Lucas walked by the Market Street Docks to the side street that led to the alleyway. It was mid afternoon and already the place had its usual stench of stale beer and even staler cigarette smoke. A few regular patrons lined the table and sure enough he found her behind the counter. She was always there. That you could count on. She was the hardest working person he knew.

"Lucas", she exclaimed when she saw him. "What a surprise."

She wiped her damp hands with a paper towel.

"Hey."

"Well, don't just stand there. Come on over here and give me a hug."

He walked over and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"I got in late last night and I wanted to see you."

"Well, I'm glad you stopped by. Honey, how are you?"

It was a more than cordial greeting but she really was a nice person. And ever since he had taken the time to get to know her, he had felt bad that his father had treated her like a dick all those years. All in all, sometimes he thought more of Deb Lee than he did of his own mother.

"I'm good, Deb. I'm doing real good. How are you?"

She shrugged.

"You know me. I hang in there."

"And the business?" he asked, looking around.

"Business is business."

"I guess it is", he nodded.

"What brings you by? Are you back in town for good?'

"You could say that."

"Funny. I hadn't heard that."

Lucas rolled his eyes. He knew exactly what she was getting at.

"Oh yeah…that. Um, she doesn't know. I haven't had a chance to talk to her yet."

"Oh."

"Is she here by any chance?"

Deb shook her head.

"Haven't seen her today but I'm sure she'll be in later."

"Okay."

"Should I tell her you're looking for her?"

"No. Let it be a surprise."

Deb sighed.

"A surprise, huh?"

"I know what you're gonna say."

"Do you really? Look, Luke, you know I'm not one to meddle…"

"Then don't. That's why I like you so much. You mind your own business. That's why we've always gotten along because you don't tell me how I should run my life."

"But I'm not one to hold my tongue either. I have to say my peace."

He took a deep breath.

"Am I gonna need a beer for this one?"

"No, smart ass. Just try to make it work. This time. I swear you guys can't keep going through this. Either it's going to work or it's not. And if it won't, then maybe it's time to just let go."

Lucas looked away.

"I can't let go", he said softly. "Not just yet."

She tried to understand but instead changed the subject.

"And how is my son?"

"He hasn't called lately?"

"Oh he calls all the time. And every time he does, everything is 'nice'. He's happy and life is great."

"It is and he is. Really. Nate is fine."

"Really?"

"Really."

"I hope so. Gosh, I just worry about him. I tell Cooper to look after him but hell, I worry about my brother, too. I mean, who's looking after him? And that racing is just so damned dangerous…"

"They're okay. They are big boys, Deb."

"I know but accidents happen, Lucas."

He touched her hand.

"They know what they're doing."

"I suppose", she reached for a dishtowel.

"You look tired", he observed. "You could use a nice vacation."

"What?" Deb joked. "And leave all this?"

"I mean it. You work hard. Too hard. How about a weekend away in Hawaii?"

"Yeah right. Honey, I can barely afford a day trip to Raleigh."

"Then about a beer. A nice cold brew with me right now. It'll give us the chance to catch up."

"You know I don't drink."

"I know but an offer never hurt anyone now did it?"

"No, I guess it didn't."

Lucas leaned back on the barstool.

"To answer your question from earlier, it does look like I'll be around."

"That's nice to know."

"Look, Deb. I know I made a lot of mistakes. I can't change my past."

"But you can change the future. And that starts with the present."

"I know", he sighed. "Don't I know?"

"The question now is, what are you gonna do about it?"

"Something has to change. I know that. Hell, I've known it for a long time. And I'm really going to try this time."

"I hope so, honey."

"I mean it. I can't be them."

She knew exactly who "them" was and what he meant by his statement.

"How is he? Your dad, I mean."

"Same old, same old."

"And your mother?"

"Nothing changes around this godforsaken town. You can go away for a week or a month or a year but when you come back, it's still the same old faces and the same old shit."

"But it's home."

He looked around. He hated to admit it but she was right. And no matter what, it kept drawing him back.

"Unfortunately, you're right."

"I know", she teased.

"Listen, I'm gonna take off. I've got stuff to do but I'll be back later. I promise."

"Okay."

"Anything you need me to do or get for you?"

"Thanks for the offer but I'm good."

Lucas nodded.

"One more thing before I go", he reached in his back pocket for his wallet.

"You know your money is no good here."

"Even for a pack of Marlboro Lights?"

Deb scoffed.

"I am not selling you cigarettes."

"Why? I'm of age."

"You don't need them and besides, those things can kill you."

"So can this town", he grinned.

Deb laughed as she put her hands on her hips.

"Well, no argument there", she said as she reached for his brand of choice. "Here you go."

"Thanks, Deb."

"Hey! Four bucks even, please."

He pretended to be offended.

"I thought my money was no good here."

"If you want to take precious memories off your life, at least I can make a profit from it."

She held her hand out and he slapped a five dollar bill in it.

"Keep the change."

"You always were quite the charmer."

"I know", he winked. "I'll see you later, Deb."

"Later, honey."

"Oh and don't forget…if you see her…"

"Your secret is safe with me."

He smiled and nodded before leaving.

"I know I can count on you."

And he could. In the most ironic of events, she was about one of the only few he could count on.