Grayson picks him up and twirls him around. “What’s happening, little man?” he asks when he sets him down.
“It’s Daddy’s birthday,” he announces with a loud voice causing everyone in the place to look our way. When their eyes catch on the little boy, sympathy blooms in their faces.
Geez. Does everyone in the town know Liz’s story? I’m not sure I could live in a small town. Oh no. Does Grayson want to move back here since he’s finally dealt with his guilt over Bill’s death? Grayson takes my hand and drags me back into the present. I guess I can worry about stupid stuff like where I’m going to live for the rest of my life later.
“Liz.” Grayson drops my hand and hugs her.
While the hug lingers, I kneel down to face her son. “Hi, Grayson. Do you remember me?”
He nods but moves to hide behind his mom’s leg. I tug on my ear lobes and my tongue pokes out. He giggles, which of course encourages me to make more faces because I’m an adult like that.
Grayson pulls me to my feet. “You remember Suzie?”
I smile and wave at Liz and then I ruin everything by opening my mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have ambushed you. It was unfair to you and—”
She cuts me off when she hugs me. “Thank you. I can never thank you enough,” she whispers.
Tears gather in my eyes at her sincere words. “Why are you thanking me?”
“You got him here, didn’t you?”
I bite my lip to stop the tears from falling. “I’d do anything for him,” I confess in a soft voice.
She ends the hug but keeps her hands on my shoulders. Her smile is blinding. “You would, wouldn’t you? I’m glad. Make him happy.” She shakes her head as her hands drop. “What am I saying? Keep him happy.”
A man behind Grayson clears his throat. “Sweetheart?”
Liz’s eyes light up. “Jerry,” she murmurs before walking around Grayson to greet him. “I thought you couldn’t make it.” Jerry? Who’s Jerry? Is this Liz’s boyfriend? Oh shit, I’m not sure how Grayson will handle his best friend being replaced.
Jerry’s cheeks darken. “I, um, switched shifts.”
Liz draws him closer. “Grayson, I’d like you to meet Jerry.”
Grayson swallows before offering Jerry his hand. “Nice to met you, man.”
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Jerry says as he engulfs Grayson’s hand with both of his. “And thank you for your service.”
Grayson coughs and tugs his hand away. “Thanks.”
“Should we sit?” I ask to try and draw Jerry’s attention away from Grayson who – judging by his inability to look Jerry in the eye – is feeling uncomfortable.
“And this is Suzie,” Liz introduces.
I wave and move to take my seat, but Jerry doesn’t let me escape. He enfolds me in his arms. “Thank you.” Geez. What is it with people thanking me today? “Liz missed Grayson. Thank you for bringing him back into her life.”
I can feel the heat emanating from my cheeks. “I didn’t do anything.”
Grayson hauls me away from Jerry and helps me into a seat. “You did everything,” he whispers into my ear before taking a seat next to me.
“Now,” he says in a louder voice, “who’s hungry?”
“Me!” Little Grayson raises his hand.
I giggle. “Your mini-me is hungry.”
Grayson messes with Liz’s son’s hair. “Then, we shall feed him. What do you feel like? Waffles and ice cream?”
His eyes widen. “You can have ice cream on waffles?”