“Likewise.”

My father clapped his shoulder. “Jake just got back from a rotation overseas. Can’t talk about it, but let’s just say he’s been keeping the bad guys on their toes.” He grinned the way men grin when they want credit for proximity.

We drifted toward the grill. Men talked about the Nationals like they were a stubborn child and the weather like it was a fond enemy. I stood at the edge of their circle, smiling when required, calculating how long a dutiful daughter stays before escape qualifies as respect.