Her Invisible Soldier: A Military Romance with a Twist

by Grace Risata

  “He must not have his glasses on,” Kennedy complained, earning a scowl from Nina.

  “It’s getting too crowded in here,” Dixon remarked, clearly not enjoying the new arrivals. “I’m going to get something to drink. Do you want another beer, Alyce?”

  “No thanks, but I’d love a bottle of water please.”

  It’s wise to be sober and alert when you have no idea what kind of shitstorm might be brewing.

  “I’ll take a cosmopolitan and my sister would like a margarita since you’re going that way,” Kassie demanded with an air of authority.

  Dixon ignored her as though she hadn’t spoken at all, instead walking away and merely shaking his head. I dreaded what turn the conversation might take in his absence. Things were about to get interesting.

  “What happened to the twins?” Nina questioned Kennedy, as though she were a cop interrogating a suspect.

  “Um…we’re right here. Have you lost your mind?”

  “No, not you two. I mean the twin guys you were dating. The last thing I heard was something about a guy named Brendan. Brayden? Brian? Some ‘B’ name.”

  “It was Brad and Brady,” I reminded her. “Remember? They have the same name basically.”

  The tipsy woman dissolved into a fit of hysterics before finally catching her breath.

  “Yeah. Dumb names.”

  “It didn’t work out,” Kennedy said defensively, glaring at her sister. “Brad didn’t appreciate sharing Kassie with anyone else and he moved on to someone new.”

  “Brad was an idiot anyway,” Kassie admitted. “He was totally indecisive. A boy really. I need a man to keep me satisfied.”

  She had the nerve to gaze longingly at the bar where Dixon stood waiting to place his order.

  Turning her attention back to us, she asked, “Do you notice anything different about me, Alyce? I had some work done. Botox is worth its weight in gold. You wouldn’t believe all the attention I’m getting.”

  “Excuse me,” a deep baritone voice interrupted, “But I was just wondering if I could tear this beautiful creature away for a game of pool. Or darts. Or just to get to know her better.”

  Kennedy’s eyes lit up at the tall cowboy, most likely appreciating his clean shaven face, chiseled cheekbones, and muscular physique. She was just about to reply when he held a hand out to Nina.

  “My name is Duke and I think you’re the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  She shook his hand and drunkenly proclaimed, “It’s nice to meet you, Duke. I will challenge you to a game of pool, but only because your name doesn’t start with a ‘B.’ It’s my birthday!”

  I watched like a proud mother hen as Nina wandered off with her new friend. He was exactly her type and I sincerely hoped they’d form a connection.

  “Now that it’s just us three,” Kennedy began, “Would you like to fill us in on what we’ve missed? Why the hell is Debbie here? Since when does she hang out with you and Nina?”

  “More importantly,” Kassie added, “Do you really think it’s a good idea for you to be seen with Dixon? I mean…you are his volunteer mentor and I think that might be a conflict of interest. He’s so wild and unpredictable, Alyce. I really have no idea what you’re doing. It’s very strange that you would have a random hook up with someone like him. Is this a mid-life crisis? Do we need to have an intervention?”

  “I blame myself for this,” her sister admitted. “I keep talking about all your boyfriends, Kassie, and I think it just caused Alyce to snap and start making poor life choices. This Dixon guy is obviously an unsuitable match. We should put our own needs aside and find her a decent, stable man.”

  “We’ll get her an online dating profile next week,” Kassie flippantly replied with a wave of her hand as though she couldn’t care less. “Right now I’d like to know more about this obviously well kept secret that Alyce has been hiding. Were you two seeing each other for a while or is tonight the first time?”

  I was not at all pleased with the way she kept prying into my relationship with Dixon. That comment about a ‘conflict of interest’ felt like a thinly veiled threat. I’m going to play dumb and see how far it gets me.

  “I had no idea he’d show up tonight, actually. I wouldn’t have pegged him as a fan of country music.” Totally true statements. That didn’t answer her question, but I didn’t give a shit.

  “But he kissed you, so obviously you’re involved with each other. I didn’t see him sucking on Debbie’s face or putting his arm around that other girl. You’re not dating or something, are you?”

  I think the best answer here is no answer at all.

  “If you’ll excuse me, my bladder is about to rupture. I’m going to take a quick trip to the ladies room and then we can continue this conversation.” Because hopefully by then I’ll have a game plan.

  I stood up, stretched, and made a beeline for the bathroom. Unfortunately I had to pass Nina on the way there, and she instantly grabbed my arm and followed me down the hallway.

  “How’s it going with your cowboy?” I asked.

  “He’s super hot, but kind of bossy. I might not be interested. You look really pissed off. What did I miss?”

  I sighed and began to fill her in on the fact that Dixon might be off limits due to a slight technicality about the way we met.

  “Ooh. Forbidden love is the best kind,” she insisted. “Here’s what I think you should do…”

  Now I was taking advice from Nina? I’m so fucked.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Dixon

  While I waited impatiently for the overworked bartender to finally give me some attention, I felt a hand brush against my shoulder. Fully expecting to see Alyce behind me, I turned with a smile only to find Kassie instead.

  “I think I’d like to change my order. I’ll take a vodka and cranberry juice.” She beamed at me with an awkward grin that drew attention to her surgically enhanced face.

  “Cranberry juice?” I replied. “Having some more infections down there?”

  If Kassie expected me to be nice, she was in for a surprise. I had no idea why the bitch suddenly decided she wanted me for a new plaything. The thought of touching any part of that woman made me want to retch. I can only assume she’s interested in me now that I’m back to my handsome old self. Once a lady killer, always a lady killer.

  “Do you come here often?” she asked, completely ignoring my comment as though it hadn’t bothered her in the slightest. “Judging by the way you performed on the dance floor, I’d assume you’re a regular.”

  “What do you want?” I might as well cut to the chase and get this over with. Why waste my time with someone like her?

  “I’m just being friendly, Dixon. Can’t we talk like civilized human beings?”

  So now she wants to be friends? Does this chick think I’m an idiot or what?

  “I have nothing to say to you,” I replied, turning my attention back to the bartender and flagging him down so I could order two bottles of water.

  Kassie rested a hand on my arm and got down to business.

  “That’s fine. Then you can just listen, because I have something to say that I guarantee you’ll want to hear. In case it might have escaped your mind, you have a court order to show up at the veteran’s center. Alyce is only allowed to volunteer there because I was kind enough to pull some strings and get her in the door. If Alyce doesn’t complete a certain amount of charity work, she’ll get fired. It’s an understatement to say she’s had difficulty finding a place that will take her.”

  I moved my arm in order to pry it away from her grasp, and gave a look of complete boredom. She wasn’t telling me anything that I didn’t already know.

  “My point, is that it would cause more than a few problems for all parties involved if anyone were to find out about you two. I’m fairly certain it’s frowned upon when volunteers hook up with their veterans. I would hate to see either of you get into trouble.”

  “Then keep your mouth shut and we won�
�t have a problem,” I demanded. Obviously that wasn’t an option. If the bitch was taking the time to spell it all out for me, she must have ulterior motives. Everyone wants something. What was her price?

  “Are you asking me to lie, Dixon?” she gasped in mock outrage. “That would be dishonest. I could never do that.”

  “What do you want? Money? Are you trying to blackmail me? Do you think I can help get your job back? Spit it out and let’s get this over with.”

  It was a definite possibility that she checked into my background and realized who I was. If so, that might be a bit of an issue.

  “What do I want? Just you,” she replied with a flirty little giggle. “One night. Actually, it doesn’t even have to be a whole night. Leave this bar with me right now, come back to my place, and show me a good time. I have a feeling you’ll be one hell of a ride.”

  Kassie had the nerve to look me up and down like I was a delicacy, ripe for the picking.

  “Why me?” I asked, eager to solve this new mystery. “There are plenty of men looking for a cheap thrill tonight. Go bother one of them and leave me alone.”

  Unless she wanted a challenge. Wanted to see if she could tempt me away from Alyce. Wanted to hurt my girl for some reason.

  “You were the best dancer out there. Every woman in this place would jump at the chance to take you home. I’m top dog. I demand the best. I get the best. So what do you say?”

  She narrowed her eyes as if daring me to turn her down. With a hand on her hip, tits pressed out confidently, and a remarkable amount of arrogance, Kassie stood there waiting for my answer.

  “And if I refuse?” Let’s get all the cards on the table, bitch. Make your move. I haven’t got all day.

  “Then I would hate to see how it would crush poor Alyce once she got fired, you ended up back in jail for violating the terms of your probation, and no one lived happily ever after,” she explained sadly with a pout.

  I slowly nodded my head in understanding at the seriousness of the situation while glancing around for Alyce. Was she sitting at the table and wondering what we were talking about? Did my girl have any idea that her supposed friend was dropping this bombshell on me right now?

  As I scanned the crowd, I suddenly spotted her walking out of the bathroom with Nina and headed in the direction of our table. I watched the way Alyce smiled at her friend and laughed in such a carefree manner. Sweet cheeks meant more to me than she ever could have realized. I knew how much she needed that job and how important it was to pay her bills. If Alyce got fired because of me…that wouldn’t go over very well at all.

  I also took a second to remember how she moaned in ecstasy when I was fucking her, how it felt when she ran her hands through my hair to calm me down after a panic attack, and how her voice soothed me when nothing else seemed to work. I wasn’t willing to give that up.

  Turning back to Kassie without displaying one hint of emotion on my face, I gave her my answer.

  “It will be a cold day in hell before I betray Alyce with a deceitful cunt like you. If you ever threaten me again, I will destroy you, your sister, and anyone else you care about. Next time you decide to stir up trouble, you might want to take a closer look at who you’re dealing with.”

  I picked up my two bottles of water, turned around, and walked away leaving her standing there stunned. I have no idea what outcome she expected, but I was certain it didn’t go down quite like she planned.

  If you’re going to do battle with a soldier, you have to be more prepared than that. Stupid bitch.

  However, I still have to deal with Alyce. It wasn’t going to be easy to break it to her. Especially since she was now walking towards me with a very apprehensive look on her face.

  “What was that all about?” she asked, not bothering to beat around the bush. “Is everything alright?”

  I pulled her off to the side to afford us some privacy, cracked open a bottle of water, and downed the whole thing at once. It gave me roughly five extra seconds to try and figure out what to say.

  “Let me guess, Kassie threatened to tattle on us now that your crush on me is out into the open,” Alyce surmised, hitting the nail right on the head and causing me to choke on a mouthful of water.

  “My crush on you?” I repeated in amusement. “You’re the one that came to my apartment and had your way with me. I’m the innocent party in all of this.”

  “Innocent my ass! Need I remind you of the ‘my garage has better lighting when the door is closed and I can seduce you’ pick up line? That was all you!”

  I busted out laughing until the seriousness of the situation came back to haunt me. How come Alyce was so casual about the whole matter?

  “Why aren’t you going nuts right now?” I asked my girl, infinitely impressed with her calm demeanor.

  “What’s the worst that could happen? I’ll quit going to the veteran’s center and see you at night instead. No big deal.”

  I took a deep breath and ran a hand through my hair in frustration. How could I tell her it wasn’t as simple as that?

  “There’s more? Are you fucking kidding me right now, Dixon? Tell me what it is. What did she say?”

  “Basically, she gave me a choice. Option A involves me going home with her for a quick fuck and then we can go on with our lives. Option B involves me not doing that, and then all hell breaks loose when she rats us out.”

  Sweet cheeks began to get red in the face and she asked, “What option did you choose?”

  “I told her I’d meet her out back in about five minutes to get it over with.”

  Alyce’s jaw dropped and her eyes bugged out.

  “Relax,” I insisted, pulling her close before she kicked me in the sack. “What the fuck do you think I said? I told her I’d rain hell down upon her if she ever threatened us again. I’ll do it too. No one messes with me or my girl. You understand that?”

  “WE HAVE A SITUATION!” some random chick began screaming, interrupting the moment I was sharing with Alyce.

  I looked up to find Nina advancing in our direction with a guy carrying Debbie in his arms.

  “What now?” Alyce mumbled, turning around for a better view.

  Nina began wildly flailing and pointing to Debbie, clearly upset.

  “Debbie was trying a dance move without being smart enough to take off her heels first and twisted her ankle. She can’t walk! We need medical attention!”

  “It’s not that serious. I think it’s only sprained.” The guy who currently held her nestled snuggly against his chest went on to explain, “I’m an EMT and I checked it out. She should probably just go home, elevate the ankle, and put some ice on it.”

  “I don’t suppose you want to come with me?” Debbie asked, struggling to get comfortable and then wincing when she moved her foot by accident. “Maybe I can get a raincheck instead.”

  “Give me your car keys and we’ll drive you home,” Alyce offered. “I think this night is officially over.”

  Debbie’s paramedic carried her out to the car while Nina chattered a mile a minute. My only concern centered on getting everyone home safely.

  “Did you three come here together?”

  “Yes. Debbie drove her car since she planned on being the designated driver. Nina is in no condition to get behind the wheel, but I should be fine after only having one beer and two shots on a full stomach.”

  “I have my motorcycle here. How about if you take Nina home, then drop off Debbie’s car, and I’ll give you a lift back to your place?”

  Alyce nodded in agreement and I realized it would be the first time I actually found out where she lived. I’m glad things are progressing nicely with us. The more I see how she handles certain situations, the more impressed I am.

  Now if I can only find a way to tell her that the Kassie problem is a bit more serious than she realizes…

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  I dumped a handful of Tylenol out of the bottle in my purse and handed them over to Nina. Last night was a total clus
terfuck and we were all feeling the effects of it today.

  Note to self: quit going out on weeknights when you have to work the next day.

  “Alyce, my head is about to pop right off my body. So much pain. The lights are really bright in this room and the phone keeps ringing too loudly. I need to go home and hide under my bed,” Nina moaned in desperation.

  “At least you didn’t throw up all night,” I offered in an attempt to make her feel better.

  “Two times was more than enough, thank you. I’m never drinking again.”

  I rolled my eyes at her wine cooler hangover.

  “What are you going to do about Dixon?” Nina whispered loudly, momentarily forgetting about her total body shutdown and imminent death.

  “I’ll figure out something. Don’t worry about it.”

  After we dropped off Nina and made sure Debbie got to bed without hurting her foot any worse than it already was, Dixon drove me home. It was a beautiful night for a short motorcycle ride, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself until we arrived at my place and he shared more details of his conversation with Kassie.

  While I assumed it was just an empty threat to cause drama and bring all the attention back on her, it appears things were a bit more serious than that. Some small part of me still couldn’t believe she would threaten him and make such a blatant play for what obviously belonged to me. Yeah, she did that with the hockey player in high school, but I just chalked that up to a desperate kid acting out because she had a rotten home life. She was immature, needed to prove that she was worthy of affection, and had to get self esteem by putting out.

  But we weren’t in high school anymore. Kassie should have learned the lesson not to fuck over her so-called friends. I couldn’t understand it at all. The girl could have gone after any man she wanted in the bar. Why did she have to pick Dixon? What did she hope to gain by having a one night stand with the guy? What was her motive for purposely trying to hurt me?

  “It just doesn’t make sense,” Nina complained for the fifth time since I told her the story this morning. We had to be very careful not to let Kennedy or Mrs. Conway hear our hushed conversation. It all felt very cloak and dagger.