Dark Guardian (Black Hoods MC #3) - Avelyn Paige Page 0,56
“Someone has to look out for you. I saw him bring you to the office. He treat you okay? Because if he doesn’t, I can still kick an ass or two at my age.”
I try not to laugh at the thought of Greg squaring off against Eugene. It’ll only upset his cranky ass even more if he thinks I’m laughing at him and not at the idea of it.
“He does, and he’s done so much for me.”
“You love him, don’t you?”
“I do,” I admit. “He’s rough around the edges, but he sees me for me. He understands me, as crazy as that sounds.”
“That’s good, Grace. But the offer still stands. He hurts you, I’ll show him what they taught me in Nam.”
“I’ll let him know. How about I bring him with me next week? I’ll bring enough burgers for all of us.”
“I won’t be there.”
“What do you mean?” What’s changed in the last couple of weeks that Greg isn’t going to be in his normal haunt? I check him over, and nothing has visibly changed.
“I’m going to the VA.”
“You’re what? Oh, Greg, that’s great. What made you change your mind?”
“You’re taken care of now.” How did that stop him from going to the VA? I’ve been after him for years, and that’s why?
“You refused to go because of me?” How in the world would I be the reason behind that? “I don’t understand.”
“I had a daughter once. Elizabeth. Bitty, as I liked to call her. When I came home from the war, she and her mother were both gone. I tried to find them, but I never did. I went to war, and she left me without so much as a goodbye.”
“I’m so sorry,” I nearly sob. “I had no idea.” He never really talked about himself or his family. How much more do I not know about him?
“You remind me of her.” My heart shatters inside my chest. He’s been through so much, and I never even scratched the surface of how bad it’s been for him. I knew he was alone, but not like this. Not in this way. “You even smile like her.”
“If you ever want to find her again, I might be able to help. There’s so many different ways to track someone down now.”
“I’ll consider it.”
As he walks away, I call out, “You never answered my question, Greg. Why am I the reason you didn’t go to the VA?”
“Someone had to watch out for you, and now that you’ve found yourself a man, I can finally retire from the post.”
“I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know that’s why you didn’t want to go.”
“Don’t go making a fuss about it,” he scoffs. “You gotta make me a promise, though. You’ll still come to visit me. Bring him. He and I need to talk about how fast he rides that bike of his with you on it.”
“You know I will. You’re family, Greg. It would be my honor for you to meet Eugene and the kids.”
“Kids, huh? Getting a pre-made family to boot? Well, good for you. It’s about time someone made an honest woman out of you.” If he only knew just how dishonest Eugene had really made me.
“They’re going to need a grandpa figure in their life. Think you might want to be that for them?”
“Grandpa?” he considers it. “I like the sound of that. Bring the kids with you too.”
“When do you go?”
“I’m on my way there now.”
“Would you like a ride?”
“Nah,” he answers with a dismissive wave. “They’re supposed to send some van to collect me and my things. You let me get settled in for a couple of days and then come by.”
Walking over, I hug him. He’s stiff at first, but then he hugs me back. “Thank you for watching out for me.” Releasing me, he backs away, shaking off the faintest look of sadness.
“Now don’t go getting all emotional on me. I better get going before I miss the keepers from the VA coming to get me.” Picking up my box, he hands it to me. “Don’t forget your promise, or my burgers.”
“I won’t.”
I watch him walk away before I let the tears flow freely. Knowing that he’s going to be safe and looked after is the best last day of work gift I could have asked for. He’s a good man who’s had a hard life. It’s high time he got to enjoy his golden years.
Unlocking the car door, I slide the box into the passenger seat.