Page 23

They had arrived in Derecho an hour before they were to be at Gus’s and unloaded the Jeep. Jon had gone straight to the office to set up his work computer. Levi admired his dedication because if the tables were turned, he knew he wouldn’t worry about it and would just log in from bed. He stood in the doorway watching Jon and felt a smile stretch across his face.

“What?” Jon was smiling at him from the desk.

“Oh, I was just thinking about how nice it would be to work naked.”

“I can’t do that. I have to at least put a shirt on because they like using video calls.” Jon’s smile widened. “I’ll do my best to not disturb you and let you sleep as late as you want.”

“Don’t worry about it. You make a damn good pot of coffee. I’m sure after a couple of days, I’ll get used to it.”

Levi felt his smile widen, and an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. He knew he would move heaven and earth to ensure Jon’s smile never faded. “We should probably head on over to Gus’s.”

“You’re right. I just wanted to get everything in place, just in case I have a hard time getting up tomorrow.”

“I get that. Let’s hit the road.”

Jon was talking about how excited he was about his work the entire way to Gus’s house. Levi didn’t follow much of what he was saying beyond that, though he didn’t mind. The drive was much more enjoyable when Jon wasn’t brooding through the window.

“Babe, I’m just happy you’re happy,” he smiled. He knew in his gut that Gus was up to something, and he wasn’t sure why, but it made him nervous. He was trying not to rain on his happiness, though. Jon had been so happy since Friday, and Levi hoped nothing would end this. Levi realized now that he’d seen Jon truly happy, he would murder anyone who interfered with that.

Levi wasn’t happy, not entirely. He was happy that he had Jon, and that Jon returned his love. But he was still afraid. Afraid that this might not last. The last person to tell him she loved him had made him shut the door to his heart. The door was opening, but it wasn’t easy.

Gus had told them to be there promptly at 5, and that’s the time they walked through the gate. Gus was standing by the grill. Levi could smell bacon. He saw potatoes, corn, and rolls on the table. Gus never had the full spread prepared ahead of time. He apparently didn’t want them to help today. Was he trying to keep them out of the house?

Gus turned and waved over at them. “So how was Galveston?”

Jon ran over to Gus and hugged him. He whispered something, but Levi couldn’t hear. As he approached them, he smiled. Gus broke the embrace. He was never one to hug, but he took this in like a father who hadn’t seen his son in a long time. He was beaming.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Levi shook his head. “I think you had an idea that we would. So what did you do with yourself all weekend without us around?”

“Busier than I expected, but I think you’re doing a phenomenal job with the bar. I’m so happy about that.”

“Thanks, Gus. I learned everything from you.”

“I don’t know how much of it you learned from me or how much of it was learned by thinking about what you would do different from me. But I know I’ve left the bar in excellent hands.”

Jon had turned his attention to the grill. “What is that? It looks good and smells like heaven.”

Gus laughed as he plated the cut of meat. “It’s bacon-wrapped pork loin. Y’all are right on time. It’s ready. Let’s eat.”

“You’ve outdone yourself today, Gus. Don’t you agree, Levi?”

“I do. So what’s with all the cloak and dagger, Gus? I’ve known you a long time. This is the first time you’ve had me come through the side gate. Not to mention sending me out of town for the weekend. What’s up?”

Gus smiled as he sat down. “Can’t get nothing past you, can I? Well, the truth is, I’ve been packing. The house is pretty much packed up.”

“Why would you pack the house up? I know you said you’d be spending more time at the beach house, but why pack up the house?”

“Because I’m not planning on coming back. I’m closing this chapter. I’ll come and visit y’all, and you had better come visit me. Betty and I always had a plan to spend our final years in that house, but she didn’t get that chance. I’m not going to waste what time I have left.”

“So that’s it? You’re moving to Galveston and selling this place? You thought that would come as a shock to me?”

“Well, I know how you get with change, so I was just trying to cushion the blow. But you’re only half right. I’m not selling the house.”

“If you aren’t selling, why are you packing everything up?” Jon asked as he loaded his plate.

Levi glared at Gus. “Yeah, why pack everything ?”

“To prepare for you two to move in. No need for y’all to keep paying rent for two bedrooms when I’ve got this one sitting empty. I only ask that you keep at least one bedroom as a guestroom for when I come to visit.”

“Why would you do that? How much rent do you need us to pay you?”

“Not a damn penny, Levi. The original plan was for Timmy to stay here, and we go to the beach house when me and Betty were both retired. Timmy may be gone, but I’ve found a new son. It’s only fair that I continue on with the plan. Betty and I had talked about it before, but when her health declined, I threw myself into the bar.”

Levi was speechless. Jon stepped in.

“Are you sure Gus?”

“Absolutely. Granted, you were the wildcard. I had to be sure of your intentions before I left town.”

Jon smiled. “I get that. I think it’s sweet that you were looking out for Levi like that.”

“So you’re just letting us stay here rent-free, and we just have to save you a room?”

“Well, there is one other thing.”

“What’s that?” Levi hoped he didn’t sound as incredulous as he felt.

Gus smiled. “I’ll tell you in a little bit. Let’s eat first.”

Levi shifted his attention to the food. Gus had outdone himself. The food was always good, but today it was better. It was as if he had spent all day focused on preparing the perfect meal.

“Jon, can you do us a favor right quick? I have a bottle of scotch I’ve left out in the office. Will you fetch it for us?”

“Sure.” Jon stood up. “Ya know, I’m not a kid. I know when you want to talk about me behind my back.” He smiled and headed inside.

Gus turned to Levi. “He needs a car. That way, he can come down if I need some help. I’m getting old, and I may need help from time to time, and it’s not like I can just call you to drop everything at the bar, even though I know you would.”

“We’ve talked about looking. I told him I’d cosign for him if he needs it. Hopefully, they won’t kill us on a down payment, so he doesn’t have to use one of those buy-here-pay-here places.”

Gus grinned. “I’ve already called the dealership in town. They’ll take care of you, but they said to wait til Saturday morning so they can get everything straightened out.”

“Gus…”

“No arguments. I’m doing this because I need him to be able to come down. Do you think he would?”

“If you insist,” he paused, “and I doubt you’ll have any trouble getting him to come down. He loved that hot tub so much you might have trouble getting him to leave.”

Gus smiled. “Good.”

Jon returned with the bottle and four glasses.

“So am I in trouble?”

Gus laughed. “Never. I was just telling Levi that you needed a car, and to go to the dealership in town on Saturday morning. I’ve made some calls, so you won’t have any trouble with a down payment. No arguments. Consider it a freelance fee.”

“Fee for what?”

“You might have to drive down and help me out some. Can you do that?”

“I sure can, as long as you don’t mind me using the hot tub if I stay overnight.”

Levi shook his head, and Gus smiled.

“It’s a deal then. Levi, if you could give me a ride to pick up a box truck tomorrow before you open up, I’ll start getting everything loaded. Jon, I’ll come pick you up around five. Supper’s on me if you’re willing to help.”

“I’d be happy to.”