Page 22 of Shallow Remains

“No way. I was thinking I’d just pick up some trips for you on my days off. Make a little extra that way for the time being.”

“Sure, if you want.”

“Yeah. I don’t want charity. Not even from you.”

“I get it. But it’s not charity, and the offer’s there if you need it.”

“All right. Thanks.” Grey sighed, leaned back against the padded booth. “I’ll see how things go. Guess it’s probably best if I sell the place and start fresh anyway. Maybe I’ll do a few upgrades and list it early next year so it’s ready when the market picks up in spring.”

“I think that might be a good idea.” Staying in a place that reminded him of Beth every time he walked in wouldn’t be good for him. “You’ve got time to think it over though.”

Grey nodded, pensive. “I appreciate the talk. I know it’s not the same as what you went through, but it helps knowing you get it. Having to sell and start over, I mean,” he clarified.

Lachlan didn’t answer, because he couldn’t. He’d gone completely still, a giant hole opening up like a trapdoor at the bottom of his stomach.

Yeah, he had been forced to sell and start over once upon a time too. And no, his situation hadn’t been remotely the same as Grey’s.

Not even fucking close.

“Shit,” Grey muttered, shaking his head at himself. “That came out all wrong. Sorry. I meant⁠—”

“How about we just order some food? I’m starving.” Lachlan turned away to flag down the server. He ordered a stack of blueberry buttermilk pancakes with a side of crispy bacon. Grey ordered the famous crab cake benny with home fries.

They made an attempt at light conversation as they ate. Talked about Lachlan’s business, his plans to hire more part time help over the late spring and summer so he didn’t have to work seven days a week. They talked about the SAR team and the advanced first aid recertification course Grey was going to teach soon.

Anything but Beth—or that both of them were now single.

Lachlan’s attention shifted to the door when someone walked in.

Naya, Charlie’s widow. Lachlan hadn’t seen her since the funeral.

“Originally I had it planned over three nights, but I think I’ll change it to…” Grey stopped and glanced over his shoulder when Lachlan kept staring. Quickly stood as Naya approached them.

Hell. This was the last thing Grey needed right now.

“Morning,” Grey said to her.

She flashed them a smile that was a little strained, her long dark curls pulled back into a ponytail and frizzy from the rain. “Hi. How are you two?”

“Fine,” Grey answered for them both. “You?”

“I’m…doing the best I can,” she said with another tight smile. She looked as done in as Grey, dark shadows beneath her liquid brown eyes. Couldn’t be easy trying to pick up the pieces after Charlie’s death and raising his kids on her own.

“Haven’t seen you around lately,” Grey said.

“No. I flew back to see my parents in Michigan for a while. Just got back yesterday.” She glanced at Lachlan’s plate. “Well, I won’t keep you from your breakfast. I think I’ll get the pancakes too. They look good.”

“Do you want to join us?” Grey gestured to the booth seat he’d just vacated.

“That’s really sweet of you, but…thanks anyway. I’m just gonna eat and run.”

Grey smiled stiffly, and Lachlan winced inside. “Sure. Take care.”

“You too.”

Grey kept watching Naya as he slid back into the booth.

Someone would have to know him really well to see it, but the emotions he’d tried to bury were right there in his eyes. He was a man staring longingly at the one thing he wanted most in this world and could never have.