He gazed at me with a sad half-smile. “I’ve given my trust before and been burned.” He unlocked his minivan and sat in the driver’s seat. “See you at noon, tomorrow? You can put it off until another day, if you’re not up to it.”
“Are you kidding me? You willingly invited me into your sacred domain for lunch. No way am I going to give that up. I’ll be there.”
Gregory shook his head. “I figured you’d say that.” He started the minivan. “Take some painkillers and go to bed early, Wheeler. ‘Night.”
I waved as he drove off, wondering what I had gotten myself into for tomorrow’s lunch. Getting through to Gregory was like navigating a minefield. I was definitely up for the challenge.
* * * *
I wasn’t as sore on Thursday, though I still ached a bit. I called Mrs. R. at home and asked if she co
