Bronte nods. “There’s this whole thing going on in town called ‘managed retreat,’ where the city is supposed to buy back the houses in danger of falling. But it’s taken forever to push through the city council, and that’s after years of wasting millions on rock walls and trucking in sand. I wrote a paper on it last year for AP Enviro, if you want to read it. It’s pretty complicated.”

“But long story short,” Amber cuts in, always the one to slash through the bullshit, “Ben’s mom was behind on their mortgage, waiting on the payment from the city, and it’s the reason they didn’t move in time. My dad says the whole lawsuit is bullshit. It’s really not the mayor’s fault.”

“Your dad’s job is enforcing the status quo,” Bronte scoffs. “And don’t forget the smear campaign he ran to get Sheriff Vann out and him in. Aided by the mayor, his bestie since elementary school.”

“You sound like your mother,” Amber says, voice tight.

“No, I sound like your mother.”

The air crackles, but then they break into laughter, shared references and miles of town history informing whatever I just witnessed. I clear my throat, steer us back.

“So Natalie’s not a fan of Ben because his family is suing her dad.”

“The city, technically, but yes.” Amber nods. “The lawsuit could bankrupt us. No way the mayor stays the mayor if he can’t tidy it up, and Natalie’s pissed. We ended up in the middle, and it was easier to defer to Natalie.”

“You make her sound awful.” Bronte throws Amber a frown of disapproval. “They both have their reasons. Ben lost his mom. Nothing prepares you for losing a parent. And your only parent? In the most wrenching way possible?”

Oof, I feel that. Poor Ben. No wonder his family’s grasping at this lawsuit. Money won’t bring Ben’s mom back, but a lawsuit could bring some justice. Maybe. If there were someone I could rage at, hit and hurt, for my mom’s cancer, I would. But there’s no one. It was shitty fate and bad luck.

“Ben is looking for someone to blame, and the mayor is an obvious target. And that sucks for Natalie,” Bronte continues. “It’s easier if everyone avoids each other until it’s settled. He still hangs with Luke on the side, so it’s not like he’s completely cut off.”

“Yes, how lovely for Ben to get shared custody of Luke in the divorce,” Amber cracks. Then she returns her full attention to me. “Look, it’s complicated, but if you like Ben, forget Natalie. You’re never going to make everybody happy, so why not steal a little happy for yourself?”

I say nothing but feel warmed at Amber’s words. After months of miserable, it would be nice to find a little happy.