"Brandon."

Having an unexpected guest made things awkward. I straightened up instinctively.

After composing myself, I said with a slight sigh, "You didn't have to listen to Dave. He just video-called me yesterday, and now he's making you come all the way from River City."

Dave was great, except for being such a worrier. Back in Celestine, he'd even remind me to wear more clothes if the temperature was dropping the next day.

So after I returned to the country, he ...