She reached over, grabbed his hand, and squeezed. “Then you hold on as tight as you can. You have a damn big heart, Deacon Sharpe. Life is tougher for folks like you, makes you feel everything more. I’m sorry for that in some ways, because you’re the last person in the world I ever want to feel hurt, but I’m glad for it too because it makes you who you are—a good man who’s led by that big thumping thing in your chest. You hold on to this new friend. The world ain’t right if you feel alone.”
He gave her a sad smile. “Thanks, Granny.”
“You show that boy how to make the best ice cream in the state.”
He snickered. “I will.” He stood, stretched. “I should head out. I don’t want to be late.”
She nodded. “One thing. I want you to promise me that no matter what, you’ll always follow your heart, even if it leads you somewhere you don’t expect.”
He frowned, nerves running down his spine. “Is something wrong? You don’t usually talk like that. Are you feeling okay?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m fine. I’ll probably outlive everyone in the damn county. I’m just sayin’ I want you to be happy. That’s all.”
“Okay. Sure, I promise.”
“That’s my boy.” She stood up and kissed his cheek. He’d always be a boy to her, even though he was forty years old. But then, he was also there just to talk to her and tell her about a new friend, so maybe she wasn’t so far off.
Grady was standing in front of Sundae’s Best when Deacon arrived and parked his car near the entrance. Grady had his arms crossed, leaning against the outer brick wall, which he pushed off of once their eyes caught. When he grinned, Deacon did too, sitting there staring at the man through his windshield.
He really wanted this. He felt it then, how much he wanted to take Grady into his ice cream parlor and teach him how to make their new flavor. He wanted to share it with him, to show him what he could do. Ain’t that some shit… This was all so surreal for him, the way he was experiencing things—friendship, anticipation, wanting to show off. When was the last time any of that happened to him? Deacon couldn’t say.
He turned off the car and got out. It was early afternoon, so there were people out, of course. Wildflower Street was a popular area in Everett, with shops and cafés.
“Hey, you,” Grady said when Deacon approached.
“What’s up, man? Are you ready to do this?”
“Feeling a little unworthy, to be honest. I’m about to make some of Deacon’s famous ice cream. What if I mess it up?”
Deacon snickered. “Not gonna let that happen. I can promise you that.”
“Oh, I see how you are. I don’t get a No way, Grady. You could never mess it up. You’ll make great ice cream!”
“But it’s Deacon’s famous ice cream, remember? If it were easy, everyone could do it. I’m basically the best, so there’s a high probability you’ll mess it up.” Deacon winked, hoping Grady knew he was just giving him shit, but then thought Grady would have known without the extra assurance.
“Ah, hell. Now I’m even more nervous. How about I just sit back and watch?”
“Nope. This is your flavor, and you’re making it.” And he meant those words. He didn’t want to do this without Grady.
He was unlocking the door when he heard, “Well, if it isn’t Deacon Sharpe.”
He turned to see Louise, who owned an antique store down the street. She was a few years older than him, but Deacon couldn’t remember a time in his life he didn’t know her. They weren’t close, really, but that was just the way things went in Briar County. You knew or at least had met most everyone. “Afternoon, Ms. Louise. How are you today?”
“I’m doin’ good. Wishin’ you were open on Mondays.” She put her hand on her hip playfully. Her dark hair was in a bun, her features sharp but pretty.
“Now, don’t I deserve a day off? Plus, I’m making ice cream today. Got a new flavor in the works.”
Her eyes darted toward Grady and back to him, and yeah, she would think it was weird that he had Grady with him.
Before Deacon could say anything, Grady stepped forward. “Grady Dalton, family friend. It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“You too.” They shook hands. Hopefully, Grady saying he was a family friend would explain why Deacon was about to make ice cream with him. “I’ll let you two be on your way. I wouldn’t want to take time away from your newest creation. But we sure miss seein’ ya out and about, Deke. You should stop by the Homestead.”
Deacon had never been a huge drinker, but he and Patricia used to go out to that bar fairly often with friends, Louise and her ex-husband being some of them. It was mostly to be social and dance—the place had a small dance floor and catered more to people their age—but he hadn’t been in since…hell, since before Patricia had gotten sick.