Page 79 of Tattered and Torn

While we eat, Hannah and Killian stop by our table to say hi.

“How’s the kid doing?” I ask Killian.

“He’ll live.” Killian shakes his head. “The dumbass. He’s lucky he only broke his leg. It could have been a lot worse.”

“You guys are coming to Ruth’s tonight, right?” Hannah asks us. “Maya has organized a bit of a celebration.” She laughs. “Of course, Maya doesn’t need much of an excuse to organize a party.”

“We’ll be there,” Gabrielle says, catching my eye as if to confirm.

“Lookin’ forward to it,” I say, lying through my teeth. I’d rather stay home and sit out on the front porch with Gabrielle to watch the stars come out and listen to crickets, but if Gabrielle wants us to go, we’ll go.

As they take their leave, Killian nods to me. “I never realized you had so much hair.” Then he winks at me. “It’s a good look for you, man.”

* * *

After dinner, I hang around the restaurant to help Gabrielle out. When the dinner period is over, I help her clean up the dining room, while the ladies clean up the kitchen.

We’re ready to leave for the tavern a few minutes before nine.

“Are you sure about this?” Gabrielle asks as she climbs into my truck. “We don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

I start the engine. “I’m sure.”

She leans over and kisses my cheek. “I appreciate what you’re doing.”

I brush off her thanks. “It’s nothing.” I’m attempting to play it down, but I think she sees right through me.

We drive into town, and I have to go around to the back of the building to find a parking spot. “Looks like it’s gonna be crowded tonight.”

When we walk in through the back door, Maya jumps up from a big table and waves.

It’s packed in here tonight. The tables are full. The dance floor is busy, as are the pool tables and the dart boards. There’s even a small crowd of youngsters standing around the juke box.

Ruth waves at us from behind the bar. “Glad you could make it,” she yells over the chatter. “Have a seat and I’ll come take your drink orders.”

I feel naked without my hat. I’ve gotten so used to being able to hide myself in public. Now I’m on full display. I notice a few curious stares.

Gabrielle reaches for my hand and links our fingers together. “Ready?” she asks, smiling.

I nod. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

We join our friends at a long table. Everyone’s here—Maya, Travis, Hannah and Killian, Jennie, Maggie and Owen, and Micah.

“Let me introduce you to Micah,” I tell Gabrielle. “He’s the helicopter pilot who flew Kirk to the hospital.”

Micah stands and offers Gabrielle his hand. “Micah Jackson,” he says. “Pleased to meet you.”

Like is sister, it’s apparent Micah is Native American. His hair is jet black, long and straight, held back with a leather tie. His skin is burnished a warm shade of copper, and his eyes are dark as obsidian.

“Please to meet you, too,” she says. “That was pretty impressive flying up at Pine Lake today. And I understand I have you to thank for the new brakes and tires on my Jeep.”

He laughs. “Yeah, I’m the resident grease monkey around here. If you need a vehicle fixed or a chopper ride, I’m your guy.”

Micah shakes my hand. “Hey, Burke.” He gives me a once over. “I didn’t know you had so much hair. Anyway, I’m glad you were on site at Pine Lake today and able to call us in so quickly. That poor kid was really suffering.”

Now that all the introductions are done, Gabrielle and I take our seats, opposite Maya and Travis.

“Hey, girlfriend,” Maya says as she offers a fist bump to Gabrielle. “Glad to see you could make it.”

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