Lock took a deep breath and sighed. “It’s about respect,” he said quietly. “I respect you and what you’ve worked for, but I respect myself, too. And Sterling needs to respect himself enough to want to have a good life.”
Damn. Bristowe’s eyes widened on Flynn’s face. Apparently, Lock was smarter than he acted.
“You’re right.” Flynn walked over and laid his hand on Lock’s shoulder. “You’re very right.”
Blinking back tears, she watched Flynn pat Lock before moving back to finish up dinner. He plated for them and stood at the sink to eat while Bristowe sat at the table. Flynn had worked to overcome his hardships, and though he didn't have everything, he’d earned what he had. That was something to be proud of, and she hoped he knew it.
Deciding it couldn't hurt to say so right then instead of waiting until they were alone, she said, “Flynn, I have to tell you how proud of you I am.”
The tips of his ears turned pink, but he said nothing.
“You’ve earned the right to be proud of yourself, and it’s obvious that’s all you want for your brothers. For them to do well in life, regardless of how much work it might be.”
“At the core of it, yes.” Watching her, he forked up a bite of noodles. After a second, he said, “I looked into those jobs like you were saying. It looks like I can be a case aide for now, if they’ll hire me. But to be a caseworker, I’ll have to go to college.”
After listening to the discussion between him and Lock, she was even more convinced he belonged in social services. “You can do it. Getting hired on and saving money, and applying for grants or scholarships.”
Lock spoke up. “For what it’s worth, I agree with her. You can do it. I’d rather talk to you than my own caseworker.”
“That’s because we’re related and you already trust me.”
“Nah, bruh. She’s super swamped, even if it ain’t her fault. She don’t have time to listen to me.”
“I’ll start looking for a job in that field tomorrow,” Flynn promised.
Bristowe said, “Just a foot in the door would be better than your current job; it pays the bills, but it’s not what you’re meant to do with your life.”
Flynn grinned at Lock. “And that’s why she’s my girl.”
Chapter Ten
Panic kept trying toset in, but Flynn wouldn't allow it. Domesticity didn't suit him and possibly never would. But somehow, if he reminded himself it was just Bristowe, the idea didn't seem so scary. Having dinner with one or more of his brothers was typical for him, but adding a girlfriend to the mix made it feel as though they were closing in on being a traditional family. He'd never allowed a woman to meet anyone important in his life, and now he thought it would be great for Bristowe to meet them all. Just as soon as he could stop the itch between his shoulder blades at the thought.
Of course, she was amazing. She was sweet with Lock and didn't correct his grammar the way Barb tried. Flynn could admit he hated the vernacular the boys had picked up at school, but their foster mother's efforts were a waste. Just as he understood the boys couldn't help letting swear words slip, they couldn't help emulating those they spent so much time with every day.
Three days after their spaghetti dinner, Lock celebrated his birthday. Few foster kids aging out of the system were lucky enough to have a safe place to land, but nothing in the world could have stopped Flynn from stepping up to help. Talking to Lock had reminded him that he had the right to speak with social services for himself. When he left Mercy House, his entire focus had been getting away. Rarely had he stopped to think of anything beyond the next day, but it was possible they had resources to help him with the next step. If he recalled correctly, it was mostly counseling on how to budget finances, how to write a resume and conduct interviews, and how to survive as an adult. But maybe they could assist him with finding a scholarship, too.
