“I’m sure.We’re cutting him off.No more information, no more chances.He’s blood, but he’s not family.Not the way you are.Not the way the people here are.”
Grams was quiet for a long moment.When she spoke again, her voice had steadied.“You sound different, Victor.Stronger.Like you’ve finally found your place.”
Vic smiled despite the ache in his lip.“I think I have.Grams...there’s someone.Her name’s Bonnie.She’s...God, she’s everything.Fierce and talented and stubborn as hell.I’m in love with her.Really in love.”
The silence that followed was stunned.
“You’re inlove?”Grams sounded equal parts shocked and delighted.“My Victor?The one who swore he’d never let a woman tie him down because ‘the road don’t wait’?”
Vic laughed softly.“Yeah, that one.She’s different.She makes the music better.Makesmebetter.I want you to meet her.”
“Well, bring her home, baby.You hear me?Standing invitation.You two come stay a week or two whenever you want.I’ll make your favorite meatloaf and that peach cobbler Bonnie might fight me for.I want to hug the girl who finally caught my grandson’s heart.”
“I will,” Vic promised, warmth spreading through his chest.“Soon as things settle a little.I love you, Grams.”
“I love you more.Be safe, Victor.And tell that Bonnie I said she’s already got a place at my table.”
They said their goodbyes, and Vic sat there for another minute, phone warm in his hand.The weight of the night felt lighter somehow.He scrolled to another contact and hit Call before he could overthink it.
Sheri answered with the familiar warmth he’d come to count on.“Vic Montrose, as I live and breathe.You better be calling because you’re finally settled somewhere and not because you’re sleeping on another stranger’s couch.”
He laughed.“No couch.I’ve got a room at a friend’s place.Actually...I’ve got a lot more than that.”
“Oh?”He could hear the smile in her voice.“Do tell.”
“I’m with someone, Sheri.For real this time.Her name’s Bonnie.She’s a guitarist, a singer, runs her own band.She’s tough as nails, funny as hell, and she scares the shit out of me in the best way.I’m in love with her.Told her so and everything.”
There was a beat of silence, and then Sheri let out a loud, joyous laugh that made him grin like an idiot.
“Finally!Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.I have been praying for this day since you crashed on my couch looking like a kicked puppy.She must be something special if she got through that thick skull of yours.”
“She is,” Vic said, still smiling.“You’d like her.She doesn’t take any shit, including from me.”
“Good.You need that.When do I get to meet the woman who finally pinned you down?”
“Soon, I hope.We’re figuring things out, but it feels right.Really right.”
Sheri’s voice softened.“I’m happy for you, Vic.You deserve this.After all the pretty-boy bands and the running and the heartbreak—you deserve someone who sees you.”
“Thanks, Momma Sheri.”
“Anytime, kiddo.Now go tell that girl you love her again.And call me when you two are ready for a visit.I’ll cook enough to feed an army.”
Vic was still laughing when he hung up.He sat on the steps a while longer, the night air cool against his skin, the ache in his lip and knuckles a distant thing now.
For the first time in a long time, everything felt like it was falling into place instead of falling apart.
He stood up, brushed off his jeans, and headed inside.He was ready to ice his lip, text Bonnie good night, and sleep like a man who finally knew where he belonged.
