So this was why Carly had avoided DNA testing, avoided even bringing it up with her “3 Dads”—or one reason, anyway. The longer she put it off, the longer her lucrative performances could continue. Shallie hadn’t discussed the necessity of the tests with Carly yet, but knew the girl had to be well aware of it.

“Was the YouTube thing mostly about the money?”

“Partly. I had nothing. And this turned out to be a way of supporting myself. And—” she shrugged “—I found out I’m good at this stuff. I’ve been singing. I get the music on YouTube and sing a lot of country-western. And I like doing it.”

“I can tell,” Shallie said. “And you have the talent.”

Carly reached over to clasp her hand for a moment. “You’re the only one I’ve told.”

“The crappy clothes?” Shallie asked. “They were all part of the…act? So you had money but you didn’t want to spend it on clothes or transportation or—”

“Yes.” She took a loud breath.

“I’m guessing the Emmylou Harris song you did at Bailey’s the other night you sang on one of your videos.”

“Yes.” Another breath. “Two of the girls who were there recognized me at the drugstore this morning. They tried to talk to me.”

“What happened?”

She spoke quickly. “I ran back to the car. And I lied to Tina. Again. I have to tell her the truth soon, but I’m not sure what to say. Also I want Tina and Cord and all of you to know how grateful I am. I’m not sure what to say to Cord, either. Or the other two guys.”

Shallie said, “Okay, I understand. What do you need me to do?”

“Be my friend, I guess. And my…adviser.”

Shallie remembered what Emma had said in their recent phone call, how they’d talked about her ability to provide what Carly needed—support and friendship. Neither of which she’d received herself until after she’d left home. Except, to a limited degree, from Reba.

“I’ll do what I can on the adviser front. I already consider us friends, and not just because of your mom.”

“Will you go with me to tell Tina—and Cord?”

“Definitely.” Shallie wasn’t looking forward to that, but she was willing to do it.

More than willing; she considered it an obligation, although how and when they did that had yet to be decided. She got out Cord’s list of questions, since this was the opportune time, and quickly went through them—which didn’t seem to be a problem for Carly.

She glanced at her cell phone. “Listen, I have to go. Cord and I are meeting Eli at Bailey’s in a little while. I’ll tell you more later—and maybe you can give me some advice, too.”