Page 15 of Just Let Go

Gus appeared in the doorway. “Everyone, you remember Grady.” Her father scooted to the side and a much taller, broader, stronger-looking man came into view.

Quinn frowned. The guy from the diner? The cocky one with the temper? What on earth was her father thinking inviting this guy to her celebratory dinner? Granted, she didn’t know it was a celebratory dinner when she’d arrived, but now that she did, she didn’t want him to be a part of it. Grady whatever-his-name-was didnotdeserve cake from Dandy’s.

Quinn glanced at Beverly, whose adoring expression appeared to have shifted from her father to the much younger man at his side.Oh, please.This guy was not to be admired. Had they all forgotten what he’d done to Betsy’s diner?

“Good to see you again, son.” Judge was using his judge voice.

Grady glanced over, visibly surprised to see the man who had issued his punishment sitting at the table in a social setting. He’d learn. This was how things worked in Harbor Pointe.

“Here, have a seat.” Gus pointed at the chair next to Quinn, then moved to the end of the table opposite the judge.

Quinn stared straight ahead while Grady found his seat.

“This is Calvin sitting across from you, and Beverly next to him. You already know Judge Harrison.”

Another glance toward Judge’s end of the table. Quinn almost smiled at the serious expression on the man’s face. How anyone could find Judge—a big, soft teddy bear—intimidating was beyond her. But people did. He was one of the most well-liked men in Harbor Pointe, but he was also one of the most feared. He was known for being fair and honest, but nobody ever had to wonder what the man was thinking.

She hoped some of that had rubbed off on her after all these years.

“Sir.” Grady gave him a quick nod, then turned his attention back to Gus.

“And this is my daughter Quinn.” Gus gave her a warm smile. She didn’t smile back. She’d let out a groan, but it would be too obvious.

“You were at the police station.” Grady was turned in her direction.

Quinn took a sip of water. “So were you.”

Judge let out a laugh. Quinn could sense her father’s eyes on her. He’d want her to behave, but she couldn’t help it. She knew Grady’s type. Not all the tourists understood or appreciated their way of life in Harbor Pointe. Maybe Quinn wasn’t being fair, but she didn’t feel the need to welcome this guy into their family.

“Beverly made the meatballs by hand. You’ve never tasted anything so good.” Gus nodded at the woman sitting next to him.

“Thanks for having me,” Grady said.

“Let’s pray.”

Oh no.Quinn forgot about the prayer. And the hand-holding.

What was she, twelve? It was no big deal. She watched as they all joined hands and felt a prodding squeeze from her father on her right. Slowly, she held out an upturned hand and Grady looked atit, confusion on his face. His eyes scanned the table, and when he realized they werethatkind of family, he reached over and slid his strong hand around hers.

“Lord, we thank you for this meal and for every person around this table. We thank you for bringing us together...”

Quinn’s eyes fluttered open, and even with her head still bowed she could feel Grady shifting at her side. Prayer must make him uncomfortable.

“And thank you for bringing our new friend, Grady, into our lives. We pray his time here in Harbor Pointe is fruitful.”

A nearly undetectable scoff at her left pulled her eyes open again. She glanced over, but he was staring at his lap.

“Amen.”

In unison, everyone grabbed the dish closest to them and started passing.

Quinn picked up the salad and served a spoonful onto her plate. Calvin started the bread around the table. And nobody said a word.

Quinn could appreciate her father’s charity—he had a heart as big as his head, but it often misled him. Look at his marriage, after all. How did he keep from letting it all make him angry? He’d been taken advantage of over and over again, yet Gus Collins was still one of the kindest, most generous people she knew.

“Where are Carly and Jaden?” Quinn asked. “Shouldn’t they be here?”

“Yes, they absolutely should,” Gus said. “But Carly had to work and Jaden had some school project due. They were sad to miss.”

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