were. We…lost touch after a while.” In fact, after Reba left, they weren’t in touch again, ever. Shallie had tried social media, less pervasive back then, but it had revealed nothing of any use.

“Listen,” Shallie said. “Can we talk later? Over our private dinner on the porch?”

“Okay. I don’t feel like hanging out with the guys tonight, anyway. And then later, Tina will take me back to her place.” She gave Shallie a conspiratorial grin as she added, “I love Tina, but Mr. Smart-ass Hollister can be a bit much. Even if he does turn out to be my dad…”

Shallie responded to that comment with a grin of her own. She still planned to catch up with Cord and get to know Tina—but she had to spend time with this girl, who was not only Reba’s daughter but possibly Cord’s.

WITH TINA’S HELP, Cord arranged a couple of salads, a shallow bowl of marinated chicken wings, burger patties, plus buns and all the usual condiments. Tina brought out three plates and cutlery. And oh, yes, there was beer in a cooler. Then he started the barbecue.

Minutes later, J.P. arrived with Trooper; Cord’s dogs acted like hosts and never showed an instant’s aggression toward him. Eli appeared soon after; both guys were toting beer and J.P. handed his over, apologizing for not bringing food as promised. Cord simply rolled his eyes.

“What are we having?” Eli asked.

“Burgers and chicken wings.”

“Hey, we’re burger guys!” Eli made a face. “Aren’t chicken wings kind of effete?”