Page 23 of Last Call

“Did they say something to you about me and Fallon?”

“No one needs to tell me how they feel,” Andi said. “I’ve felt it myself plenty of times over the years.”

“Andi.”

“Deep down, I know you don’t feel that way. I know Fallon doesn’t. I also know you both felt like outsiders long before you left Whiskey Springs.”

“Did you ever feel that way?” Billie wondered.

“Sure. I think everyone has at some point,” Andi replied. “Not for the same reasons. You and Fallon sometimes use humor as a defense. I’m not suggesting you should stop your banter.”

“But?”

“Look at how you both reacted to theideaof Pete or Dale having kids.”

“No. I reacted to the thought of either being the father ofFallon’skids. That’s different. Dale and Marge are about to have a kid.”

Andi sighed. “You’ve made a fair number of comments about Dale becoming a dad.”

“Because he married Marge! No one sawthatcoming.”

“Maybe they should have.”

“It’s Pete and Dale. They’re like brothers to Fallon,” Billie said. “It’s just strange to think of either of them being the father of her kids. That’s all.”

“Deanisher brother. You don’t find that strange.”

“I’m not explaining this the right way,” Billie said. “It would be weird, I think. That’s all. Dale was in love with her for years. And Pete? Come on. I love Pete. But he’s Pete. And as far as Pete and Beth? Well, he’s just—Pete. Beth has traveled all overthe world. And yes, she’s educated and articulate. Pete has been here. They just seem like opposites.”

“Appearances are deceiving,” Andi offered. “Because we perceive them throughourexperiences.”

“Pete is interested in sports, beer, and cars. Beth is interested in…”

“Pete,” Andi said.

“Okay. It just seems weird to me—like a mismatch. Do you really think Beth wants to talk about carburetors at the dinner table?”

“I think you’re underestimating them both. Pete has always loved cars. I remember him bringing his Matchbox to school. He had a hot rod lunchbox. That doesn’t mean cars were his only interest. You don’t have the same view of Pete and Dale as I do. You were still in middle school when we graduated from high school. Pete worked for everything he has.”

“I know Pete works hard.”

“He’s also a walking encyclopedia.”

“About cars,” Billie said.

“No. About almost anything—if you asked him. I don’t think he was ever tested, but I’d bet this house he has eidetic memory.”

“Seriously?”

“I am serious,” Andi said. “He used to help me study for history tests. I was terrible at memorizing dates and names. I could write an essay, but ask me to complete multiple-choice tests full of dates? I was lucky to get a C. Pete was an ace. He helped meacemore than one history test. He was rebuilding cars and engines by the time he was in the eighth grade. Do you know why he’s been so successful with his shop?”

Bille shrugged.

“He’s had customers since high school. Pete offered to work on anyone’s car for a few bucks and the cost of parts.”

“I had no idea he was doing it for that long.”

“No. Why would you? Pete earned straight A’s in school and was a first-rate athlete. He could have easily gone to college and become an engineer who designed cars.” Andi sighed.

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