“Which means?”
His expression turns sheepish. “It means that if avoiding a touchy subject is possible, I’ll take it. Path of least resistance and all that shit.”
It appears that Hank Sanders has had more than a moment of self-reflection.
He continues, “We just never talked about it. And then yesterday, when they found Marty, Becky took ithard.” He lets out a breath. “Real hard. I could tell she was upset. I wish she would talk to me, but I’m glad you’re here.”
He is?
I lower my arms to my side. “You’re not upset that she stayed?”
Hank shakes his head. “I would’ve been pissed if she drove home after drinking. She knows how I feel about it. I don’t care if she has a beer or wine. I don’t.”
“You don’t care?”
“I don’t care if she has a drink, but I don’t...drink alcohol. Not since back then.” Since the night Becky ended up at my house. The night I tried to get her to go to the police or the hospital. She refused. I still don’t think she was right to forgive him, but now, seeing him and learning all he’s done to redeem himself, I wonder if it’s time for me to drop my grudge.
There are more important things happening in Blue Gil.
I tilt my head toward the cottage. “Sure you don’t want some coffee?”
The door behind me opens. “Hank?”
I turn in time to see Becky, but she isn’t looking at me. I step back as Hank comes forward. Becky’s arms encircle his neck, and his large hands splay over her waist. Their murmurs of adoration make me both self-conscious and confirm that it’s time for me to accept them for who they are. I’m hardly without faults. “Shit, you two.”
When Becky turns to me, her eyes are moist with tears. “Sorry, Jillian.”
“No, don’t be. I’m sorry. If you two ever decide to renew your vows, I’ll be there.”
Becky smiles as she rests her cheek against Hank’s chest and reaches out until our hands are clenched.
“If you want me,” I add.
For the first time since he arrived, Hank smiles. “We’ll have to evaluate the guest list.”
Becky playfully swats at his chest.
Hank looks down, speaking to Becky, “The sheriff is making some announcements to anyone who can attend. It’s today at the high school at ten. I thought you might want to go home, eat, and clean up.”
“Shit,” I say, “what time is it?”
“Almost eight,” Hank replies.
He looks at me. “I’ll pass on the coffee.”
Becky’s gaze comes to mine, amazement and surprise both contending for her top expression. “You invited him to coffee? My husband?”
“Yeah, Mrs. Sanders, I did.”
Letting go of Hank, she hugs me. “Like a sister.”
I step back. “Oh shit, I need to check on Julie.”
“Let me know what you learn.” She turns to Hank. “My car is here.”
We all look out toward the parking area, seeing four vehicles.
“I’ll drive you home,” he offers, “and after the sheriff’s talk, I’ll bring you back here and you get your car.”
