Page 29 of Gary

“For what? Look, I am not blaming you for any of it. I know your hands were tied, but I am pissed and right now I am closer to leaving than anything else. How do I make things right? This family has hurt so many people. How the hell do I even begin to make up for it?”

“By doing it one step at a time. The building is still there, we could make a gesture and restore it – not a children’s home maybe, but a community center with all the amenities to cater to troubled youths. A non-profit organization where children can benefit.

A homework center, a free clinic, arts and crafts center, a basketball court, skills training, and such.” He aimed a glance at his nephew. “You could be in charge of it. You don’t need anyone’s permission to begin. You are the interim CEO of the company and your word along with mine has weight. You want to make amends, start there.”

Gary mulled it over and realized it had weight. A lot of weight and it certainly made sense.

Throughout the journey here, he had been plagued with thoughts of what the future holds for him. Meeting Sadie hadderailed his plans to just pack up and leave. Kissing her tonight had dazzled and frightened him. He had not wanted to let her go. That had never happened to him before.

He could always leave after a relationship was over and done with and never look back. He had shied away from lasting attachments because of the stain of his family name, and it had been extremely easy, because in the past, it had been casual, no one had made any dents.

But for the first time, it was different. He knew it. And had known it since he first laid eyes on her. Being with her tonight had cemented that realization. She was the one. The yearning he felt for her was eating away at him. He needed her more than food. Which meant he was stuck here and if he was, he had to do something.

“That is a very good idea. Sorry for lighting into you like that.”

“I don’t take it personally.” Graham assessed his nephew soberly. “My advice? Put away the anger and the resentment and try and work things out.”

*****

“Hi.”

“Hi,” Her voice sounded groggy as if she was waking up from a deep sleep and immediately, he was contrite. “I woke you; I am sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Are you still at the hospital? What time is it?”

“A little after midnight and yes, I am still here.”

“How is your dad?”

“He had an infection, a bad one, but he is holding his own. I just left to come and give you a call because I promised.”

“You didn’t have to. How are you?”

“Wanting you.” He blew out a breath. “I need to see you, Sadie.”

He waited for her to respond, holding his breath.

“I…, I guess I’ll see you at the coffee shop.”

He laughed at that. “You know damn well that’s not what I meant. Are you having second thoughts about us?”

“I am having confusing thoughts about us,” she admitted with a shaky laugh.

Walking over to sit on a chair, he was happy his uncle had decided to stay with his old man, so, he could have the room to himself.

“Is that good or bad?”

“I don’t know.”

“Need me to clarify things?”

“Can you?”

He laughed again, feeling the tension dissipating. “I can try.”

“You don’t have time…”

“I do have time. What we felt earlier is not something we can simply dismiss.”