Page 16 of No More Lies

“Probably. How’s the head?” Dex glanced over at him.

“It’s good,” Steve lied. Four painkillers and a gallon of water had yet to help ease the throbbing.

Dex grinned, obviously not believing him.

“Thanks for last night, Dex. Sorry I screwed up your evening.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He turned into Jerry’s parking lot. “Just don’t make a habit of it.” Steve glanced at him, seeing he was being serious.

“I forgot hangovers get worse as you get older. I won’t be doing that again for a while.”

“Glad to hear it. You got a plan?”

“Other than going to breakfast with my daughter? No, not yet.”

“I don’t know when we’re spinning up, but in the meantime, call me or any one of the guys before you’re tempted to get shitfaced again. Got it?” Dex had stopped beside Steve’s truck.

“Yes, boss.”

Dex held out his fist and they fist bumped. Fuck, he was lucky to have a team leader like Dex and be in Onyx. If he’d still been in SEALs, he would have been in serious shit for his behavior last night if it had got back to their CO. Dex took things like this in his stride, though, and wouldn’t even mention it to Sam. It didn’t stop the shame rolling through him again that Jerry had felt the need to call his team leader in the first place.

Steve started his own truck and opened the glove box for the bottle of water and aspirin he kept there. Slugging back another two tablets, he prayed like hell his head would ease by the time he reached his in-laws’ place. He checked his phone to see if there was a message from Diane, not surprised when there wasn’t. He hesitated just a moment before sending a text.

Hey Angel. I’m sorry about what I said yesterday. I love you and I don’t want to lose you. I’m taking Megan to breakfast at the Sunshine Diner. Please come and join us. No drama I promise. Just Saturday morning breakfast with our daughter. Xx

He knew she wouldn’t come, but at least he had extended the olive branch. He wasn't proud of his behavior yesterday. He needed to apologize. He loved Diane and would not give up on his wife. Ever.

The diner was busy. Normal for a Saturday morning, but they didn’t have to wait long for a table. Megan had been ready and waiting for him and was out the door running down the front path before he’d even put the truck in park outside his in-laws’ home. He just made it out of the truck in time to catch her in his arms and swing her around. A move he wished he hadn’t made when his head started spinning.

Megan hadn’t stopped chatting since, telling him what she’d got up to yesterday. Grandma and Grandpa had taken her to the movies to see some animated film with talking dogs, then they’d gone for pizza. He was forever grateful to have such good in-laws. They understood what he did, and never questioned or complained about taking Megan. His own parents were the same, though they were currently vacationing in Europe. Without all of them, he and Diane would have struggled to juggle parenthood and their careers.

Megan clambered into the booth as Steve glanced around. Several families were still waiting for tables. As he slipped into the opposite side, he locked eyes with the man sitting alone in the booth behind them. The man smiled and Steve nodded before sitting down as their waitress greeted them.

“What can I get you, sweetheart?” The waitress smiled at Megan.

“Three chocolate chip pancakes and a chocolate milkshake, please.” Megan said politely.

“Right you are. And for Dad?”

“Black coffee, lots of it. And a breakfast special.”

“Coming right up.”

“Mommmmmmy!!!!!” Megan jumped out of the booth.

Steve turned in time to see Diane appear from behind the waitress. Though regretting the sudden movement, he stared. Diane bent down to receive a hug, and her gaze met his over their daughter’s head. She smiled gently. He smiled back with renewed determination to make this a nice family breakfast.

“What can I get you, mom?” The waitress had paused waiting for them to finish their hug.

“Just coffee, please.”

Diane sat opposite him, beside Megan.

“Not hungry?” he asked with a touch of concern. She looked tired.

“No. I just wanted to stop in and say hi.”

Before going to work. On a Saturday. He refrained from saying that aloud, though. Instead, he smiled. “I’m glad you came. I’m sorry about yesterday. What I said.”