Homeless Heart

Lizzie

When I walked in the door, I was greeted by the scariest looking man I'd ever seen. He stood up, and I stepped back, trying to adjust to his size. I will never get over the size of the man, he is so large he makes our living room feel small.

"Lizzie, is that you?" shouted Phin from our room.

"Yes, Phin," I replied excitedly.

The big man I’d grown to love smiled and walked toward me. "Hello, little spitfire." The minute I heard his voice, my heart melted. I dropped my bags, ran toward him, and rammed into him. Funnily, he didn't even budge on impact as I wrapped my arms around him.

"Thank you," was all I could say.

"You’ve got to stop thanking me, Spitfire."

Phin was smiling at us both as he leaned in the doorway.

Duke let go of me so I could look up at him. "I know, but every time I see you it reminds me that you saved him. I can’t ever stop thanking you."

He ruffled my hair with one of his big hands. "Nope, that was all you."

Phin interrupted before I started to cry on the big guy. "Come on, you two; we should have a beer before we all start crying."

"Kid, you read my mind."

"Duke, sit down and talk to me. How’s the new assistant manager working out? Do you have a girlfriend yet?" I loved this man so much and I wanted to know everything about him. He’d been to visit, and we’d talked on the phone, but he wasn’t one for sharing too much information.

I think I heard him whisper, "Oh, fuck." But I can't be sure. I couldn't stop myself from being overly familiar with him because there was something that drew me to him. He’d been a father figure to Phin and was becoming that to me too. In my book, he was part of our family. "Come on, spill it, and don't leave anything out." I couldn’t stop smiling at him.

"Kid, help!" The uncomfortable look on his face only spurred me on.

The sound of Phin laughing in the kitchen was all the encouragement I needed to continue interrogating Duke. By the look of surrender on Duke's face, I knew I'd won the battle.