“Yeah, and she was my teacher.” He explained she taught at the dojo and the fortuitous coincidence yesterday.
“That’s good you already have people here who can be a safety net for you.”
“Yeah, I’m lucky.Reallylucky.”
With that handled, he headed to work. Today would be his first real day at his new job. While he wasn’t looking forward to the back-breaking work in the hot Florida sun, hewaslooking forward to once again earning a paycheck. He had never been rich, but he had always tried to keep at least a couple of thousand in savings for emergencies. Between the legal fees, and Lois’ funeral fees, and the move, he’d been feeling increasingly anxious with every dollar he’d spent. Now, at least, he could get back on track. Even better, he’d be able to buy health insurance through his new employer after he’d been there several months.
So far, he’d been damned lucky, able to get free or reduced medical care for JJ through the health department or other government programs. He hadn’t been in for a checkup for himself in too damn long, but it wasn’t like he had much in the way of options. He had been fortunate he hadn’t needed medical care for himself. Especially considering his line of work.
He opted to drive himself to the job site today instead of riding with the rest of the crew, just in case JJ had a problem and he needed to go pick her up early. Although he suspected he’d be far more nervous than she was. Once she accepted someone, her practically unshakeable trust meant she was eager and willing to spend time with them.
Him? He worried about her. She’d done great in her previous school despite how he’d worried and fought the urge to call the school to check on her all the time.
Not having anyone to worry about her with him didn’t help, either. Although knowing he had Dox back in his life was somewhat of a relief. He’d worried a little that the man might be thrown by him now having a daughter, but what a credit to him that he’d ordered Hank to let him help out.
You can’t buy that kind of friendship.
All during the day, he struggled not to look at his phone, to not check for messages, to not worry about her. When the time came he knew school would let out and she’d be going to the dojo, he was about to call to make sure she got there okay when his phone beeped with a text.
From Eliza.
She’s here safe and sound, Dad. Stop worrying. :)
He laughed even as he had to struggle against the tears wanting to well in his eyes. He quickly texted her back.
Thanks, ma’am!
He finally put his phone away, relaxed, and focused on his work.
* * * *
Maddox tried to focus on his work, but all he could think about was Hank and seeing him again that evening. He’d texted Hank to ask if they were supposed to bring anything to dinner, but apparently Eliza had said no, just themselves.
His nerves wound tighter as he headed home. There was an urge to shower and shave—again—and put on his best suit…
Except that wouldn’t make sense to anyone else and would look weird.
After finally opting for jeans and a T-shirt, he fought the urge to nervously pace until Hank texted him they were home. Then he jumped in the car and headed there, chastising himself the whole way.
You know you’re setting yourself up for heartache, right?
You know you’re a dumbass, right?
You know you should go out and find someone to actually, oh,date, right?
He also knew that wasn’t possible.
When they were teenagers, sure, he shoved back the possibility of having more with Hank than just friendship.
But he was bi, right? Wasn’t it possible Hank might turn out to be bi, too?
If he was wrong—in all honesty, he probablywaswrong—then it could possibly mean the end of their friendship, and that was something he couldn’t deal with.
Better to love from afar and hope no stupid woman broke Hank’s heart.
When he arrived, JJ opened the door for him and ran out to greet him. Her hair was damp from a shower, and she wore shorts and a T-shirt. Without hesitation, she ran to him and flung herself at his legs, hugging him and making him laugh.
“Hello, Uncle Dox!”
