I enjoyed this past week's episode, yet one thing jumped out at me. The Daddy issue... Why do we miss such important moments? I know they can't show everything, but this was a big one. My annoyed muse spawned this story.
A light breeze gave the early evening just the slightest chill. Grace leaned on the chairs, facing the ocean. Steve could hear Lou deliver the punch line of a clearly adult joke, followed by an awkward laugh from Jerry and then the boisterous complaints of Kono who claimed Lou had told the joke wrong. The team had gathered to unwind after being booted from Kamekona's tables. They were taking up space from other paying customers after all.
Grace had been outside alone for a good 20 minutes. Danny had sent Steve to check on her while he finished giving Charlie a bath. Sand and boys never mixed well in his opinion. Steve knew his partner was just as beat as his little boy. He'd probably sack out in the guest room as soon as he tucked Charlie in bed. It had been a long day for everyone. Chin and Abby had already called it a night.
Steve watched Grace, unsure of what to say. He could tell by her stance now and her earlier body language that she had something on her mind. She'd been distant with her father after seeing his arm bandaged. He figured she was upset about him getting injured.
"Hey Gracie, why are you out here by yourself?"
He felt like he'd said the wrong thing already.
She didn't look at him. "I'm tired of people lying to me."
Steve nodded, giving her space.
"Dad isn't fine."
"He will be, Grace. It was just a scratch."
"That's what he always says." Now she turned to face him, eyes narrowed.
"You should listen to your dad." He could have kicked himself for letting those words escape.
Grace wasn't impressed. "But you know it isn't true, Uncle Steve."
Arms crossed, her frown grew deeper.
"He got shot today. Don't say it was nothing."
The silence continued on Steve's part. He had no idea what to say.
Grace kept going, clearly needing to vent.
"And this whole thing with Charlie. To him, Stan is his real daddy. Danno is just a fun guy who takes us places. Charlie doesn't really understand. And Dad knows it."
Steve had to close his eyes for a second, his chest tight. This hurt him too.
"Hey, Charlie's just a little guy. He'll get it some day. Your dad understands this."
He knew it wasn't enough, but it was all he had.
"I want Danno to be okay now." She raised her voice.
Flickering shadows from the house lights made it tough to see her face, but he knew she was crying.
"Come here, Gracie." He walked closer and held out his arms.
She didn't hesitate, stepping into his embrace.
"It's gonna be okay." He could feel her nod against him, and he wished he knew some magick words.
Steve pulled away and motioned to the chairs. Grace followed his lead and sat beside him.
"What about you, Grace? You okay?"
She shrugged.
"Come on, that's not an answer." He nudged her, hoping his half a smile was contagious.
She sighed. "Charlie's always been my brother. But now - now he's Danno's son too. That means -"
Grace stopped, looking away. She rubbed her arms like she was cold.
"That means Mom and Dad - "
He could tell she was struggling, but didn't rush in to save the day. When it came to this, all he could do was listen.
Her next words came out in a rush. "Mom cheated on Stan."
To Steve it felt like Grace was saying this out loud for the first time. As tough as it was, it meant a lot to him to be the one to hear it. His chest tightened for a good reason this time. She trusted him.
"I always wanted them to get back together." Her voice drifted, and it seemed like maybe she still hadn't quite let go of that particular dream. "But why would my Mom lie to my Dad about Charlie? Didn't she know it would hurt?"
A response was required here. Steve cleared his throat, stalling. Her eyes softened, and he knew she could tell it was difficult for him to answer, but she wasn't letting up.
"And don't say it's complicated either. I've heard that too many times, Uncle Steve."
He opened his mouth and repeated a version of what he'd told Danny more than once. A lame answer, no doubt, but partly the truth. "Your mom did what she thought was best for your brother."
To his surprise, Grace nodded, seeming to accept what he said. But then she just about killed him.
"But what about what's best for my Dad?"
Steve didn't think he'd ever loved this not so little girl more.
With a smile, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. "That's where we come in, Grace. Why don't we go check on Danno, huh?"
As always, thank you for reading. I'd love to know your thoughts. Until next time...which should be soon because I owe you another chapter of Cracked!