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“He’s proud of you.”
“I’m all the family he has left. I’d hate for him to not be proud of me.”
“He loves spending time with you too.”
“I hope you’re not trying to guilt me into spending more time here?” he said as he put the casserole on the counter. “Can this go in the refrigerator?”
“It can. It’s cool. I carried it the whole way from Strawberry Sands.”
“You really walk the whole way up the beach?”
“It’s only a few miles. Not far.” And they were good for her. She needed to get out and move around more. She had a tendency to stay at home and fiddle around the bed-and-breakfast. Getting out, getting in the fresh air, stretching her legs, and getting some exercise was really good for her.
“I wasn’t trying to guilt you into anything. Although, your dad loves to see you. That’s a fact.”
“I know it.” He sounded a little sad, like he wished he could be there more.
“I wanted to mention that I was bringing the casserole, mostly because I wanted to, and I often bring him something to eat, but he’s looked a little more frail to me over the last few weeks or so.”
“I have a doctor’s appointment set up for him for next week. I’ve noticed that too.”
“Good. I’m glad you’re on it.”
“That’s part of the reason I wanted to make sure I talk to you.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I was hoping that you could help me keep an eye on him.”
“Of course. You don’t have to ask. I’m doing that anyway. And I enjoy it. I consider Joe a friend.”
“He’s blessed to have friends like you.”
She noticed the wording and wondered at it. “You’re not moving back?”
“I can’t. I’m needed in Chicago.”
“Your dad needs you too.” She didn’t mean to give him a hard time, and she wasn’t sure why she was pushing him. She didn’t usually butt into people’s lives and try to tell them what to do.
“I suppose you’re right. But business calls.”
“You feel like you’re doing good in the world?” she asked, unable to understand what would keep someone from helping their parents when they needed it.
“I’m making money.”
That’s what she thought. It was always money that was more important than family or people. Folks got so mixed up. And by the time Pierce figured out what was really important, his dad would be gone.
“Is your dad the only family you have?” Joe had never mentioned if Pierce was married, and she got the feeling that he was either single or divorced with no children.
“I had a wife at one point. We had a child together, but she divorced me, got a big settlement out of it, and I haven’t heard from her in over a decade. Maybe two. I’ve lost count.”
“Do you see your child?” Why in the world was she being so nosy?
“No.”
“You should think about fostering children.”
He didn’t say anything but just stared at her. “So you’ve known me for exactly five minutes, now you’re telling me I should foster children? Maybe I’ve spent time in jail for molesting one and I’m not fit to foster.”
