Going Home

Part 134

As he watched Connor, Josh’s hand was clenching and unclenching in a compulsive gesture and a muscle in his jaw was twitching as he worked to contain his anger. He was seething that Connor had intruded on Grace’s night, not to mention insulting her and he would dearly love to sort him out. But feeling Grace’s hand work its way into his he looked down into her troubled face. He knew what she was asking. She did not want a fight. So doing his best to keep his tone even Josh said “I think it’s time you left Connor.”

And before Connor could even reply Grace’s father agreed. Connor’s derogatory remark about Grace had already brought Hugh Reid to his feet and now moving around the table towards Connor he said in a firm voice “great to see you again Connor but it’s time to go.”

Hugh was shocked by what he saw. He used to like Connor and had a great deal of respect for him but he was sickened by what he had become. Positioning himself between Connor and the table he gestured towards the door giving Connor no option but to leave.

After one last scornful look at Josh, Connor staggered off.

As her ex-husband went Josh looked down at Grace and winked before moving over to Hugh. Watching Grace’s ex-husband negotiate his way out the door Josh said to her father “thanks.”

Turning to look at him Hugh shrugged “no worries Josh, I wasn’t going to let him stand there and talk about Gracie like that. Besides I could see if you were to do anything it would have got messy.”

Smiling Josh said “yeah probably.” And after a moment he added “he had it coming though.”

Nodding Hugh agreed “Absolutely, but Grace didn’t.”

And looking over at Grace Josh said in a quiet voice “I know.”

Patting Josh on the shoulder Hugh returned to his seat.