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mom. The little bug of a car and his big talk made Troy feel ashamed.
    Troy forced a chuckle and shook his head. “I know you guys aren’t used to digs like this, but it’s only temporary.”
    Ty smiled. “You don’t have to use a broken Porta-Potty for a bathroom, do you?”
    Troy’s mouth fell open.
    Thane laughed. “Our uncle Gus had Ty shacked up in a place that makes this house look like the Ritz.”
    That raised Troy’s spirits a bit, but it was still a dump.
    Inside, the smell of tomato sauce and sound of sausage snapping in a sea of onions led them right to the kitchen.
    Thane sniffed. “Smells good.”
    Troy’s mom turned to face them, smiling. “And you all are looking at the new PR manager for McArdle & Swain . ”
    â€œHuh?” Thane looked confused.
    â€œIt’s a law firm. I got the job!”
    â€œThat’s great, Mom,” Troy said.
    â€œCongratulations! Let’s celebrate.” Thane showed her the cheesecake.
    â€œVery nice. Thank you. Sit right down, boys. There’s a pitcher of iced tea on the table.” Troy’s mom pointed with a wooden spoon.
    Troy and Ty sat down, but Thane stayed by the stove and asked if he could help.
    Ty leaned toward Troy and whispered, “‘Get back the Helena tickets?’ How are you gonna do that?”
    Troy pointed at his mom and shook his head not to discuss it. Under his breath he said, “Later.”
    He had a forkful of spaghetti halfway to his mouth when they heard the purr of an engine and the crackle of gravel and tires in the driveway. Footsteps on the front porch were followed by a knock on the screen door. Whoever it was didn’t bother waiting for an answer. The door squeaked open and the footsteps continued into the house and through the front hall. Before Troy could turn his head around, his mom’s mouth went slack. Her eyes widened in shock and she covered her mouth as she struggled to rise from her chair.
    â€œOh, my gosh.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    TROY’S HEAD SWUNG AROUND, even as his mom dashed from her place to meet Seth Halloway halfway across the kitchen floor. She hugged him and he picked her up and swung her in a big circle.
    â€œSeth!” Troy beamed and stood up, too.
    Seth grabbed him and pulled him and his mom into a hug. “Thought I’d surprise you both!”
    â€œOh, my gosh.” Troy’s mom glowed and she brushed some fallen hair from her face. “Seth, you remember Troy’s cousins—our cousins—Thane and Ty.”
    Seth shook hands with the two brothers he’d met in Miami the previous winter during Super Bowl week. “Hey, guys.”
    â€œSit down. Eat.” Troy’s mom was already reaching for the cupboard.
    â€œI didn’t mean to barge in on you, but I figured the surprise was worth the risk,” Seth said.
    â€œSo, what happened?” Troy’s mom gave Seth a plate and sat back down. “I thought you were fly-fishing in Montana before you went back to help out at Furman.”
    Seth cut a meatball in half, stuck a piece in his mouth, and chewed. “Well, I was fishing, then I got a call about another job.”
    â€œAnother job?” Troy’s mom raised a single eyebrow.
    Seth swallowed and took a drink. “You know the thing at Furman was only as a volunteer anyway?”
    â€œI think you mentioned it,” Troy’s mom said, “but you have to start someplace.”
    â€œYeah, but then I heard about this other thing. It’s not that I need the money. I’m set, you know that, but it is nice to get paid. Makes you feel like you’re worth something, even if it’s a couple of thousand dollars.”
    â€œWhat ‘other thing’? Stop with the suspense already, will you?” Troy’s mom nudged Seth’s shoulder.
    Seth glanced at Troy. “Word is, there may be a job right here, in Summit.”

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