#52 Blueberry Hill, Friday Afternoon

[bet_on_red]

Mary had put some time in at the motel in the morning, until she was certain that Old Guy had things under the control. She skipped out on the meet and greet at the park since no one would really be visiting her. Now she was sitting out on the front porch with cup of hot chocolate, enjoying the peace and quiet of the afternoon

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[neverseenrain]

After leaving the park, Danny headed down Blueberry Hill, carrying his duffel bag over his back. It didn't take him long to spot a familiar shade of red hair. Smiling, he started up the walk to the house. "Mary?"

[bet_on_red]

She certainly hadn't heard that voice in ages. "Danny?" asked Mary, looking up. "Oh my... is that really you?"

[neverseenrain]

"It's really me," said Danny, dropping his duffel bag and holding his arms out for a hug.

[bet_on_red]

"I can't believe it!" said Mary, practically launching herself at him for a hug. "Your dad didn't tell me you were coming!"

[neverseenrain]

"It was a last minute thing," said Danny, squeezing her tight. "Guess who's returning to civilian life?"

[bet_on_red]

"No kidding? It's about time!" said Mary. "You and Luis both left together and he came back three years ago. This is wonderful news. I'm sure your dad must be thrilled."

[neverseenrain]

"Actually, I haven't told him yet," said Danny, the smile disappearing from his face.

He looked around uncomfortably, finally commenting, "That's a nice white picket fence you've got there."

[bet_on_red]

"Thanks," said Mary. "But seriously, why haven't you told your dad? I mean, he'll be thrilled to have you coming back to the family business."

[neverseenrain]

"I'm not going back to the family business," said Danny. "Dad can take his construction company and shove it. I'm not doing it."

[bet_on_red]

"But your dad and your grandfather built that business with the dream of passing it onto you," said Mary, puzzled by his attitude. "It's a really good opportunity for you, Danny. You shouldn't pass this up."

[neverseenrain]

"I'm not doing it," said Danny firmly.

He sighed. "You know, I'm really worn out and I don't want to argue with you right now, okay?"

[bet_on_red]

"No, of course not," said Mary, holding her hand out for him. "Come on, let's go inside and I'll show you around. Murdock and I just moved into this place a few weeks ago."

[neverseenrain]

Danny stiffened. "Who's Murdock?" he asked.

[bet_on_red]

"Oh, he's the guy sharing the house with me," said Mary. "It made sense to bring in a second person instead of trying to pay for everything myself. Besides, it's easier to sleep at night knowing that there's another person around."

[neverseenrain]

Danny still didn't look very certain. "I guess so... Mary? I'm sorry. I should have been there when all that stuff went down with your dad."

[bet_on_red]

"It's okay," said Mary, squeezing his hand. "I know you would have been there if you could have."