9
Ellie and Pad chatted easily on the drive back to town. Since Winnie coerced them into being roommates, even if it was just for a few weeks, they wanted to learn more about each other.
“Where did you grow up?” Ellie spoke as she sped down the long driveway. “Your past seems to be pretty mysterious.”
“There isn’t much to tell. I grew up an only child with terrific parents. They lived in Virginia.”
“Was it lonely growing up without brothers or sisters? I can’t imagine what life would have been like without Shane or Kate teasing me, being there for me, and they helped me get through the best and worst times of my childhood.” Ellie stared straight ahead as tears hovered on her lashes.
“Were you very young when your father passed away?”
Pad’s gentle tone almost caused the flood gates of
