This Old Cafe by Marci Bolden

Author:Marci Bolden
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781950348138
Publisher: Pink Sand Press

As he’d done the last time he’d gone to Charlie’s job site in the middle of the day, Daniel ignored the stares of the crew and headed straight for the foreman. “Charlie? Got a minute?”

Charlie looked up and the flash of fear in his eyes was unmistakable. He’d probably thought the same thing Daniel was certain Jenna had thought—there was going to be a confrontation over him dropping by the café the previous day. Daniel couldn’t deny the sting, but he understood. Charlie didn’t want Daniel screwing up Jenna’s life the way he tended to screw up everyone else’s. He got it.

Charlie nodded and put down the hammer he’d been using. He led Daniel toward a cooler set off to the side and pulled out a bottle of water. “Want one?”

“No, thanks. Jenna told me you paid her a visit.”

“Danny—”

“You were right. Somebody should warn her about me.” He raked his hand over his head. “I warned her, but she’s convinced I can get better if somebody gives me a chance. She’s even convinced me to try.” He laughed softly. “I started counseling this week. This lady specializes in PTSD and all that shit. Of course she wants to dig into all the stuff with Mom and Dad, but…hell, maybe that’s not a bad thing, right?”

Charlie leaned back a bit. “No, it’s good. That’s really good. I wish I’d known what was going on before it was too late, Danny. I would have gotten you and your mother out of there.”

Daniel nodded and then exhaled. “So, um, one of Jenna’s customers saw the work I’m doing at her café and asked me to help her with a project. Just replacing shingles, but it’s something.”

“You’ll need my tools?”

He chuckled. “Wouldn’t hurt. Do you mind?”

“No. I don’t mind helping you. You know that, right?”

“I appreciate it. Speaking of that…” He grinned again. “Jenna wants to furnish the apartment I’m staying in. She got a lead on some estate tossing out furniture. I told her I’d go take a look. I don’t suppose I can use your truck?”

Charlie took a long drink from his water. “I’ve had enough of this place today. Need help?”

It was Daniel’s turn to lean back with surprise. “Yeah. I hadn’t quite figured out how to get anything I picked up to the third floor so…help would be great.”

Charlie called out to one of the guys that he was in charge for the rest of the day and headed for the trailer where his office was located. Within a few minutes, they were surrounded by awkward silence as Charlie drove them to the address Kara had given him.

“I’m proud of you,” Charlie finally said. “Maybe it doesn’t seem like it given how things have unfolded the last few months, but I am.”

Daniel glanced over. “I’m a homeless dishonored veteran with an attitude problem. Not much to be proud of.”

“You were dealt a shitty hand and you’re making the best of it. Jenna seems to be a big help.”

Daniel looked

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