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“I know you, Cole. You used to run off a lot more. So soon we forget our troubled times.”
He's right, of course. I used to need to get away a lot. From my mom and her alcoholic asshole of husband who I refused to even call my stepdad. From Finn and his endless torment that he thought was one big fucking game.
A recharge so to speak.
“It felt good. Our old spot.”
Gramps smiles. “Such a gem. Gran loved it there.”
“I know. I do too.”
“She loved that you did. She talked to me about it often. We loved raising you, Cole. You know that. Anyway, I'm glad you're back. I have something to tell you. I went to the auction.”
My breath catches in my throat. Why would he go? To see the shop taken from us by some rich asshole who wants to turn it into some kind of chain, some kind of popular touristy thing, taking away what it stands for and all its charm?
Fuck, listen to me, getting all worked up again. Relax. Whatever happens, you'll deal.
“I bought the shop for you, son.”
My mouth drops open. It feels like my heart just free fell into my stomach. “Wait … what?”
“I bought it. I won it. Whatever. Finn tried to steal it right out from under me, but I'm still smart as a whip, I tell you. And I got it.”
I jump up and hug Gramps in his chair, my body lighter, my mind less clouded. But then I remember what Gramps said and backtrack. “Did you say Finn?”
Gramps nods. “He won't be bothering you anytime soon.”
“Damn, Gramps. I'm impressed. I can't believe this all went off without a hitch.”
He explains to me that he cashed in an investment, preparing to buy the shop as soon as he got wind of the auction date. Finn was an unexpected curveball, and he almost lost to him but got him in the end, still spending far less than he planned. So, he's giving me the rest to fix the place up and upgrade my equipment. And the best part is there's no rent. It's paid off in full.
Finally, things are looking up. We can survive now without having to worry.
Why then does something still feel off? Empty almost? Like one more piece is missing.
I'm pretty sure I know just what piece that is.
