“How so? What else has happened?” I ask, fearing for the answer. He glances over at me, hesitating. “I’m a big girl, Grayson, I can handle it.”

He nods. “So many people want justice for you, and believe me, no one wants that more than me, and well, Walter too, but they’re all going about it the wrong way. People are pointing fingers and accusing others because of the color of their skin. Vandalism has been happening around town and physical violence. Terrell was sent to a scene the other day where a bunch of white kids jumped a black boy who was walking home from school.” My heart breaks at hearing that, and I immediately wonder if it was someone I know. “We even got a call the other night about a cross being burned on Mayor Rodgers’s lawn.”

A gasp escapes me at hearing that. “A cross. What do you mean? Like the Ku Klux Klan?”

Surely not!

“Well, I’m sure that’s the message they were trying to send but it’s probably just some kids. There is no KKK around here. Not anymore.”

That has my heart rate slowing…barely. I shake my head, not believing any of this. “I guess what I walked in on with Pap and the others makes sense now.”

“What do you mean?” he asks, confused. “With Eddie and Lane?”

I nod and worry about how much to reveal because I don’t want Pap looking bad. Especially when I don’t know the full extent of the conversation, but I think Grayson knows Pap well enough to understand that, and I trust him. If anyone knows what to do, it’s him.

“I overheard Pap talking to them outside. They were asking him questions about me, about anything I remembered. They said they wanted to help and…” I pause, hating to repeat what I heard. “Grayson, I heard Eddie say they were going to catch the niggers who did this.”

“Shit.” He scrubs a hand over his face.

“I waited for Pap to say something, to put them in their place, but he didn’t. It kills me because that’s not who he is, my grandfather is a lot of things—stubborn mostly, but he is not racist. I mean, my best friend is black for crying out loud. Pap has always treated her like a granddaughter. Whenever anyone directed comments to me about my friendship with Tania, he always told me to stand up for what’s right. None of this makes sense.” My voice cracks, as I get upset all over again.

“Hey, Liv, it’s all right.” Grayson puts an arm over me and pulls me in close. “Listen, everyone who knows Walt knows he isn’t racist, but he’s angry right now and for good reason. That can drive people to allow shit they usually wouldn’t.”

“I know he’s angry, and it breaks my heart because he’s not an angry man. I just…” I pause, my lip trembling. “I want everything to go back to what it was like before everything happened with Jamal. Seeing everyone so angry and hurt is making the situation worse. Look what they did to Fletcher today. My heart is hurting so much for him.” I cover my face as the tears I’ve been holding at bay now spill free.

He jumps down and comes to stand in front of me, bracing his hands on either side of my hips. “Look at me, Liv.” He encircles my wrists, moving my hands away from my face. My eyes meet his and he wipes my tears away with the pad of his thumb. “Things will settle down eventually, it’s just going to take time. This town has been ripped apart after what happened to you. We all want justice, and I swear to you I’m going to get it. In the meantime, you need to worry about yourself, not anyone else. Just focus on getting better. I’ll take care of the rest,” he assures me. “I’ll stop by before work to check on Fletcher and make sure he’s okay. Then tomorrow I’ll go have a talk with Eddie and Lane.” I start to panic, not wanting to get Pap in trouble, but before I can argue he throws a hand up. “I won’t say anything about you or Walter. I’ll just poke around and see if I can find out if they were just talkin’ out of their asses or not. Okay?”

The pain in my heart eases at his thoughtfulness, especially for going to check on Fletcher. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him close, the scent of his cologne bringing me the first comfort I’ve felt since leaving the diner. “Thank you, Grayson, for everything you’ve done, but mostly for being my friend. It means everything to me right now.”

I love Tania, and I know I will always have her friendship but Grayson is just…different. I can’t explain it. It’s a different friendship than Tania and me, but no less powerful.

His strong arms reciprocate, bringing me in close but remain gentle. “I promise I’ll take care of this. You can come to me anytime you need, I’ll always be here for you.”

I turn my face into his neck and just hold on to him, needing his strength and reassurance. We stay like this for a long while, just like the other night, and it brings me so much peace I wish we could stay like this forever.

By the time he drops me off at my house, before his shift, it’s close to suppertime. I’m about to go into the house when I see the barn doors are open. I walk over and smile as I hear Johnny Cash blaring from the old stereo. Peeking my head in, I see Pap filling Rosie’s trough with feed.

“Hey, I’m home.”

He turns around, sweat dripping down his worn face, but he musters up a tired smile for me. My heart breaks that I haven’t been able to help him around here, especially when this is the busiest time for us.

“Livy, did you have a good time?”

I’m about to say yes but then snap my mouth shut and take my time to think about my answer. “I enjoyed my time with Grayson, but not at the diner.” I admit.

“Oh?” Concern pinches his expression before he walks over to turn the music down slightly. “Everything okay, darlin’?”

My shoulders slump, and I shake my head sadly. “No, Pap, it’s not.” I walk over and kiss Rosie on the side of her face before taking a seat on a hay bale next to her stable.

He comes and sits next to me. “What’s wrong?”

“We arrived at the diner and everything was great at first. I mean, it was awkward and all but everyone was really kind to me, welcoming me with open arms.”

“Because they love my girl,” he says, bumping my shoulder gently with his.

I give him a sad smile. “Well the euphoria was short-lived because Fletcher Green walked in.”

“Fletch?” I nod. “How’s he doin’?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t get the chance to ask him because he was kicked out.” He tenses next to me. I don’t have to elaborate why because he already knows, but I find myself telling him anyway. “He was kicked out because of the color of his skin. Jack…” I pause and swallow audibly. “The whole diner treated him horribly then had the audacity to say it was out of respect for me.” I shake my head, my earlier upset coming back with a vengeance. “The look on Fletcher’s face left me heartbroken. Hearing everything that’s been going on is gutting me. Did you know someone burned a cross on the mayor’s property? A cross, Pap. What’s happening to this town?”

With a heavy sigh he puts an arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. “I’m sorry, Livy. You’re right; it’s not okay. Fletch is a good man and he cares about you. I know their actions were wrong but everyone in that diner loves you, too. They’re upset over what’s happened to you. Hopefully, once the bastards are caught, things will go back to how they were.”

“I heard some of your conversation with Eddie and Lane,” I tell him quietly. He remains silent, but I can tell he already knew I did. “Why did you let them say something so awful, Pap? You have never been okay with the N-word.”

His eyes bore into mine, a range of emotions burning in their depths. “To be honest, Livy, I don’t give a rat’s ass about any disrespect thrown toward the sons of bitches who did this to you. Hell, I hope them boys find the bastards and make them pay in the worst way.”

My eyes well at the contempt pouring from him. “Oh, Pap,” I whisper, my voice hoarse. “This isn’t you. This isn’t who you are, not in here.” My hand covers his strong heartbeat. “Hate is what did this to me, don’t let the despicable men who did this turn you into something you’re not.”