Page 49 of Sweet T

Tucker grinned. “Your only nephew.”

“You must be Evan,” she said, and the look of surprise on Evan’s face was beyond funny. Tucker gave him a wink before turning back to Barb.

“I take it you’ve talked to Daddy.”

“Yes. Last night. He told me you had a guest out there.”

“I’m giving Evan a tour of the town.”

“Well, that’ll take all of five minutes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Evan.”

“Likewise.” Evan smiled, waving from the passenger seat.

“I assure you, Cassie is not intentionally rude. She’s engrossed in One Hundred Years of Solitude.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Tucker asked.

“Gabriel García Márquez,” Evan replied. “I don’t blame her. It’s a magnificent book.”

“I like your friend, Tucker. He knows good literature.” She looked to Evan. “How are you, dear? I heard you had an unfortunate encounter.”

“I’m fine. Thanks to Tucker. Much better.”

“Well, good. You’re in excellent hands out there at the Shepherd house, I assure you.”

Evan smiled.

“Well, I guess we’re off,” Tucker said. “Just wanted to say hey.”

“Let me know next time. I’ll have lunch ready.”

“Will do. Thanks, Barb.”

“You two take care. It was very nice meeting you, Evan.”

“Same to you. Maybe next time we’ll talk books.”

“Oh, I’d love that.” Her smile lingered, but her gaze darted back to Tucker.

“What?” Tucker asked.

“Nothing. You just remind me of your father.”

“Yeah? Pedro says the same.”

“Brilliant minds...” Barb said, letting the words dissipate. She stepped back from the truck. Tucker put the engine in gear and circled the parking lot. As they passed again, she and Cassie waved. They made a right back onto Main Street.

“She’s sweet,” Evan said.

“The sweetest.”

“How long have they been together?”

“A couple of years now.”

“Cassie looks much younger.”

“She is... by about twenty years.”

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