Page 21 of Night By Night
After Hank’s shower he gathered their dirty laundry and carried it out to the garage, where the washer and dryer were located. Another good thing about this house—no more laundromat trips. That would save him money and time every week.
Sounds echoed in the empty one-car garage as he separated the loads and put in his work clothes first. He was down to two pairs of work jeans.
One good thing—since he barely had any shit, he could park the truck in the garage, if he wanted. He hadn’t gotten that far yet, though. He needed to reset the access code on the clickers for the garage door openers first, to be on the safe side. In case a previous resident still had one that matched. For now, he kept the overhead garage door locked, and the overhead garage door opener unplugged.
With that chore completed, he headed to the kitchen, where JJ and Dox were getting on famously. Dox already had fish sticks and tater tots in the oven, and was in the process of chopping fresh green beans to cook.
Hank stood there for a moment, watching them. A flood of memories he hadn’t thought about in years came to mind, about him and Dox and growing up together. How they’d cooked together with their parents, always a family thing. How Dox’s parents had treated him like another son.
How they’d even offered to let him stay there in Sarasota with them, if he’d wanted to, instead of moving to Pennsylvania with his parents.
But he hadn’t wanted to be separated from his parents, or from Lois. In retrospect, it was a good thing he had been there. They’d had each other to lean on in the aftermath of their parents’ deaths, and he’d been there to keep JJ safe.
He likely never would have been able to see JJ again had he not been there from the start. Or Cameron would’ve murdered Lois a lot sooner.
Hank crossed the kitchen to join them. “How we doing?”
Dox offered him a smile. “Got it handled. Should be ready in about ten minutes.”
“Ireallyappreciate this.”
“Hey, I’d just be going home and eating leftovers. You’re not keeping me from doing anything. I’d rather be here spending time with you guys.”
“I asked Uncle Dox to come to my birthday party,” JJ said. “He said yes.”
Hank gently tugged one of her pigtails. “Did you say please?”
She solemnly nodded. “Yes, Daddy.”
“Good girl.” He might not be the world’s greatest father, but he’d damn sure instill respectful behavior in her. Basic manners.
He walked over to the fridge and pulled out two of the beers Dox had brought with him. He twisted off the caps and handed one to Dox. Then he gently clinked bottles with him and met his gaze.
“To being home again, and to having my best friend back,” Hank said.
Dox nodded. “Dang glad to have my best friend back,” he said.
They drank.
* * * *
After dinner, and after Hank checked to make sure JJ didn’t have any homework or anything, he got her bathed and put to bed a little early so he could collapse on the couch and talk to Dox.
He also had another beer, although Dox had switched to soda during dinner after his second beer.
One worry he’d had today was that Dox would get here tonight, and things would feel weird, or awkward, or they’d act like total strangers with each other.
Nope. It was like they hadn’t spent any time apart.
Not on his end, anyway. He hoped Dox felt the same.
“What can I do for you right now?” Dox asked.
Hank slowly shook his head. “You are. Youhave.” He looked at him. “Thank you.Again. I’m not too proud to admit I’m fucking broke right now, and you buying dinner for us was a huge help. And the other groceries.”
“Can I help you unpack those?” He pointed at the pile of boxes at the end of the room.
“No.” Hank explained the situation. “They can stay packed for now.” He threw his head back. “Damn near killed myself unloading yesterday.”
