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I step inside, take a seat at the table, and stare at the empty place my father once occupied

I’d be lying if I said his death wasn’t the best—and si to happen to this family

Mas under his eyes and the stench of spilt liquor and cigarettes wafting off last night’s clothes

“Morning, Cash,” Mama says

“Morning, Mah his disheveledme an amused look across the table

“What?” I mouth

He sht?”

I shakeabout?”

“You ran into Blaire Abbott last night and then the two of you left together Now you’re sitting here looking like you didn’t sleep a wink” He shrugs “Must’ve been a late night for you is all I’”

“Wyatt, you ran into Blaire?” Mags

Mama loved Blaire ht hohter she never had,” and especially loved to take her under her wing I can’t recall howin the kitchen, Ma Blaire how toher curfew because they were too caught up talking about old movies and local folklore Plus, Mama knew all about Blaire’s less-than-matronly stepure

Only recently did I find out Blaire’s father and h school Mama’s version of events is that Oliver Abbott was absolutely smitten and obsessed with her They had plans to h school—until my father rode into town and swept her off her feet