Page 89

Fallon nodded.

Billie and Dave stepped onto the porch.

“Going somewhere?” Billie asked Andi playfully.

“I am. Fallon will explain. I’ll call you,” Andi said, kissing Billie softly.

“What did I miss?” Billie asked.

“No more than me,” Fallon said. “Do you two want to go to Murphy’s? I think I could use a drink. Or three.”

Billie and Dave exchanged a glance of confusion.

“You’re buying,” Billie told Fallon.

“Well, at leastthat’snothing new.”

Chapter Six

Why did people keep secrets?Fallon puzzled over the question endlessly. How could she have lived in Whiskey Springs nearly all her life and not know that her mother and Dora Bath had once been best friends? How could she have been part of Andi’s life, been Andi’s lover, and the subject never have arisen? And why wouldn’t Pete say something? So many years—so many….

“Fallon?”

Fallon looked up at Riley.

“How was Sylvia?” Fallon asked.

“Okay. Just okay. This isn’t about you,” Riley said.

“I realize that. My mom was so angry at the Biddy Brigade when I opened the pub. And that wasn’t the first time they incurred her wrath. I don’t get it. I can’t remember my mother spending time with Dora—ever.”

“Dora is….”

“Friends will all of those women, Riley. Jesus. Do you know how stressful growing up with her was for Dan?”

Riley sat down beside Fallon. “I think what Andi told you is true. It isn’t her story. It isn’t your mother’s.”

“Sylvia told you something when she called.”

“She told me some things. Yes. She imagined you would have a million questions.”

“What did she tell you?”

“Not as much as you hope. She said something happened to Dora when Dan was little. It changed things—it changed Dora. That’s about it.”

“Andi was upset, Riley. I could see it in her eyes.”

“Don’t push this issue,” Riley advised.

“Whatever happened, it affected a lot of people—not only Dora. Let Andi and your mom share what they’re comfortable with in their own time.”

“Billie knows.”

“Fallon.”

“She knows. She said something about it not being her place to tell Dan Bath’s story. And she was quiet the entire time we were at the pub.”

“Everyone was quiet,” Riley said. “You might not like Dora and her friends, Fallon. They are part of this community. Everyone likes Dick.”