“Because that situation changed,” I continue, ignoring Betty’s placating gesture and my heart starting to race. “At first, yeah, she was a scared teen mom, but then she married her best friend. Years passed. Nearly two decades. And she still wasn’t going to come clean. She was willing to hide my entire family from me for as long as she could just so the people at church wouldn’t find out she’d had premarital sex. So—” I cut off, feeling awkward. “So, anyway, you shouldn’t feel bad, Miss Betty. The only person who should be feeling bad here is my mother.”

James and Betty exchange a loaded look, but I pretend not to notice. I’m annoyed that I’ve revealed so much and aware I probably sound bitter and immature. James is definitely regretting offering his home to me. Who wants an angsty teenager living under their roof? I’d been doing so well at holding all the garbage in, and all it took was one dinner to spill my guts. James clears his throat and takes a pull from his iced tea.

“So, are you a believer, Meg?” James asks, switching gears. “What I mean is, you mentioned your mom’s, um … the church? Did you attend church growing up?”

“For sure,” I say, finding my footing and answering automatically. “A little rattled as of late, but he is in control.” I point to the proverbial sky.

James leans back in his seat. “Incredible. Even after all tha—well, after everything? I envy your faith.”

“Aren’t you a believer?” I assumed he was with his worship band job and the way he bowed his head before digging into his dinner.

James grins. “Oh, I am. But my faith is shaky and messy most days. It’s also been cultivated. For years after Drew passed, though, I struggled.” He pins me with his gaze. “That’s part of the reason I’m not sure how I would have reacted had I known you were out there.” He shakes his head. “It would have been something to hold on to, for sure. It is something to hold on to. Drew is here. In you. I can see it—it’s incredible. In your smile and your eyes and your exuberance.”

“It’s like having him in front of you all over again, isn’t it?” Betty says in a soft voice.

James nods.

“But?” I prod.

“But, well, as I said, I was a mess. Not much use to anyone for a long time. But maybe that can change now. What about you, Meg? Do you have questions for us? Can I tell you anything about your dad?”

I lift a shoulder, clearing a space so that the server can put my burger in front of me.