Page 7 of Manny Included

He went out into the hallway where there was an older guy with Bay.Maybe in his fifties, which surprised him for some reason.He looked crisp and put together, and he held out his hand as soon as Pete got into the hall.

“I’m so very sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you.”He almost lost it.He didn’t need anyone to be kind to him, not now.

“Pete, this is Will, my right-hand man at work, and Will, this is Pete.”

“It’s good to meet you, but I wish it was under better circumstances.I’d love to meet the little ones, but maybe later, when things are settled?”Will suggested.

“Yes, everyone is asleep.Finally.”

“But not you, hmm?”

No.That wasn’t his job.

“Well, if there’s anything I can do to help make things easier, just let me know.”Will’s eyes were kind.

“Thank you.I—” He swallowed hard, swaying a bit.“Can I get you something to drink?”

Will shook his head and put an arm around his shoulders.“Why don’t you go sit, and I’ll getyousomething to drink.And when was the last time you ate?You have to take care of yourself, if you’re going to take care of anyone else.Bay, haven’t you been taking care of him?”

“I just got here a few hours ago!”Bay protested.

Will waved that away.“I’m serious.Where do you want to sit and what to do you want to drink, to eat?”

“I—” He swallowed hard, the world sparkly around the edges.“Please don’t be nice to me.”

Bay frowned, but Will nodded and patted his arm.“Then I won’t be, but you still have to sit.”

“All right.”

Will went to Bay, murmuring softly, and Pete went to sit in the kitchen, staring out the back door.It was about to be summer—the children were going to need to be busy…

The next thing he knew, a glass of water was set in front of him and Will was at the counter making a sandwich.

“Do you like cheese with your ham?”Will asked.

“Uh-huh.”Did he?He thought so.The world seemed so distant.

“How about mustard and lettuce?”

“Sure.Thank you.You don’t have to…”

“Just sit.”Will brought over the finished sandwich and patted his back.“Now eat.You’re looking a little peaked.”

“I just… It’s been a long few days, you know?”

“I can only imagine.And you’ve been the only one here dealing with it.And four children who just don’t understand.I think you’re holding up incredibly well.But you’re not alone anymore.”Will patted his arm again, then glared at Bay.

Maybe they were lovers…

“I don’t?—”

“Oh, please, Bay.This man lost his friends, and he’s alone with four kids.You need to do better.”

“You’re my employee, Will.”Bay’s voice was hard.

“I keep your life running smoothly so you can make your business work.And after ten years of doing so, I think I’ve more than earned the right to tell you when you’re being an idiot.”