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“Why is it so difficult to imagine someone could love Pete?” Andi asked. “Why wouldn't he be a good candidate as Fallon and Riley’s donor?

Billie sighed. “He’s Pete, Andi. I mean, come on. Beth was married to Dean. Pete isnotDean Foster.”

“Clearly.”

“I’m not putting Pete down.”

“No?” Andi challenged Billie. “You and Fallon both like to make fun—sometimes, I think your teasing leads you off course.”

“What does that mean?”

“Pete and Dale aren’t stupid, Billie.”

“I don’t think they’re stupid.”

Andi stared at Billie.

“I don’t!”

“Just simple,” Andi said.

“Well—no. They just never looked beyond this town.”

Andi nodded. “You mean they didn’t go to college.”

“No. I don’t know. They’re just…”

Andi finished Billie’s thought. “Good men.”

“Andi?” Billie asked. “Did I say something to offend you?”

“I wonder what you think of me.”

“What are you talking about?” Billie asked.

“I know you and Fallon like to tease the boys. Pete and Dale aren’t stupid, Billie.”

“Where is this coming from? I don’t think they’re stupid.”

“No. Like I said, they’re just simple. A bit like me.”

All the air in Billie’s lungs vanished. She had witnessed Andi’s frustration and even felt the heat of Andi’s anger on a few occasions. There was a distinct undercurrent of hurt in Andi’s voice. It was true. Billie and Fallon enjoyed poking fun at Pete and Dale. But Pete and Dale could give as good as they received. They liked to tease Fallon about her exploits with coeds and never missed a chance to mention Billie’s clumsiness. The tonein Andi’s voice indicated that some of the teasing might have struck a nerve with her.

“Andi,” Billie began softly. “What is this about?”

Andi teetered between tears and rage. If she had time to reflect on her reaction, she would have reconciled Billie’s words with their meaning. This subject felt raw. It was hardly the first time she had heard Billie or Fallon comment about someone in town, making them sound simple or, as Andi thought, inferior. Maybe it was intended as harmless teasing—all in good fun. She had noticed the tension in Pete’s jaw on more than one occasion when the banter went off course.

“Andi?” Billie called again.

“Not everyone wants to leave home, Billie, and not every person pursues college. That doesn’t mean they’re less interesting or intelligent.”

Andi’s reaction surprised Billie: it was clear she needed to proceed cautiously with the conversation.

“I don’t think that at all,” Billie said.

Andi shook her head.

“Andi, I don’t.”