Chapter 24

Joe watched until he was out of sight before walking back into the house.

He met up with Ed. “She’s upstairs unpacking. How’re you doing?” Ed looked at him like he expected Joe to fall apart any second. Shit, he wasn’t going to break down over what was essentially good news. He certainly didn’t think any less of Ed for letting his emotions get the better of him the other day ’cause that was different. Hell, Ed’s dad had died, and a shitload of unfairness had kept them from getting to know each other. That was sad. This was good. Right?

“Fine.” He turned toward the kitchen, intending to prepare lunch.

“Good.” Ed followed him. “Well, if you want to talk about it or anything…”

He hated talking about stuff like that. “I should tell you about my family.”

“I realize I don’t know anything about what happened, but your dad made some nice gestures today.”

“That surprised me, ’cause he’s not one for admitting his mistakes, you know?”