Never Enough by Ashley Johnson Page A

The look was good on him, he looked like he was in the pre-grandpa stage. He never married or had kids though, so the only chance of little kids coming around would be from me. He was a war veteran. That’s all he ever had time for, it was his life until The Lounge. “Hey, Uncle Gary. What are you up to today?”
    He eyed Trevor and I rather suspiciously , scratching his chin then replied, “Just grabbing something to eat. What about you guys? Anything you guys need to talk to me about?” He was still eyeing both of us. He was no fool.
    I gulped and hoped no one could hear it. It seemed so loud to me. “Do you want to sit down with us?” He looked at Trevor for second and sat down.
    “Trevor.” Gary wore the most serious expression on his face. Part of me waited for the bloodshed to begin. We’d probably get kicked out of the café and banned for life, if we made it out alive.
    “Gary.” Trevor stuck out his hand and Uncle Gary hesitated before shaking his hand. The bloodshed hadn’t begun yet. I crossed my fingers and prayed it wouldn’t. Trevor began speaking, “I don’t want to play any games Gary. I respect you so much, you gave our band a home and I appreciate that more than you know. Macy and I have not been sneaking around behind your back; we just began seeing each other today.” He stopped to see if Gary wanted to sneak a word in but he didn’t. The waitress sat our food down and walked off but neither of us touched it. My gumbo smelt so delicious, I just stared at the bowl waiting to see what was going to happen. Waiting to be able to eat it. Trevor continued. “I know you have your rule about us not getting involved with each other because of the backlash it could bring but with all due respect, I would like your permission to see your niece. I swear I’ll never hurt her or doing anything to hurt your bar. It’s my second home.”
    Gary kept watching him, still scratching his goatee I guess to see if he were finally done talking. “You done talking, son?”
    They were making me nervous. My palms were beginning to sweat and I was utterly scared for what may happen. Maybe we would both be out of a job by the time this who thing ended. So much for anyone being a good luck charm. Trevor replied, “Yes sir.”
    Gary looked at me but I was too intimidated to meet his eyes. “Macy, are you sure you’re ready for something like this. You know I’m only protecting you but you are a grown woman and I can’t protect you forever. I won’t stand in your way if this is something you want.”
    I took a deep breath and met his eyes and replied quietly, “He knows everything Uncle Gary. That’s why Mom called earlier. Did she tell you she left him? She said you knew. She even said she’s going to call a lawyer and see about filing charges.” My brain told me not to sound too excited but I couldn’t help it. Things finally seemed to take a turn for the better. This was long overdue for me.
    “She didn’t tell me all that but it’s about time she left that asshole. I could have killed him but you were more important to me. The jail wouldn’t have been able to handle me.” He smiled at me and squeezed my hand and changed the subject. “But you didn’t answer me if you’re sure you want this with Trevor.”
    Without hesitation, my eyes stayed with his and I replied, “I do. If I didn’t think we could make something work then I wouldn’t even try. I know your rule so I am fully prepared to go look for a job. Please don’t make the band leave.”
    Trevor smiled at me as if he couldn’t believe I just said all that. Gary replied, “You two are adults. I hope I’m not cursing myself by saying this but I think you two can make it work and not run my bar into a hole. I’ve seen how you two look at each other for a while now. I may be old but I’m not stupid. Don’t make me regret this decision though.”
    I couldn’t help but laugh and I got up and threw my arms around my uncles’ neck. He