Marty’s smile widens. “Good for you. It’s about time you met a nice girl. Now you can spend your time with her and stop worrying about an old man like me.”
Brady chuckles. “I can do both.”
His gaze falls to Marty’s bare hands, and he pats himself down, feeling his jacket pockets.
“How’s the weather been treating you?”
“Lost my damn gloves, but I’ll be okay.” Marty shrugs. “We’ve had colder winters.”
“Take these.” Brady produces a pair of gloves and hands them to the other man. “I’ve got an extra pair.”
Any doubt I had that Brady has the biggest heart of any person I’ve ever met is officially extinguished. I can’t believe I actually thought he was bailing on me this morning.
Now that I know what he was really doing, I feel like an even bigger asshole.
Because while I was burrowing under the covers like a prairie dog, he was planning a supply run for his homeless friend.
The man is a freaking saint.
We chat for a few more minutes and after the guys say their goodbyes, Brady and I walk to The Diner for breakfast.
“How long have you been friends with Marty?”
He rakes a hand through his hair, leaving it sticking up at odd angles. “We met my first year at Waverly and for the last three years, I’ve been bringing him supplies every Sunday. I can’t do as much as I’d like, but the guy is a veteran and he deserves better than what he’s got.”
“Doesn’t he have family or anyone who could take him in?”
Brady shakes his head. “He’s struggling with his mental health. I don’t know if his challenges were exacerbated by his time in the military or the result of it, but he’s been estranged from his family for as long as I’ve known him.”
“That’s really sad.”
“Frustrating is what it is.” He shoves his hands in the pockets of his jacket. “I’ve tried to get him into a shelter, but he won’t go and the one time he did, he didn’t stay.”
“You’re worried about him.”
He nods. “I don’t know what’s going to happen to him when I’m gone.”
I stop mid-stride, placing a hand on his forearm. “I love that you have such a big heart, and it’s clear you care about Marty, but it’s not your job to protect everyone you meet.”
He pulls a face.
“I’m serious, Brady. You’re one man. A damn good one, but even you can’t fix all the world's problems. Mental health crises and homelessness are community issues.” At least, that’s what my therapist says. “Have you considered having one of the younger guys on the team check in on him when you graduate?”
He blinks.
Because it’s never occurred to him that someone else might shoulder the burden…
Brady’s been looking out for his mom and grandmother since he was twelve. It’s no surprise that protective streak extends to everyone in his life.
“I can’t believe I never thought of that.” He scrubs a hand over his face. “It’s a great idea. Hell, maybe the guys could even take turns.”
“You should talk to them.”
“I will.” He pulls me close and tucks me under his arm as we approach The Diner. “Right after breakfast. You’re going to need your strength for what I have planned later.”
31
PIPER
