Excerpt from Dusty’s Snack Shack:

“I won’t get to see you again before you leave?” The disappointment in Dusty’s voice was palpable.

“Here’s the deal with me, Dusty. I’m not up to driving. Not tonight. I’m far too tired to start the long trek home, only to stop at some fleabag hotel along the way when I get sleepy. Which will happen sooner rather than later. I already feel exhausted.”

“Then stay.” Dusty uttered the words before Ken finished his sentence. “Please. There’s no need for you to transfer to another hotel. I’d love for you to be my guest for as long as you wish.”

“You have a life to live, Dusty, and a business to run—” Ken began.

“That business will be closed for at least another day,” Dusty interrupted. “Probably longer. They’ve closed the entire block near my shop. Several other blocks have also been closed. Customers wouldn’t be allowed access to the Snack Shack even if I were allowed to open it. But I have to wait until city officials give the all-clear.”

For a moment, Ken didn’t speak. Then, Dusty heard a heavy, resigned sigh. “Your offer is tempting, Dusty. Really, it is. But let me ask you. Are you fucking positive?”

Dusty laughed gently. “I’ve never been surer of anything else. Get your ass over here as quickly as you can.”

Ken began a hearty chuckle. His chuckle grew into a laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

“As you know, I wasn’t crazy about a Myrtle Beach vacation from the beginning. Now, I am adamant not to cut the damn thing short. I have four more days, for Christ’s sake! And I’m gonna take them.”

Dusty turned into his driveway, which he’d almost overshot. “The beach can have a seductive effect on people, that’s for sure.”

Dusty transferred the sound from the car’s audio system to his phone. He got out of his car, then headed to his front door. Benji, his tail wagging furiously, was waiting for him,.

“But Dusty? I don’t want you to think the ocean is the only temptation.” Ken’s voice sounded plaintive and sincere, hinting of a vulnerability that Dusty hadn’t noticed before. “It’s you, too. You’re a great guy, even if we did get off on the wrong foot. Those four additional days I have left? I would rather spend them with you.”

Dusty was rendered speechless by Ken’s confession, delivered with great sincerity.

Maybe, Dusty thought, the man’s much more sensitive than he often comes across.

“Then it’s settled,” Dusty said. “I’m sitting on my sofa right now, caressing a big furry monster who would love to see you almost as much as I do. So get your ass over here as quickly as you can.”

Ken laughed. “I’m approaching the Bayview parking garage now. I have to get clearance to retrieve my car, then I’m on my way.” He cleared his throat. “I will have to make a quick stop at a convenience store to pick up a few toiletries. That shouldn’t take more than five or ten minutes.”

“Good idea. I don’t share my toothbrush with anyone.”

Suddenly, Dusty felt overcome with gratitude—gratitude that Ken was alive. “Hey, Ken?”

“Yes?”

Dusty inhaled deeply, as though to sequester some immense feeling. “Be safe. Please. I know you’re upset. That doesn’t always make for safe driving. But remember I’m here, waiting for you. Call me if you need anything.”

Ken swallowed the lump forming in his throat. “Thanks, Dusty. You’re the best.”