Page 4 of Loving Decker

“Why are you so nervous?” she asked.

“I’m not…I don’t know.”

“Put on some country, roll down the windows, and let’s get out of here.”

He laughed at the humor in her face, and the old habits from high school lessened some of his adult burdens. “All right. You got it.” He cranked up some Garth Brooks that just happened to be on, lowered the windows, opened the sun roof, and peeled out in the gravel at the edge of the parking lot.

She laughed. “Now that’s more like it.”

“I’m sure the hospital staff heard that all the way up on your grandpa’s floor.”

“If they did, they’re smiling. Now, let’s get ourselves a burger at Sam’s before I pass out from hunger.”

“Do you think Judy is working?” he asked.

“Of course.”

The thought that one day she might not be there had never really occurred to him, but now with things changing, he realized Judy was probably hoping to retire.

The whole town was hoping to retire. Was that what Willow Creek had become? A bunch of people living for the decade before with nothing to look forward to?

He shook his head. “You know, I’m supposed to be an adult now. I’m supposed to know things and…decide things. And I just realized, I’m not cut out for this.” He laughed. But he really hoped she’d understand what he was trying to say. “Do you ever wake up and realize that you’re the adult in the room now?”

“Oh yeah. I do. Every single day.” Her face held pain, and again he was reminded of all the things that rested on her shoulders. So much. And he’d added more.

“But hey, let’s be adults together. You’re not alone in this. And Judy’s shakes always make everything better.”

She sighed and leaned her head back, but her expression was full of gratitude. “Thanks, Deck. I just really don’t know what I’m gonna do.”

He turned onto the main road that would take them into town. “At least we know God’s hand is always there.”

She turned to him, her eyes widening. “What did you say?”

“God’s hand. He’s always reaching out. He’s embracing, loving, helping, no matter what.” He shrugged. “Though sometimes I don’t see him or understand just what he’s doing.” That last mumble was meant more for himself, but of course she heard him.

“I totally get that.” Her small smile was satisfied and looked as though she held a secret. But she didn’t share, and he didn’t press her. He just couldn’t understand why he’d felt so compelled to go see Grandpa Haws, unless he’d been directed to find his old friend. Maybe the two of them could figure something out.

When they walked through the door to the cheerful burger place, Judy’s smile grew to fill her face. “Is that Decker Dawson? And Faith Haws? Oh, my whole day is made, darlings! You just come right in here. There’s a booth open over there; I’ll get your drinks ready.”

As soon as they were seated, Decker whispered, “Do you think she remembers our favorite drinks?”

Judy showed up that moment with two huge soft drinks. “Diet Coke for Miss Faith and a Dr. Pepper for you, Deck.” She winked and then waited.

“You’re amazing.” Faith took a deep drink. “Oh, and you remembered the cherry.” She grinned up at Judy, and for a second, Decker saw middle school and high school Faith in her eyes.

“Yes, I did. A hint, just like you like it.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Judy’s hair was now completely white. She kept it short. Her cheeks were a bit rosy and her eyes smiling. “How’s that grandpa of yours?”

“Oh, he’s just still there. Sometimes I know he hears me, and other times, I just don’t know where he is.”

“Probably reliving a wonderful life. That man was an angel to so many. Do you know how often he kept those vultures out of this town? He saved my little diner so many times by refusing to sell out. We owe a lot to that man.”

Faith smiled and looked brave, but Decker swallowed an uncomfortable amount of guilt on her behalf.

They ordered their burger of preference, and as soon as Judy walked away, Decker leaned across the table and reached for her hand again. “I am so sorry. I wish I could take back all that pressure I heaped on top of you.”

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