“You were right about that. I do have to protect my pancakes, don’t I?”
“Yup.” His smile was deliciously covered in butter and syrup.
They ate in silence. Since there was a time limit to their encounter now, Sydney wanted some answers.
“So tell me about yourself, Alex. You ever been married?”
“How do you know I’m not married now?”
“Because I think you wouldn’t do that. I’m rarely wrong. A married man has a different way about him. They make you walk through the back door. They have secrets, big ones. I don’t get that with you. Am I wrong?”
“Nope, sweetheart. I’m divorced. And yes, this was the scene of my freedom party a few months ago.” He sipped his coffee. “I live in an apartment with three other bachelors. But I was married, for about three months.” He wiggled his eyebrows up and down, checking her reaction.
Sydney’s radar was piqued. “Impossible to know everything about someone in a month.”
Alex shrugged and examined his empty plate, and then noticed hers was nearly empty too. “We did good work here. Mission accomplished. Now I won’t be able to move all day.”
“That’s too bad.” She allowed her lip to droop. “So you were telling me why you were married for a month. Why bother?”
“It was sort of dumb. You’ll probably not think very highly of me. Ryan and I—Ryan’s my roommate—we went to Vegas with our girlfriends. It was just a lark. Her name is Brandy—my ex.”
“I’ll bet you didn’t know much about her either.”
“No. We don’t talk that much. She’s kind of a dancer.”
“Ah.” Sydney was having too much fun dragging the details out of Alex. But she did notice he didn’t describe her in the past tense.
“We took them up to Vegas, and we had a fun weekend. A little over the top. We got a little smashed. It seemed like a good idea at the time.” He stopped, inhaled and then continued. “Well, we did a double wedding at the Elvis Chapel.”
“I hear that happens a lot up there. I had a friend who married a guy from Spain when we were over there playing. Had a terrible time getting it annulled. Alcohol was involved in that one, too.”
“No, she knew. I mean, it wasn’t that serious. I should have never done it. We laugh about it now.”
There was that present tense again. “That how you look at marriage?” She needed to watch his reaction. He was being tested again, and yes, the return glance he gave her indicated he fully understood.
“Of course not, Sydney.” He released her hand and sat back. “When I find the right girl, it won’t be like that at all.”
“So you still see her or are you fully single?”
“That’s a lot of questions so early on a Saturday morning.”
“If you can’t handle it, I’ll stop.” She saw him flinch. She needed to turn on the syrup a little more. Her direct approach was beginning to scare him. On the other hand, it was important to know whether seeing him was a waste of time. She didn’t like to waste time.
“Why don’t we reverse this for a few minutes while I finish my coffee. And then I’ll have to be moving on, okay? Gotta get ready for my trip.”
She hesitated. He was good at brushing people off. Regardless of their world-class evening and morning, he could separate that. He could walk away. Her heart fluttered slightly as she realized perhaps she could not. Or just didn’t want to.
“So what do you want to know?”
“Who are you, Sydney?”
And boy was that the right question! Not who are you dating, who do you hang around, what do you do all day? This was usually the question that came up after the second or third date, just before she was about to exit stage right.
Her answer was measured and well-practiced.
“I want more out of life than life’s given me so far, but I’m not complaining. I just want more of it. I want the juice of life, not to live life. I’m looking to get a good partner and travel the world playing volleyball until my knees ache and my back or shoulder gives out. And after volleyball? Who knows what I’ll be able to do at eighty?” She gave him the smile she’d given so many other dumbstruck men over the few years since she’d been dating. It was always the same. It also usually got the same reaction.
But this time, she saw something ignite inside Alex. The backdrop of lonely sea gull cries, the salty gentle breeze and sounds of metal clanging as work began late at the docks, only enhanced the excitement brewing in her belly. She was struck with the beauty and power of something maybe dangerous about this man. And also something so beautiful her eyes watered.
Chapter 7
‡
The good-bye with Sydney had been slow and sensual. She nearly got him naked again. He was trying to act casual, but the parting irritated him. They exchanged phone numbers so they could stay in touch at least by text. He normally didn’t do this, but today it had been his idea.
On the drive up to his apartment he couldn’t help but chuckle. Yes, he was satisfied in several departments, but just when he’d finally met a woman he could spend the whole weekend with, he had made other plans.
He thought about their parting. His mood suddenly soured. He had turned, gotten in his Hummer and never looked back. That wasn’t how he wanted to leave it, but what the hell was he supposed to do?
He pushed those thoughts aside and took a deep breath, donning the psychological clothes he needed for his brotherhood encounter. It was time to get the guys, get his gear and get out of town. End of story. That’s all there was to it.
Nick, the former member of SEAL Team 3, had just medically retired and was now full time at the winery in Sonoma County. Several other guys who had put their ten years in and were suffering from some tough injuries were looking into getting into the wine business as well. Although Alex was completely short on funds, as were a couple of the other men, he seemed to be the glue that held everyone together. Besides, he’d promised Zak’s new bride he’d keep an eye on the one-eyed SEAL. Both Zak and Amy were from Sonoma County so a move and change of career might be a good fit.
Coop was waiting for him at the apartment.
“You’re late.”
“But I’m fed and showered. Just got to get my duty bag.”
Coop followed him up the stairs, passing the elevator they never took. “Kyle’s not coming, kid.” The tall medic always addressed him that way, and it had nothing to do with age. Coop would be going on his eighth deployment with SEAL Team 3, having served on an East Coast Team for his first tour. Alex only had three tours and five years to his name, so he was senior to all the froglets, but junior in rank to Coop. Kyle was their platoon leader.
“What’s up with that?” Alex opened the front door. The apartment smelled awful. A young woman in a skimpy silk teddy ran around the corner from the kitchen, waving at Zak as she dove into Cory’s bedroom and slammed the door without saying a word.
“Remember those days, Coop?”
“I do, I do indeed. Although they never got too far in my Babemobile. And slamming doors was not in the program, mostly because those doors don’t slam.”
“I’ve heard stories about that thing. You still have it?”
“Oh, I let one of the froglets borrow it for a couple of months—he’s got it back at the beach, waiting for his housing allowance to kick in. Libby says it’s an eyesore, and she makes me park it down the street at a gas station when it’s home.”
“Can you blame her, Coop?” Alex noticed that Cory’s friend had made coffee. Although early afternoon, Alex was happy for the steaming cup. He poured another one with lots of cream.
“You want one?”
Coop scrunched up his nose. “Nah.”
“Okay, well, I’m taking this in to Cory. Maybe this will help him get up.”
Coop shrugged and walked to the glass sliders leading to their balcony as Alex approached the closed bedroom door. He banged on it with his fist, being careful not to damage the hollow core surface. “H
ey Cory, you in a gentlemanly pose so I can bring you some coffee?” Alex cocked his head and leaned his ear against the pressboard door. He could hear whispering and the tussle of sheets.
Cory’s normally neat appearance was completely obliterated by the dirty-looking stubble and tufted light brown hair resembling the corn stalk scalp on a rag doll.
“Thanks, man,” Cory said as he reached for the mug.
“Coop’s here. Everyone’s gonna be arriving in like ten minutes. Where’s Ryan and Jake?”
“They’re with Lucas and Zak, picking up supplies. Don’t worry, they’ll not want to hold up Kyle.”
“Not Kyle you have to worry about. Coop’s in charge.”
“Kyle’s not coming?”
“Coop says no.” Alex heard the shower going off in the background. “You think you can wrap things up and get your butt out here?”
“What’s got you all hot and bothered? Didn’t it work out last night with the volleyball chick?” Cory sipped his coffee.
Alex wanted to punch him, but he quickly reeled it in. The irritation surprised him. He tried not to say anything, but he could see Cory was going to poke him with that big fat needle until he spilled. “She’s fine.”
Cory grinned from ear to ear. “Sweet.”
“Yes, asshole. You guys are off the hook for awhile.”
“Even better. Well, Alex, you see, miracles happen every day. So if it can happen to you, it can happen to me. Not that I’m looking, of course.”
“Of course not. You’re just sampling the merchandise.”
Cory cleared his throat as the lady behind him walked past the crack in the door without a stitch of clothing on. Cory managed to roll his eyes, balancing his hot coffee mug, stepped outside the doorway and closed the door behind him. “Kinda glad no one came home last night, if you know what I mean.”
Coop approached the bedroom. “What the fuck you doin’ Cory? Get your butt out here. The guys pulled up downstairs so you’re the last one to get ready.”
“Yeah, not cool, man. You live here,” added Alex.
Cory held up two fingers and quickly retreated behind the closed door.
“Honestly,” Coop said as he stepped back, “you bachelor guys got no responsibilities. You’d think you could be on time for once. Heck, I had to clean up dishes, fold my own clothes, change a very nasty diaper and mow the lawn before Libby would let me out of the house, and I’m the first to be ready here.
“Coop, don’t see how you do it.”
“Well there’s a little secret to that,” Coop said, following Alex into his bedroom. While Alex pulled out a large duty bag, stuffing it with clothing and his medic’s kit as well as his personal items, Coop continued. “I make sure it’s worth it to her. That’s the secret. It’s so fuckin’ simple. I don’t know why guys can’t figure that out.”
Alex partially zipped up the bag, and after almost forgetting, pulled a toothbrush and a couple other small items from the medicine cabinet and threw them inside. “Happy wife, happy life, right?”
“That’s it.”
Pounding on the apartment door followed. It had enough force to rattle the windows. Cory beat them to the door and let Zak, Lucas, Jake, Ryan, Mark and Luke burst in, carrying grocery bags and ice chests. Mark had four bags of chipped ice balanced on his shoulders.
“Where’s Kyle?” asked Lucas. Zak stood behind his friend, rubbing underneath his eyepatch with his forefinger.
“He’s got some event Collins wants him to attend. He’ll follow us in a couple of days,” Coop informed them.
“We going early on our next vacation?” Ryan asked.
They used the term vacation whenever they were not sure about their security. No one took this lightly. Last week, someone on one of the other Teams had discovered one of the SEALs’ apartments had been bugged.
“Nope. He didn’t say that,” Coop informed them.
For the next five minutes, the team worked silently, packing the chests, organizing it so nearly every square inch was filled. They added the ice last. Cory’s date made a quick exit and the team followed her down the hallway, but avoided the elevator she took. They loaded the gear in three separate vehicles as she peeled off and drove away.
This was to be a road trip, of course, but it still was a mission of sorts. That meant that talk was minimal. If there was pressure, there’d be the classic smack talk and some mild jokes being pulled. But today, the muted caravan of two Hummers and one four-door, long-bed pickup headed off the island and toward the freeway north.
Roughly seven hours later, they arrived at Nick and Devon’s winery, Sophie’s Choice, in Santa Rosa. Alex was driving the bachelor contingent, Coop had Zak and Lucas, and Mark came with Luke. Alex had only been up one time before. He whistled. “Wow. This is spectacular!”
Though it was night, the buildings and driveway were lit up and it appeared there was some kind of reception going on. A catering truck was parked along the left side of the tasting room.
Their headlights flashed on green vines and well-tended rows bursting with tiny green fruit. Alex rolled down his window and inhaled the crisp night air. Colorful gardens were illuminated around the brand new tasting room entrance. The building’s copper roof spires extended into the sky, above the guests on the balconies overlooking the vineyards and valley below. There was music coming from the downstairs level, carrying across the valley floor.
“Lookin’ good. So I guess the winery business is booming,” said Jake.
Nick met Mark’s truck, which had been first in the driveway. He directed them all to drive around the back. The parking lot to the tasting room was filled with several black and white limos as well as a dozen or more expensive cars.
“Damn! I didn’t come dressed for this party. You know about this, Alex?” asked Cory.
“Nope. Mark made all the arrangements.”
Alex parked next to Coop’s Hummer, and they began exiting the vehicles. He recognized Devon, wearing a shepherd’s white top over a gathered skirt. She wore red, flowered gardening boots and had flowers pinned to her hair. The white top accentuated the huge bulge in her belly.
“Mamacita! Look at you!” Mark said as he ran to her and gently picked her up in his arms. Devon was giggling. “No briefcase, no suit, no high heels. Wow. You look fantastic,” he said as he put her down.
Devon appeared to glow in the evening light. Alex could see she was embarrassed.
“Guys!” Mark said enthusiastically. “This is Devon, Nick’s Devon, the lady of the house.” He turned back to her. “You shouldn’t have thrown a party for us. That was really nice of you!”
She grinned. “No, this was very last minute. We book up fast, but we had a cancellation. It’s a private wedding, a fellow vet. But from some of the ladies I’ve met tonight, I don’t think they’d mind if you crashed the party. I’ll have to ask the bride and groom. Wasn’t sure you guys would be up for anything like that with the long drive.”
“Seriously, Devon,” began Ryan, “I think with a shower we’d be ready for anything. But I didn’t exactly bring dress clothes.”
“I think they might like you just in blue jeans. I was going to gift you the lavender winery T-shirts so you wouldn’t be expected to dress up. You could go as part of the staff—and yes, sorry, but they’re lavender! If you want them, they’re yours.”
“Yes, ma’am,” came the uniform response.
Jake scrunched up his nose and whispered to Alex, “Lavender? We gotta wear lavender?”
Alex stepped on his foot to shut him up.
Nick took his place beside his wife, placing an arm around her waist. “Come, and I’ll show you guys where you’re staying. Leave your gear. We can unload all that in a bit.
The group followed behind Nick, who was punching and chatting with Mark. Alex knew the two of them had been close, and Mark had at one time been a special friend to Nick’s dying sister, Sophie.
Nick addressed his audience just as a scream and then clapping went
up inside the venue hall. “I’m guessing someone might have been showing off in there. Either that or the cake fell over.”
Alex liked it here. The evening was warm and filled with excitement.
“We have a nice guest house, behind our place. It’s got beds, if some of you don’t mind bunks. We get a lot of families staying here, especially during crush. Ecotourism is a new thing here in Sonoma County.”
He led the way around the side of their modern two story home made from recycled material, to the bunkhouse behind. He stepped up on the wooden porch, lined with five rocking chairs. In front of the porch was built a stone fire pit encircled with log stools. Nick propped the door open. “Welcome to Sophie’s Choice.”
Everyone piled inside. The space was rustic, but had an efficiency kitchen and a large community table. The fireplace was already roaring.
“Bedroom is through that doorway, and it’s set up to sleep eight,” Nick shouted. Jake headed for it. “Only one shower, I’m sorry to say. We got an instant hot water heater, but if you guys aren’t careful, some of you will still have to take a cold one.” As an afterthought he added, “Unless some of you want to shower together.”
He got a pillow tossed at him for his efforts.
Mark brought his stuff into Nick and Devon’s house, since they had a room set up for him in there. Coop walked up behind Alex saying, “You knew about Mark and Sophie?”
“His wife?”
“No, his wife is Sophia. Met her after Sophie, that’s Nick’s sister, passed on. I know Mark’s a little emotional about coming back here, but he’s fine. Good that they’re taking him in the house. Probably have a lot to catch up on.” Coop slapped Alex on the shoulder. “Can you give me a hand with one of these ice chests?”
In a half hour everything was stowed, beds selected, showers completed. Their favorite workout music was booming in the great room, choruses of angels and titles like “One Against The Thousand.” It was battle music they also listened to when they were heading out to a halo drop. It drowned out the music in the hall. The group, all in lavender T-shirts except for Jake, took stock of themselves before heading over to the party.
Band of Bachelors: Alex, Book 2 Page 5