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“It’s not his fault insurgents planted an IED along the roadside and Bill’s patrol drove over it.”
She’s preaching to the choir. “I agree, but Grayson seems to be spiraling.”
“Spiraling how?”
“He hasn’t gone on a crime spree or started shooting up drugs, but he’s clearly depressed. And his living conditions?” I wrinkle my nose.
“Darn. I told him to stop sending us money. We’re doing fine without it.”
“Sending you money?”
Wally didn’t mention Grayson supporting Liz’s family, and as far as I know, Grayson isn’t working while he’s attending school. He doesn’t have money to throw around. I think. I’m starting to realize I don’t know much about the man.
“It’s not much. Fifty dollars here, one hundred there. But it sounds like he can’t miss it. Where is he living? Please tell me he isn’t homeless. You hear these horror stories about homeless vets.”
I slap my forehead with my palm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to exaggerate. He has a perfectly fine apartment, except he’s not taking proper care of his place. It’s not like him.”
Or I assume it’s not like him. Frankly, I don’t know for sure. But I know I’m not exaggerating about Grayson’s depression. He’s not acting like himself.
Liz puffs out a breath of air. “At least he has a place.”
Her son Grayson comes running into the room full tilt. He doesn’t stop until he’s at his mother’s feet. “Can I watch Super Why? Please, please, please.”
She ruffles his hair. “Yes, but in my bedroom. We’re talking.”
He rushes off but returns seconds later. “Thank you!” he shouts before running off again.
“He’s adorable.”
Her face lights up with my praise of her son. “Yes, and very advanced for his age.”
“How old is he?”
“He recently turned four.”
For some reason, I assumed he was a baby. The timeline is confusing me, but it’s not what is important right now. “You named him Grayson?”
“Bill insisted. Those two – Bill and Grayson – were thick as thieves from kindergarten on. I met them when my family moved here when I was in middle school. I fell in love with Bill at first sight, but it took him longer to get with the program. I went off to college and Bill and Grayson joined the Army. Bill finally noticed me when he was home on leave one summer. We got together and the rest is history.”
“I’m sorry you lost him.” I can’t imagine. I can’t get over a man betraying me, and she has to deal with the heartbreak of her husband dying.
“Yes, thank you.” She clears her throat. “Anyway, what can I do for you?”
“I was hoping you could talk to Grayson, make him understand it’s not his fault Bill died.”
She shakes her head. “I’ve tried and tried. He won’t listen. He won’t pick up the phone when I call. And when he visits his parents, he avoids me like the plague.”
“What if you came to Milwaukee to see him? Like a surprise visit.” She starts to shake her head again, but I stop her. “I’ll pay for everything. Your gas to drive down, a hotel room if you want to stay overnight. Or you can stay with me. I have plenty of room.”
It’s true. I bought my house when I thought I was going to marry my shithead exand have lots of children. I should have sold it when everything went down, but I couldn’t. I love my house. And I wasn’t going to let that man take one more thing from me.
She stands. “I’ll think about it.”
Looks like it’s time for me to leave. I can take a hint. I dig a card out of my purse. “Here’s my information. Call me if you decide to come. Or just call me if you want to talk. I’m a good listener.” Or at least, I’ll try to be for her sake.
She takes my card, but by the way she looks at me, I’m afraid she’s going to throw it in the garbage the minute I leave. No problem. I can come up with another plan to help Grayson because I will help Grayson. Come hell or high water, I will not let the man wallow in his depression.
