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time since I’ve used a bathroom that wasn’t at a truck stop.”
    “You drove here?” Gravel bellowed.
    “Yeah, that’s pretty much the only way to get my car here. Bathroom?” She said, ignoring Gravel and looking at me.
    “Ethel will show you,’ Gravel said, ‘then we’re going to have a fucking talk about what happened for you to come here.”
    “Yes, sir,” Marley said, saluting Gravel and followed me into the house.
    “Sorry for interrupting you,” Marley said as soon as the screen door slapped shut behind us.
    I felt my face heat, knowing my cheeks were glowing with embarrassment. “Don’t worry about it,” I replied, ducking my head.
    “So how did you two meet? No disrespect, but you’re really not my father’s usual type.”
    I glanced behind me as we walked down the hall to the bathroom. “I’m very much aware of your father’s type, and I’m thankful I’m not it.”
    I flipped on the bathroom light and stood off to the side of the door.
    “I really am sorry for barging in on you. I’ll just use the bathroom quickly and be out of your way. My dad can come see me at the hotel in town when he’s done,” Marely said, remorse written on her face.
    “Don’t be foolish,’ I said, assuring. I could tell Marley really was a sweet girl who was going through something and came to her father as her last resort. ‘You can stay here and talk to him and figure things out. I don’t mind. Some of the guys from the club and my son, Lo were just going to take care of a dead tree.”
    “I really appreciate it, but I need some sleep. I haven’t really slept since I left California two days ago,” she said as she smothered a yawn with the back of her hand.
    “You left California forty-eight hours ago, and you are in Wisconsin today! Did you drive straight through?” That had to be the only way Marley had made it here so fast. Something must be chasing her for her to get here so quickly.
    “Yeah. I just wanted to get here,” she said, her eyes darting to the left again. I could tell that whenever Marley was telling a lie, she lost eye contact.
    “Well, I have a guest bedroom your dad has been using, and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind you taking a nap in it. I’ll hold him off for a bit if you want to sleep,” I offered, feeling sorry for Marley.
    “I know I should refuse your offer, but I’m so exhausted I’m going to take you up on it,” she said, leaning against the door frame.
    “Next door down on the right. I’ll take care of your dad,” I promised, turning to walk back outside.
    “Thank you, Ethel. I uh… I just need… uh, just thank you.” Marley stuttered, backed into the bathroom and shut the door.
    I looked at the closed door, wondering what it was that Marley was hiding and running from.
    “Ethel!” I heard Gravel call through the screen door.
    I headed down the hall and out the door to see Gravel and Lo in a face off.
    “Tell your son to back off.” Gravel’s eyes connecting with mine.
    “What?” I asked, having no idea what the heck was going on. I looked out into the yard and saw everyone watching.
    “This is the kind of man you want to be with, Ma?” Lo asked, not taking his eyes off Gravel.
    Oh no. I guess Marley wasn’t the only one who had seen Gravel, and I kiss. “You mean the same man you were before you got together with Meg?” Gravel shot back.
    “That’s fucking different,” Lo growled.
    “Bullshit,” Gravel said.
    Lo advanced on Gravel, his hands fisted at his sides. “I have you come stay with my mom so she can take care of you, and this is how you fucking thank me?”
    This was ridiculous. “Both of you, knock it off,’ I called, walking over stood in between them. ‘You need to take your head out of your ass, Lo. I am fifty-eight years old and don’t need your permission on who I can and can’t date,” I scolded him. I know he had good intentions, but I did not need him deciding who I could date.
    “I told you it had nothing to do