Page 37 of Retaking the Shot
“I know, but I don’t like you fighting. You need to keep that handsome smile of yours perfect.” Mom patted my cheek.
“Fine. I’ll let Butcher be the fighter tonight.” I winked. “But I really gotta go. Love you guys.”
“Love you too,” they both called out.
Hopping into my truck, I sent a text to Ford that I was on my way and then cranked the engine. When I pulled up, he was waiting out front and he clambered into the cab. He looked absolutely exhausted.
“Get any sleep?” I asked and headed toward a 24-hour diner.
He shook his head. “Not really.”
“I’m sorry.” I squeezed his knee.
“I’ll sleep once I know he’s going to be okay.”
“Wish I could stay, but I need to head back after breakfast.”
“That’s okay. I told them I wasn’t going to be long.”
The diner was only a few blocks away and after parking in a space, we climbed out of my truck. Rounding the hood, I reached my hand out for Ford to take. He looked down at it and then back to my eyes.
“Are you sure?” he questioned.
I nodded. “Yep.”
He laced his fingers with mine, and we walked toward the entrance. Just as I reached to open the door, it swung open, and I stepped back to make room for the exiting patron.
“Coop?” JP balked. “What are you …” He trailed off, looking down at my hand in Ford’s and then over to Ford.
“Hey, man,” I greeted with a surprised smile.
Ford tried to pull his hand free, but I held it tighter and then gave it a little squeeze to tell him it was okay.
“You’re in town? Don’t you have a game tonight?” JP asked.
“Yeah. Family emergency, but I’m heading back after we eat.”
“Are your parents okay?”
“They’re fine. Ford’s grandpa is in the hospital.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” JP said to Ford.
“Thank you.”
JP’s eyes moved to our hands again and then he said, “I didn’t realize you two were … together.”
“Yep, we are,” I affirmed and gave Ford’s hand another reassuring squeeze.
Ford shot JP a tired smile.
JP raised an eyebrow, clearly still processing the information. “Well, that’s … unexpected. But hey, good for you guys.”
I nodded, grateful for his understanding. “Thanks, JP.”
“Guess we need to catch up next time you’re in town,” my friend said.
“Absolutely.”
