Page 41 of His Stepdad Wears Leather

“This town is… gloomy,” Chris murmured.

“It used to be amazing when I was younger,” Brody replied as he parked the truck in one of the spots for the diner—not that the two vacant buildings would care much had he parked farther down. “And there had been big plans to revitalize the area a few years back, but the man in charge—well, he’s not around anymore.”

“That’s too bad,” Chris said before opening his door and jumping out.

Brody climbed out of his seat and gave downtown the same thorough inspection it appeared Chris was giving it. What did the guy see? Was it something different than what he did? He remembered the way it was. The way it could be. Chris didn’t have that knowledge.

“Wasn’t there an ice cream shop over there? Behind the wood thingie?”

“The gazebo? Yeah—there was an ice cream shop, but it closed at least fifteen years ago.” He cocked his head toward Chris. “I wasn’t aware you’d been here before.”

“A long, long time ago. I don’t remember much, but I do remember going to that shop once or twice.” He turned around at the diner. “And I think I’ve been here before, too.”

“Everyoneeats at Gracie’s,” Brody said with a grin. He motioned forward with his head. “Let’s go.”

They walked in, single file. Brody waved to Gracie at the counter, in her bright blue and pink, old-school 50’s waitress uniform, bouffant hair, and the bright red lipstick she wore every day. She had to be pushing ninety and had the energy of a woman thirty years younger. Gracie gave him a smile and a wave before finishing up with her customer. By the time they were seated in his usual booth, Gracie came sidling over.

“Morning, my love,” she said to Brody. “Your usual?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He turned to Chris who was rapidly reading over the menu/placemat combo.

Gracie spoke up first, her eagle-eyes regarding Chris with interest. “And for you, darling? Or do I need to give you a minute?”

“No, ma’am,” Chris said with a grin. He lifted his gaze to her. “Combo number two, please. Eggs scrambled.”

Gracie scribbled the info onto her pad. “Coffee for you both?”

Brody nodded. As did Chris.

Gracie smiled and eyed Brody. “You gonna introduce me to your friend? First time I’ve seen you with anyone but Lex in here in years.”

Brody tried not to cringe. “This is myfriend, Chris. Chris, this is Gracie.”

Gracie put out her hand to shake Chris’. “Nice to meet you, Chris.”

Chris appeared a bit sheepish as he shook her hand. “Same, Gracie.”

Gracie seemed appeased for the moment. “I’ll get your order in. Be back in a jiff.”

As she walked away, Chris eyed him. “Who’s Lex?”

Was that a hint of jealousy I hear?“You met him last night at the door. He’s my head of security.”

“That intimidatingly huge dude?”

Brody grinned. “Yeah. He’s a bit formidable, but that’s what makes him good at his job. Lex is more bark than bite, but hecanbite when he has to.”

“You have breakfast with him… after a night at your place?”

Brody stared at Chris, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. Before he could answer, Gracie returned with two cups of coffee. She deposited a handful of creamers taken from her apron pocket on the table before offering them a wink. Brody didn’t use cream, which Gracie was aware of. The little containers were for Chris. She departed for the kitchen, leaving them alone again with the question hanging between them.

Chris regarded at him anxiously. Brody reached for a pack of sugar.

“Why do you sound a bit jealous?”

Chris frowned. “No… I’m not.”

Brody was sure it was a lie, but he wasn’t sure Chris was aware it was one.

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