Page 3 of Gideon

“Do us all a favor and?—”

Gideon didn’t wait around for him to finish his rude comment. He was out the door, already pulling out his phone to figure out which town he’d head for next. It had been a mistake coming here. He’d thought God had led him, but he’d been wrong. Somehow, he’d misunderstood or misheard.

He marched across the parking lot, his shoes crunching on the broken pavement until he heard a shout.

“Hold on!” Gideon turned as the bartender lumbered toward him. “Do you have a minute?”

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t leave a tip.” He reached for his wallet, but Charlie held his hand up to stop him.

“I told you, it was on the house, but that’s not why I came out here. It’s about Joey.”

“What about him?”

“I’m sorry about what happened back there. Joey can be…difficult sometimes. He’s not very good at explaining himself.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. I’m his son, remember? I’m well versed in his moods. After all these years, I thought I could get through it, but I was wrong.”

“You sure?”

“If I go back in there, I can’t be certain I won’t do something I’ll regret.”

“What if you give him some time to sober up?”

“Is he ever sober?” Gideon shook his head and headed for his truck.

“Please. Give him another chance.”

“I probably would if I thought that’s what he wanted.”

“I’ve known Joey for a few years now,” Charlie said, “and I can tell you he needs another chance from you. He’s not well.”

“I know. I heard from my brother he had a stroke.”

“That, yeah, sure. But a guy like Joey gets through that stuff all right.”

“By drowning himself in alcohol?”

“He talks a lot about his boys. What he said in there isn’t what he really thinks of you. He’s had a rough couple of days, and he’s got a few drinks into him, so he’s not himself.”

“You may have known him for a few years, but I’ve known him my whole life. Let me assure you, he’s more himself when he drinks than when he doesn’t. What happened in there was not out of the ordinary.”

“I know it’s none of my business, but I feel sorry for the guy. Underneath his…prickliness, I don’t think he wants you to give up on him yet. He just doesn’t know how to say it.”

Gideon squeezed his forehead. “While I appreciate your care for my dad—because he certainly has done nothing to deserve it—I don’t think me sticking around is going to help anything. You saw how he acted in there. I make things worse. I knew it coming here, but I hoped—I don’t know. He hasn’t changed. That’s clear. I knew what to expect. Or I should have known. If you say he’s getting along okay after the stroke, then I’ll take your word for it. He doesn’t need my help. I’m sorry.”

“Wait.” Charlie’s face puckered like he was being forced to say something he shouldn’t. “It’s not just his health.”

“I saw his business is closed down.”

“Things aren’t like they used to be around here.”

“I noticed that when I drove in. I can’t imagine the drought has been easy for anyone.”

“It’s worse than you think. Joey needs your help, but he’ll never ask for it. If you can ignore his bad attitude, just help him out. It would be worth it if you can stay long enough to make sure he’s got everything in order.”

“All right, look. All I can do is promise you I’ll think about it overnight. But from what I can see, there’s not a lot to sort out. His business is closed. There’s nothing but an empty workshop.”

“No, that’s not—” His eyes darted around the parking lot like he was worried someone would hear him. “There’s a lot against him right now. There’s a lotagainst all of us. If you can stick around long enough to see it…we could use your particular skill set.”

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