“Okay. So…”
“They’re giving up the lease. In three years, it’s coming back in the family.”
“You mean… Randy’s restaurant?” I asked.
“Not Randy’s,” He said. “It’ll be called Harry’s. Just like it used to be.”
“Randy, are you serious? That’s amazing!”
“Figure I’ve got three or four years’ game-time left. Now, there’s a new chapter to look forward to.”
Despite my ankle, I hopped onto my one good foot and bounced over into his arms in excitement, “I’m so proud of you!”
I really was. This man. The one who had hidden himself behind all those layers for so long, now he was emerging as his true self into the world. It would take time, and I knew it wouldn’t always be perfect, but I didn’t want perfect, I wanted genuine, I wanted someone who was brave enough to try, to grow, to stand up for himself, to find himself. That took real courage.
“Good job, Randy,” Frank said, visibly moved at the gesture.
Randy gave Frank a nod, then looked at me with soft, wide eyes.
“Now, Lucy, about that date. A real one this time…”
The End.
