Page 136 of No Going Back
“I hear Tyler’s cleared to operate.”
“Yep.”
“It’ll be great to have him back. Are we spinning up?”
“Probably sometime this week.”
He nodded. He’d been planning to talk to Dex. Guess now was as good as time as any.
“I may need to take some personal time.”
“OK. When?”
“Sooner rather than later. But I won’t let the team down, so maybe when we get back.”
“Steve, if you need it sooner, we can work something out.”
Yeah, Dex would, too. That’s who he was.
“Things haven’t been good between me and Diane, as you’ve probably guessed. I just need some time to sort things out.”
He’d asked her what was wrong, but she kept claiming everything was fine and she was just busy. Bullshit. Something was going on.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Sort things out? Does that mean you guys are splitting up?”
Steve looked at his team leader, his friend. “That’s not what I want. And right now, I don’t know what she wants. I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I’m not willing to give up on us that easily, so I intend to fight for her.”
“Wouldn’t expect anything less. Is there anything I can do?”
“No, but thanks.”
“Alright. But I’m here, man, whatever you need. Even if it’s just to grab a beer. Anytime. You let me know when you want the time and it’s yours.”
“Thanks, Dex, I appreciate it.”
“Daddy! Uncle Tyler said I have a wicked right foot.”
Steve stood up, lifting his daughter into his arms. “Let me tell you a secret.”
Megan giggled. “What?”
“Uncle Tyler’s jealous because he has two left feet.”
Megan and Dex both laughed.
“Hungry?”
“Uh, huh. I want a burger.”
Steve set her down. “Go on then, I’m right behind you.” Megan ran off and Steve looked at Dex.
“I’m going to fight for my family, Dex, whatever it takes.”
***
