Page 80 of When Morning Comes Around

“I figured as much. What’s happening with the divorce?”

“I’m going over to see Leanne after I talk to Jake.”

“Good. I’ve met her a couple of times, she’s what you need. And you listen to her, okay? Don’t go soft, do as she suggests.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Do you need money in the meantime?”

“No. Thanks, but no.”

“Well, if you decide that you do, just remember that your old dad’s got plenty. Whatever you need, I can cover it.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“So, if you’re going to work for Jake just for the money, you don’t need to.”

“Thanks.”

“I mean it.”

“I know and I appreciate it.”

He finished his oatmeal and pushed his bowl away. “Does that mean that you’re doing it for the money, but also to help the kid out?”

“Yes. It’s not as though I’m going to make much working for him part-time. I even offered to do it for nothing, but neither he nor Dom would hear of it.”

Her dad smiled. “Of course they wouldn’t.” He got to his feet and reached for his cane. “See how you go today but remember what I said.”

“I will. Do you need a hand down the front steps?”

“I do. I was about to ask you. Like I said, I’m not going to go doing anything stupid. I’ll ask for help when I need it. I’m hoping that you’ll do the same.”

She watched him put his coat on and then walked down the front steps beside him. He gripped her arm tightly but when they reached the bottom, he let go. “I can take it from here.”

She wanted to go with him but knew that she had to respect his choices.

“I’ll see you back here tonight, then.”

“Yep, see you later, honey bun.”

She watched him make his way toward the garden center – the business that he’d built from nothing when she was a kid, and where he’d worked almost every day for more than fifty years.

While she wasn’t thrilled that he’d decided he was ready to get back to work, she wasn’t surprised.

When he reached the entrance to the office, he turned and waved. She waved back and blew him a kiss. He was getting back on his feet; she needed to do the same.

~ ~ ~

Dom smiled to himself as he entered the bakery, where he was meeting Damon. He’d told his brother that he couldn’t make their workout this morning, but he had time for a quick catch-up before Damon met with one of his training clients.

April, the girl behind the counter, greeted him with a puzzled smile. It made him laugh. She did the same thing every time – she couldn’t tell him and Damon apart.

“Morning… Damon?” she guessed.

“Better luck next time. In fact, you’re guaranteed to get it right next time. I’m Dominic, but Damon should be here in a few minutes.”

“Sorry. One of these days I’ll figure out the difference between the two of you.”

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