"Midland, Texas," she says, with a little tug in the corner of her mouth. "Born there, went to school there, didn't ever get any further than just down the road until I ended up here. I was a waitress in a diner.". She lifts her glass and takes a swallow of her beer.

"Here, I own the damn bar and I'm on of the Principles at the school. Not bad for little ole Charlene Andrews."

She smiles, self depreciating, and shakes her head. "What about you, Sam? Tell me a little 'bout you."