Steve had heard the lanai door open and the footsteps coming closer on the grass. From the weight of the footfalls he suspected it was either Mary or older Grace. Before she could reach him, he finished off the contents of the beer in his hand and worked to compose his features.
Company was not something he'd been looking for when he'd come out here. Talking was even lower on his list of wants. Still though, he wouldn't send her away. It was his job to be there for her, for all of them, whenever they needed him for whatever they needed. The fact that he was struggling wasn't their issue or concern however and he wasn't about to share that with them.
It took him a second to look at the popcorn that she was handing out to him. And another second after that before he looked over at Mary. With his free hand he took a scoop of the popcorn and offered her a small smile that barely lifted his lips in thanks.