Page 122 of Waiting for Redemption

Speak of the devil.

Doug comes walking up to shake my hand, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Hey Doug, I’ve been well, how about yourself?”

“Ah, you know. One day at a time.” He takes a deep breath, folding his arms over his chest.

“I do indeed.” Doug has been sober for three years, and from AA meetings to the conversations we’ve had at the center, I know some days are harder than others for him to stick with it. We all have our moments.

“You know I’m here for you man. Just a phone call away,” I remind him.

“Actually, I had something I wanted to run by you. You have a minute to talk?” His tone is serious, piquing my curiosity.

“Sure.” I nod to Harold and Don as we walk back to Doug’s office. He closes the door behind us and gestures for me to have a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“It’s no secret that we’re having to turn people away due to being at full capacity. It’s been like this for some time now.” I nod in agreement.

“I’ve been toying with the idea of opening another location, but between Tiff and I running things here, and Lily not doing so great—I just don’t see how we could manage it.”

“I hate to hear that she’s in ill health, an expansion would be life-changing for some, but you can’t overextend yourself, Doug, especially not when Lily needs you.”

“You’re right. And I have no intention of doing so. That’s why I wanted to talk toyou.How would you like to be a partner inThe Veterans Center, and run the second location?” My eyebrows raise in surprise.

“I’d be honored but… why me?” His whole body shakes as he leans back in his chair, laughing at my question.

“Out of every person I’ve had come in here on a volunteer basis, no matter how long or short term they stayed—you’ve been the one with a fire behind your participation here. You want to help, you want this place to run smoothly, you want the tenants to feel comfortable and like they’re right at home, not just inahome. You fix things without being asked, you see needs that others don’t and you act on them without hesitation. If you ask me, you were born to do something like this.” I’m stunned silent and completely humbled by his words. He’s right though, I love coming here every week, helping out in more ways than just what’s expected by volunteers. I enjoy bringing Maverick and Hendrix up here to help spread some smiles when things seem otherwise gloomy. But I’m not sure what that would look like for our family.

“I would love to. Can I talk with my wife about it and get back to you?”

“I wouldn’t let you acceptwithouttalking to her first.” He chuckles. “Alright, I’ll let you get back to it. We’ll talk again soon.” He dismisses me from his office and all I can think about the rest of the day is that I can’t wait to see what Ruby thinks about the idea. Because my mind is all but made up about it. Just as I am finishing up a game of poker with some of the guys my phone goes off.

Tucker

Gym in 20.

Me

Yup. Leaving here soon.

Tucker

Mav with you?

Me

Not today.

Tucker

Dammit. Bring him over soon.

Me

Dude, just get a dog already.

Tucker

Give me yours.

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