Chapter 16

“Hi, Dad. Where’s Mom?”

Mr. Pappas was as tall as his son, with the same lean build, but his dark hair had long ago grayed, and the eyes that met Michael’s were brown, not green. Hooking a thumb toward the rear of the house, he said, “Putting the finishing touches on the food. She’s worried there’s not enough because Lois and Cullen brought all five of their kids when they said they were coming on their own. Go figure.” His gaze flickered to Tre. “I thought you said…”

But the words died out. Tre saw the exact moment recognition came.

Tre pretended not to notice the new light in his eyes. He extended his hand and offered his most polite smile. “Hi. I’m Tre. I’m a friend of Michael’s.”

“A friend of…” His gaze snapped back to his son. “You know Tre Griffin?”

The glance Michael shot him was more than puzzled. “Yeah,” he said slowly. “How do youknow Tre?”

“Who doesn’t?” Without further explanation, Mr. Pappas turned to the men he’d been talking to. “Hey! Look who’s here!”