I went inside, leaving the door open behind me and hung my jacket on the jacket hook. Then I stood in the door, watching anxiously as Charlie tried to help Squaw help Billy Ray out of the car and into his wheelchair. I shuddered and stepped back behind the coat-rack, hiding.
"This is a surprise," Charlie was saying.
"It's been too long," Billy answered, turning to look at me where I was standing amongst the jackets. "I hope it's not a bad time." His dark eyes flashed up to me again, their expression inscrutable.
"No, it's totally a great time." Charlie said, twiddling his thumb and darting his eyes around the room, puzzled by the tension. "I hope you can stay for the game."
Squaw grinned. "I think that's the plan—our TV broke last week."
Billy Ray made a face at his son. "And, of course, Squaw was anxious to see Bella again," he said, adding, "if you know what I'm saying." Squaw leaned his head back and howled briefly while I fought back a surge of remorse. Maybe I'd been too convincing on the beach. How could he have not known I was using him for information?
"Are you hungry?" I asked, emerging from the coats and turning toward the kitchen. I was eager to escape Billy Ray's searching gaze.
"Naw, we ate just before we came," Squaw answered.
"How about you, Charlie?" I called over my shoulder as I fled around the corner.
Sure," he replied, his voice moving in the direction of the front room and the TV. I could hear Billy Ray's wheelchair follow.
The grilled cheese sandwiches were in the frying pan and I was slicing up a tomato when I sensed someone behind me.
"So, how are things?" Squaw asked.
"Pretty good." I smiled. Sometimes it was so easy to like Squaw. "How about you? Did you finish your car?"

238

Chapter 12

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