“That’s still not definitive proof.”
“It would be enough to confront my dad, though.”
“Is that what you’re planning to do? Confront your dad?”
Josh’s sigh sounded over the phone. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”
Of course, it was possible his parents already knew—but Maggie doubted it. She couldn’t imagine either of them being okay with Brad not acknowledging a son.
If Willwashis son, that knowledge put Josh in an untenable situation. “I’m sorry this is happening, Josh. When we started lookingfor Ethan’s look-alike, I never dreamed we’d end up going down this road. I feel responsible.”
“It’s not your fault, Mags. And I’m trying to hang on to the positive here. It’s possible I have a brother again—and he seems like a pretty great kid.”
“He really does.” Another thought had been on Maggie’s mind this week. “Have you considered doing a DNA test?”
“I’d have to get DNA from both Will and my dad, wouldn’t I?”
“I’m sure there’d be something of your dad’s at the house we could use. And as for Will...”
“What? Should I yank a hair out by the root as he passes by?”
She laughed at the absurdity, the bit of levity relaxing the tight muscles at the base of her neck. “I was thinking more like a utensil or used glass.”
“That’s no fun.” A long pause drew out between them before Josh continued. “I think we should go the research route for now. I don’t want to do anything that invasive or... sneaky.”
“Fair enough.” Maggie glanced at the house. She needed to get Zoey home. Ever since that twenty-four-hour bug she’d had last week, she needed an afternoon nap. “Well, I should—”
“Maggie, can we meet up sometime? Just you and me?”
Maggie blinked. What could Josh want to talk about that they couldn’t address on the phone—or with Zoey present? “Uh, sure. Yeah. Text me and we’ll set it up.”
“All right. Will do.”
They ended the call. But as Maggie said good-bye to Erin and her kids, as she put Zoey in her car seat, and all the way home, a sense of nervous anticipation fueled a release of adrenaline.
Chapter 22
Will finished cleaning the popcorn machine, then washed the grease from his arms, all the while observing Addison covertly. In the week since he’d joined the crew, they’d chatted a few times, just small talk. He liked the way she gave him her undivided attention when he spoke. The way she laughed at his jokes. He liked everything about her.
She glanced his way as she went about tidying up the lower deck. She did that a lot, and each time Will’s nervous system went on hyperalert. Was it possible she liked him too?
Yesterday he’d decided he would step up his game, but he hardly said two words to her during today’s tours. Who was he kidding? He had no game.
“See ya, Will.” Addison gave a wave and a smile.
It was the smile that did the trick. “Hey, Addison, wait up.” Will stepped out from the snack bar, drying his hands on his khakis, a move he’d surely regret later. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“Sure.”
He followed her off the boat where they said good-bye to Josh and Big D, who were changing an exterior lightbulb.
Addison and Josh were parked a short distance from the marina so he had only a minute or two.
“How are you liking the job so far?” she asked.
“Love it. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about working on a boat. But I enjoy making conversation with people from all over, and Josh is a pretty cool boss.”
She cut Will a glance. “And the rest of the crew?”
