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"I will. We all know now the police can arrest them. I feel better just knowing that."
"But, don't let that be a false security Grace. They can get to you faster than you can call if you let your guard down."
She smiled at him. Her smile was like the sun rose high. "I know. I won't let my guard down. I still have to protect Chiefy, even though she thinks she's protecting me."
"Right." He chuckled. He helped her out of the truck, then helped Chiefy down while Grace unlocked the door to the second bungalow. They'd swept up the dead bugs when they brought all the tools and paint over.
Chiefy ran into the bungalow and straight to the kitchen where her dishes were. She seemed to be doing a check. Sid did the same, checking to make sure no one hid inside and it was safe to leave them here. He locked the back door. He hugged Grace to him, kissed the top of her head and held her close for a while before pulling back.
"Okay. I've gotta go. I have a business to run."
She chuckled and slapped his butt. "Get going old man."
"Ouch."
"I didn't slap you that hard."
He grinned. "I meant the old man part. Ouch."
She laughed. He winked at her, turned the lock on the door on his way out, and felt like he was on cloud nine as he sauntered to his truck.
A few moments later he was pulling into his parking area. He sat in his truck a moment, staring at the Garage, trying to make his brain believe this had actually happened. Quinn's truck pulled in behind his and he laughed.
They met in the middle and he hugged his friend tightly. He both received and gave big thumps on the back.
He turned, as did Quinn, and both men stared at the Garage.
Quinn asked, "When are you getting a new sign?"
"As soon as I can. Do you know a good place to get one?"
"Yeah. I'll text you the information."
"Grace is planning a party on Saturday for a grand opening. I hope you and Jared will join us."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I've been on cloud nine since I heard you were buying this place. Both of my best friends here in the same town with me is like a dream. Other than the military, we've never lived in the same town together."
Sid thought for a moment. "You're right."
Quinn slapped him on the back once more. "I just wanted to come and wish you a happy first day at your place. If you need anything, holler. If those fuckers give you grief, get in touch with me. I've always got your six."
"Thanks, Quinn. I've got yours."
He'd always be there for his friends. They'd been through the shit together. They'd seen things most people never see. They had a bond that couldn't be broken.
Quinn gently punched him in the arm. "Gotta run buddy, but I'm never far away."
"Boy, don't I know that," Sid teased. Quinn laughed as he strode to his truck and Sid's heart felt light.
Coop pulled into the parking lot and got out of his truck. He shuffled toward Sid and chuckled. "You aren't going to get any work done staring at the place."
Sid laughed and shook his head. "As usual, you're right."
He unlocked the door for the first time as the owner. His fingers shook slightly as he realized it was all his now. And he and Coop started turning lights on and opening garage doors and getting ready for business.
42
Grace looked at the design on her computer. Did she love it? Yes, she did. Would Sid love it? She sure hoped so. The designer did such a great job with it. But, purples and teals and a heart in the middle might not be what Sid had in mind for his logo. She'd find out on Saturday.
