Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81150 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81150 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Christ, what this man did to him. “I like ya fine too.”
Chapter 23
Grady
Grady hefted bags of cement from the cart and into the customer’s truck, one after another, the muscles in his arms screaming as he did.
It was the day before Christmas Eve and two days since Eugene and Frances had been to see them. While on the surface things were okay with Deacon, he was more somber than usual. He’d get lost in himself some, spacing off, being more quiet. But still, he held Grady tight at night, kissed him and touched him and made Grady coffee every morning the way he liked to do.
The whole situation was shitty. He didn’t want Deacon to miss a holiday with his family because of him, though he didn’t know yet if that would happen. It worried him that Deke hadn’t gone to talk to his parents about them, thought maybe what happened with the Liles had scared him. He wanted nothing more than to shield Deacon from that kind of hurt. His family had to have heard rumors, and if they hadn’t, they would soon. Grady couldn’t go into Everett without getting stares.
He could stay home for the holiday, spend the time with Moose or something, but every time he mentioned it, Deacon told him no—that he’d talk to his parents beforehand, and whether it was with his family or just the two of them, they’d be together. Grady couldn’t help the guilt gnawing at his bones.
“All done,” he called out as he placed the final, heavy bag into the back and closed the tailgate. It was an older gentleman driving, who’d offered to help, but Grady had declined.
“Thank ya very much. You have a merry Christmas,” the man said to him.
“You too,” Grady replied, then headed back inside. They were closing at noon today. Covington Supply Co wouldn’t be opening again until the twenty-seventh.
They finished up their morning, which wasn’t too busy, then removed the OPEN sign. Holden had shown up a few minutes before and was now chatting with Roe as Roe took care of last-minute responsibilities.
“You about ready?” Roe asked, and Grady nodded.
The three of them went to the door together, Roe locking up, when Holden said, “We’re heading to Mama Adaline’s for lunch. You should join us.”
“I haven’t been there,” Grady replied, “though I must have driven by a dozen times.”
“You’re failing on your job, Roe. How is it this man has worked with you for months and he hasn’t been to Mama Adaline’s?”
Roe chuckled. “Holden’s a fan.”
“Everyone’s a fan. It’s settled, then. You’re going.”
Grady nodded in agreement. He was hungry, and Deke was at Sundae’s Best anyway. He took his own car over. It was only a couple of minutes’ drive, the restaurant on Main Street in Harmony.
He met the other two men out front, and they went in. “Mama Adaline’s is a bit of a staple around here,” Roe said. “I’m surprised Deke hasn’t brought you in. The best Southern cookin’ in the whole county. It was vandalized at least once a year in the beginning—being one of the first Black businesses, but that didn’t deter Mama Adaline. Each time, she came back and shut the bigots up with good food and determination. Briar County wouldn’t be the same without this place.”
Grady had noticed Roe did that a lot. He clearly loved his home with all his heart, and he often told Grady little tidbits of history about the area.
Before Grady could reply, a woman approached their table. She kept her dark hair in a short afro and had kind eyes and a big smile for Holden. “It’s been too long since you’ve come to see me, Holden Barnett.” Grady’s gaze darted toward her nametag: Evie.
Holden chuckled. “Not by choice, believe me. Things have been busy as hell, which is a good thing, except it makes me miss you.”
“Don’t you flirt with me. I’m mad at you,” she teased. “Now introduce me to your friend—oh, and hey, Roe.”
“Oh, hey, Roe, huh? That’s all I get? I’ve known you most of my damn life, and you only care about him now.” Roe nodded toward his partner sitting next to him. Things seemed so simple for them, so natural, and damned if jealousy didn’t burn through Grady’s gut. He wanted that. He wanted what they had, with Deacon.
“Everyone loves you, Monroe Covington, and you know it,” Evie replied, before turning to him.
“Grady Dalton, ma’am. Nice to meet you.”
“Evie, and you too. We’re gettin’ all sorts of new faces around here.”
“Grady lives in Everett. He’s working part-time at the store and helps Holden out sometimes too,” Roe said.
Evie’s pupils flared with recognition. “Grady’s Sticky Bourbon. You’ve got the whole county talking. Deacon Sharpe named an ice cream flavor after you. You’re basically famous.”
It was silly, but his face heated. “Deke is a good friend who was nice enough to let me help with one of his ice cream flavors.”