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I realize, now, that they are the main reason I left. They didn’t want me there; I didn’t belong there. I had to find myself as an adult and I had to do it completely on my own. They were gracious enough to give me a small trust fund that I may have burned through in the first couple of years, but I put it to beneficial use.
Grayson’s parents, on the other hand…I can tell they love and support their son. His mom looks at him like he is her little prince. He told me he has dinner with them every Tuesday, and his mom always sends him home with leftovers. I love it, and I hope he knows how lucky he truly is.
***
WHEN YOU'RE READY
123
THE NEXT DAY, IT’S more like afternoon when I wake up.
Working nights has really done a number to my sleep schedule. I will have to try and go to bed early tonight so I don’t leave too late in the day.
I gather the things from inside my tent and stuff them in an overnight bag so I can put them in the trunk. I climb down from my tent and close it. This vehicle and all the gadgets are one thing I spent the money on that my parents gave me. I leave the picnic area scattered with cooking stuff and the chairs out while I quickly go to the grocery store to stock up on drinks and snacks.
“Riley.” I hear my name being called from an old beat up for truck as I pass it. I turn and see Lenard sitting behind the wheel.
“Hey, Lenard. Fancy seeing you here.”
“Old man’s gotta eat, ya know.”
“I hear ya.”
“You’re working tonight, right? My niece is in town, and I was telling her all about you. She’s kind of a free spirit like yourself.”
“I actually have the night off. Thats great that your niece is in town though, I would have killed to have an uncle as cool as you.”
Lenard’s brows drop, and he gives a little chuckle.
“You know, Riley, I have never seen Grayson this happy before.
Bebopping behind the bar and stuff. Not sure I have ever seen him smile so much.”
“I’m glad he is.”
“I dare to say, you had an important role in his attitude change.
He wasn’t doing great before you got here. He would space out
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T. SPEAR
at work, and once he didn’t show up to help unload inventory.”
That doesn’t seem like the Grayson I know.
“I can’t take that kind of credit, but maybe he did need someone to give him a little kick in the butt.” I give Lenard a wink.
“He needed something.” he laughs and slaps his hand on his steering wheel. “Well, I’m going to take off. Told my niece I would show her how to make her mom’s famous strawberry jam today.”
My brows pinch together, wondering whyhewould need to do that.
“Her mom passed away when she was fifteen, and her dad doesn’t know how it’s done.”
“I am sorry for her loss. She is lucky to have you, Lenard.” I smile at him.
“See ya around, Riley.” he says and puts the truck in drive.
