Page 74 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

“Oh? Remember who raised me.”

Brody’s anger dissipated some. “All the more reason for me to distance myself from you. You ran away and latched onto the first man who showed you a little kindness. That’s all.”

“This is your version of kindness? I’d hate to see what you thought torture was.”

Brody closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to maintain his composure. Noah didn’t make it easy. When he reopened his eyes, Noah had removed the apron and stood inches from him.

“I’mstillthe same boy you wanted to protect, daddy. Nothing has really changed.”

“Everythinghas changed,” Brody said before grabbing his wallet and…shit, my truck.He had no idea if Lex had brought it back yet, so he swiped his motorcycle keys. “I have to go. Clean up your mess when you’re done.”

“Gee… I could say the same thing to you.”

Brody clenched his teeth, but somehow remained quiet on his way out the door. As soon as he was on the other side, he felt lighter. Like he could breathe again. He made his way down and into the small garage where he stored his motorcycle. He turned the engine over. The machine rumbled under him, like a living thing. Powerful. Strong. Not like the weakness he had when he was around Noah.

He usually didn’t ride it until he’d serviced it after winter storage—which he hadn’t managed to do yet—but he had little choice. There was no sign of his truck yet. Roaring out of the lot, the chill early spring air was almost painful against his face.

He needed the punishment after what he’d done.

Not long passed before he was tucked into his usual booth. Gracie ambled over to the table with a grin. “Hiya, handsome. Where’s your friend from yesterday?”

“Not here,” he answered.

“Oh, that’s too bad, sweetie. He was a cutie. You two looked good together.”

Brody winced inwardly. “Wasn’t meant to be.”

“Sorry, hon. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you with a fella in here. I was hoping you’d found someone.”

Brody shook his head. “I’m fine on my own, Gracie.”

She shrugged. “Want your usual?”

“Yes, ma’am.” But then he thought about it a moment and glanced at the menu. “Actually, no… I think I want the number four today.”

Gracie wrote the order on her pad. “Okay, Mr. Adventurous! I’ll go put in your order and grab your coffee.”

“Thanks, Gracie.”

He leaned back in the seat and studied the vacant spot across from him. It seemed particularly empty now. As empty as he was inside.

Gracie was back with his cup and the steaming pot of coffee a moment later, saving him from his maudlin thoughts. She poured his coffee. “You know, my George and I were married for nearly sixty years before he passed.”

George had passed only months before he’d started coming in for his late breakfasts. He’d heard of the man and seen him around town a time or two, but hadn’t really been introduced. “I believe I’ve heard that before. That’s a long time to be with one person.”

“It is.” She sat the pot down on the table. “After that long with one, fine man, I wasn’t sure how I was going to survive on my own. But then, once a few years had passed, I realized I was just as strong on my own, without him. I still miss him dearly, of course… but losing him didn’t break me the way I thought it would. Alone is fine… you get used to it. But being with someone is even better.”

“Depends on the other person,” Brody said. “But you’re an amazing woman for pushing through all that.”

“No, I’m not. I simply kept going. I knew if I stopped, I’d die.” She tilted her head. “You go through the motions, some days, hmm? But what’s the point without love in your life? What’s the point of going on?”

Brody tried to ignore her subtle hints. “You’ll be around longer than I will.”

Gracie chuckled. “I certainly hope not.” She lifted the coffee pot and smiled at him. “This old body is worn out. I’m ready to slow down and soon.”

“Slow down? You mean, close Gracie’s?” If that was the case, the day was turning out to be worse than it had been when he woke up.

Gracie nodded. “It’s time. The business is slowing more and more. And so am I. Something big’s coming, I can sense it—so when someone came and made me an offer, I accepted. Next month will be my last.”

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