Page 84 of Grim

“Oh, there’s no doubt about that. I’ve never seen him like this before.”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. It’s hard to explain. It’s like he’s finally alive. You know... Not just going through the motions but actually living. I started noticing the change in him right around the time you moved in, but I didn’t actually piece it together until the night he showed up at the bar.”

“Yeah, that was a telling night.” I sat down on the edge of the bed. “I still don’t understand one thing.”

“Oh, and what’s that?”

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were his son? He told me about the thing with the club and you not wanting there to be any influence there, but I had no part in that. You could’ve at least mentioned it.”

“You’re right. I should have, and I have no idea why I didn’t. I guess I was just hoping that things would go another way. But don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they went the way they did.”

“Thanks, Skid.”

“It’s the truth. I may not always show it, but I love my ol’ man. He’s gotten us both through some tough times.”

“He said the same about you.”

“He’s not one for showing emotion.”

“I’ve noticed.” I giggled. “But when he does...”

“Yeah, it’s something.”

“So, what happens now?”

“There are some loose strings still needing to be tied up, but I figure he will be back soon.”

“And what about Delgado?”

“You know I can’t say much, but I don’t think you’ll have to worry about him anymore.”

“Thank goodness for that.”

“So, you’re doing okay?”

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“You sure?” he pushed. “I know last night had to be rough.”

“Yeah, that’s putting it lightly.” I glanced over at Luna as I whispered, “I was so scared. I’d tried so hard, but the fear of messing things up had me wondering if either of us was going to make it out of there. One wrong move...”

One tear rolled into the next, and before I realized it, I was full-on crying—something I’d tried desperately not to do, especially in front of Luna. Trying his best to console me, Skid placed his hand on my arm and said, “You did good, Jen. You did real good.”

Hearing him say that only made me cry more. I was becoming a blubbering mess when the door opened, and Lawson stepped in. “What the hell is this?”

I didn’t answer. I simply stepped over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging him. I held him close, letting the warmth of his touch calm me, and when my tears began to subside, I kept holding on.

I just didn’t want to let go. After several moments, he placed his mouth next to my ear and whispered, “I’ve got ya, baby. I’m not letting go.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me.”

“No need to apologize.” He gave me a light squeeze. “You good?”

“Better now.” I looked up at him with a smile. “Are you done doing whatever you had to do?”

“No, but I’m in dire need of some shut-eye. You ready to head home?”

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