He whispered in her ear, but just loud enough for Hawke to hear him say, “Don’t give up on him. He’s stubborn like I was.” Then he headed for the door. “I’ll be puttering around in my workshop. Call me when you’re ready to leave, Vi. Son, you can join me if you’d like.”
“No, thanks. I’ll head back to the cottage. See you tomorrow.” He kissed his mom and nodded farewell to Vi as he walked quickly out of the kitchen.
Vi watched Hawke go without so much as a backward glance, and her heart sank.
“He hates me and thinks I’m an idiot.”
“No, he doesn’t, honey,” Mrs. Bartlett said. “He’s fighting feelings he’s buried deep.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s a typical man. Feelings scare him. He’s just like his dad. Before we were married, he broke off our relationship to date other girls.”
“He didn’t.”
“Yes. I decided if it worked for him, it could work for me, so I dated a few other young men. That smartened him up. It made Ty’s Dad realize he wanted to marry me, not someone else.” She patted Vi’s hand. “Don’t worry. It makes for a stronger marriage to get things worked out before the ceremony. You go on to San Diego. Find some nice men to date. Ty will realize his mistake in no time. It will work.”
“I don’t know if I want such a stubborn man who only thinks of himself.”
“Give it time. My husband and I are on your side. We always thought you two would make a good couple.”
“You hardly knew me.”
The older woman laughed. “We listen to the grapevine, Vivian. We saw you keep your head up high and you finished school and college, despite that man your mother set you up to marry.”
“Thanks for the advice. I’m not sure you’re right about how Ty feels about me, but I hope so. Can Mr. Bartlett drive me home now? I have some things to arrange.”
“Sure, honey.”
Hawke grumbled under his breath. He was annoyed and didn’t understand why Vi had taken what he said as an insult. She was nice and sweet most of the time. He’d never seen her act like she did today.
I can’t have an affair with her when I know it’ll end badly. I’ve never been steady with anyone, by choice. And what if we married and had children and I died? No, a family would distract me. I made the best decision when I joined the SEALs, and I’m sticking with it. No marriage until I retire.
Still irritated after considering the situation logically, Hawke decided to chop wood for the fireplace. There was plenty, but he needed the exercise. Then he ran five miles on the back roads. When he returned to his cottage tired and ready to rest, he made himself a drink and sat by the fireplace.
The cottage had a hollow feeling about it. Hawke put another log on the fire to take away the chill, but it didn’t seem to help. Stubbornly, he stared into the flames and refused to waste any more time thinking about how nice it would be to have someone to talk to. A particular someone.
Being alone had never bothered him. He’d always relished the few opportunities he managed to steal to be alone here watching the red and gold flames sparkle. He put another log on the fire, telling himself the air had gotten chillier. When the fire grew warmer, he placed the grate in front of the hearth and paced from room to room.
Vi’s fragrance scented the air in the bedroom she’d used. He lingered, enjoying what it did to his senses, until he realized what he was doing. He walked out and slammed the door shut.
Hawke made a fresh pot of coffee. He didn’t expect to sleep much tonight, but he was determined to stay at the cottage. He warmed a can of soup and made a grilled cheese sandwich that he forgot eating as soon as it was gone.
Lying on the couch, he stared out the window at the stars and half-moon.
I fucked up. Vi showed me I was wrong about her. She’s changed, a lot. She opened herself up and made a bargain she didn’t want, but hoped I did. And I threw it all back in her face.
Hawke raked his hands through his hair and sat up. Am I certain I want a marriage? After I get back to my home and job, I’ll see how I feel. For now, I’ll try and stay away from her. I’ve upset her enough.
Last night Vi had managed to slip into her bedroom and not talk with Emma. Her heart hurt, and her vulnerability made her want to be alone. She pretended to be asleep when Emma checked on her later in the evening.
But today she found herself crying in Emma’s arms as she told her friend how desperate she’d been and what she’d offered Hawke. She lifted her head and with tears in her eyes she added, “He turned it down. He must dislike me too much because of what happened in high school.”
Emma got up to wet a washcloth in the bathroom. She handed it to Vi to press against her aching eyes. “You are not leaving tomorrow. You will hold your head high and ignore him if you see each other.”
Vi sniffled. “Why?”
“Because for some reason, I agree with his parents and think you two are meant to be together.”
“Yes, when I’m forty or so, and he retires.”
“Don’t be sad. I talked to my parents and I’ve got news that will make you happy. They think my going to San Diego with you is a great idea. I gave the school my notice, and since it’s summer vacation, I can fly to San Diego whenever you do.”
“That’s wonderful! When do we leave?”
“A week after Ty leaves,” Emma said firmly. “You don’t want him to think you’re running away, do you?”
“No.”
“Forget about him and have some fun while you’re here. Find someone to flirt with when he’s around. Make him regret what he’s missing.”
“Oh, Emma. I never thought of you as being devious.”
“I didn’t, either. But I’ve found a new side to myself. Dry up those tears. We’re going to hit the town and look in the shops and have a wonderful time.”
“I like the idea. Give me a few minutes to do my face. I can’t have anyone thinking I’ve been crying.”
Vi started toward the bathroom and stopped. “He asked me to go with him to dinner with Warner and his wife, Glenda. I’ll send him an email that I’d still like to see them, and suggest we join them whatever evening is best for all three of them. I’ll ask him to let me know the restaurant, and I’ll meet them there. How does that sound?”
“More devious than me. Ty doesn’t have a chance. His head will be spinning trying to figure you out.”
In the bathroom, Vi looked in the mirror. She was sad, but she’d try this last way to arouse Hawke’s interest. She didn’t want to think of her world without him after they’d finally reconnected.
She and Emma decided to stop at Jessup’s Pancake House before roaming the shops. Tonight, most of them stayed open until nine.
“I’ve always liked breakfast for dinner,” Emma said. “And they have the best pancakes and waffles in town.”
“I’m starving. I haven’t eaten much since yesterday when I had pie and tea with Mrs. Bartlett. You’re right, Emma. Both of Ty’s parents made it clear they’d like me for a daughter-in-law.”
“Then your halfway there. Look,” Emma said, lowering her voice and tipping her chin to direct Vi’s gaze. “There’s a couple we knew in school. I see Marge and Simon out all the time, but I bet you haven’t seen them since we graduated from high school. They’re waving. Let’s join them.”
Simon moved to sit by his wife, leaving the seats across the table open for Vi and Emma.
“You’re sure you don’t mind us joining you?” Emma asked.
“We love it,” Marge said with a huge smile. “It’s been ages since we’ve had a chance to visit with you, Emma, and forever since we’ve seen Vi.”
The waiter came and took their orders, and they began catching up. Simon glanced toward the door.
“Hey, there’s Ty and Warner. We’ll add another table and ask them to join us. Glenda must have a late job tonight at the courthouse.”
When Warner saw Simon start to pull another table over, he shook his head. H
e and Hawke walked over to the table.
“We’d love to join you another time, but Ty and I thought we’d have a guy’s night out.” He smiled at Marge, Emma, and Vi. “Nothing against you ladies, of course.”
Marge laughed. “We understand. Maybe another time.”
“For sure,” Warner said. The two men nodded and headed across the room to a table for two against the wall.
“What a night,” Simon said to Vi, “Seeing you and Ty both at the same time.”
Marge touched Vi’s hand. “I always thought you two might make a nice couple, but then you went off in different directions. What a coincidence you work in the same town.” She glanced at Emma. “I heard a rumor that you’re moving to California with Vi. Is it true?”
Emma said to Vi, “Our gossip line is faster than a speeding bullet.”
They all laughed. Then the waiter arrived with their food, which smelled delicious.
“Hand me the bottle of syrup, please,” Vi asked Marge. “I’m starving, and I still have a few pounds to regain since my experience overseas.”
Chapter 13
Hawke leaned forward toward Warner. “Did you or Glenda tell Vi we’d be here tonight?”
“Of course not. You and I only decided late this afternoon. You said you needed to talk. Seeing your reaction to Vi, I expect she’s the topic of our conversation.”
“Maybe.”
Warner nodded sagely. “Being a man like me, I expect you did something stupid around her.”
“It’s not stupid.” He looked down at the menu, but the words were a blur. All he saw was her face with tears rolling down her cheeks.
“We men always think it’s best to say what we feel in the moment. What we need to do is take a breath and think about what the lady said to us.”
“Humph. How did you get so smart about women?”
“I’m married to one. And Glenda has been my teacher. The first year or two were rocky, but we’re good now. I like marriage. It’s comfortable and has great benefits.”
“Sex isn’t everything.”
His friend grinned. “No. Don’t get me wrong, that’s one of the benefits, but not all. We found a way to talk to each other. If we’re mad, we go in separate corners, you might say. We leave the other one alone until we’re calm and ready to discuss our differences.”
“Maybe you two should open up a counseling center to teach men and women how to talk with each other and listen and understand.”
Warner laughed out loud. “An impossible job. We’re men, and they are mysterious women. We’ll never fully comprehend their minds.” He shrugged. “It might not be as much fun if we did.”
“They’re having a wonderful time,” Vi whispered to Emma. “They’re laughing.”
“And so have you, several times.” Emma took a deep breath. “Enjoy the moment and quit trying to watch them.”
Marge caught the last of Emma’s words. She reached across the table and patted Vi’s hand. “Do you have a crush on Ty? Most of the single women do. You know, I heard somewhere that a lot of Navy men are mostly love-you-and-leave-you men. I wouldn’t want a husband who traveled so much for months at a time. They probably have women throwing themselves at them whenever they pull into port.”
“I expect you may be right,” Vi said. “I was just curious to see two guys out for dinner, one without his wife.”
“Oh, those two have been buddies for years,” Simon said. “Warner’s mentioned a number of times about him and Ty keeping in touch.”
Emma added, “I guess guys have best friends, too.”
Vi was happy when they finished eating. “We’ve enjoyed talking with you two, Marge and Simon. It’s been wonderful seeing you. Unfortunately, Emma and I need to get to the shops before they close.” She gave Emma a look, and they both stood. “See you another time.”
Vi stopped their waiter and paid for the whole bill. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve held my chin up, but it wants to wobble,” she said and tried to smile.
“You did well. Let’s find a pretty new dress for the anniversary party this Saturday.” Emma locked arms with her as they strolled down the street.
“Are you afraid if you don’t hold me tight, I might run back?”
“Yes.”
They laughed and entered the first dress shop.
“You can stop forcing yourself not to look across the room. Vi and Emma just left. And I’m going to make a statement you may not agree with, but I’m saying it anyway.”
“Which is?” Hawke asked.
“You are in love with Vi, and I suspect it all started in high school.”
“What makes you think that?”
“If you weren’t, what happened at your cottage wouldn’t worry you so much. You’d tell me how you tried not to hurt Vi, and that would be it. You wouldn’t be glancing over at her table every ten seconds or calling me to head out with you to discuss what happened.” Warner leaned forward and added softly, “You have it bad, my friend. Give up the resistance.”
“I need to think,” Hawke said, and pushed himself away from the table. “I’ll see you and Glenda at Mom and Dad’s party.”
“We’ll be there. I’ll get the check, my treat,” Warner said.
Hawke strode out of the pancake house. He glanced both ways but didn’t see Vi or Emma. With a sigh of relief, he got in the truck and headed to the ranch for the night. Tomorrow, he’d go back to the cottage and hopefully feel more like himself. The cottage had been the place where he’d always gone when he had a problem or decision to make. He refused to let the thought of Vi there, or not there, intrude on his special retreat.
When he walked into the ranch house, it was dark and silent. His parents must have gone to bed early. Hawke tiptoed to his old room, took a quick shower, and—after not having slept last night—went to sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Hawke parked his truck in front of the cottage. Inside, he opened the windows and took stock of the pantry. There was still plenty of can goods and drinks his mother had supplied for Vi and him. After changing his shoes and packing a backpack with water and two protein bars, he walked out and down the same path they’d taken the other day.
Butterflies and bees flew around the wildflowers, and a cool breeze kept him comfortable. He began to run. He was headed for a natural stream, a bit further along the route he and Vi had walked. He’d planned to take her to see it, but their time together had ended before he had the chance to share it.
The spring bubbled from a hole in the big rock by the lake. He sat and enjoyed the quiet sounds of nature.
Was Warner, right? He’s known me better than anyone besides my team. We’ve grown up together from kindergarten to high school. Hawke considered lying back and closing his eyes, but feared that if he did, he'd see again how shattered she looked when he turned down her offer.
Hawke lowered his head between his knees. Damn, that took a lot of courage, and my answer blew her away. He remembered her explosive temper and grinned. Never had he seen her angry before, or so hurt. Damn, I handled it badly.
Standing, he brushed off the twigs and leaves and turned to run back to his cottage. I have an idea. If it doesn’t work, I’m not sure what else I can do.
“That dress is perfect for you,” Emma said. “I’m glad you decided to buy it and the sandals.”
“I like it. It’s a dress to wear to a picnic.”
“The blue dress makes the blue color of your eyes more intense, and the white trim is just right.”
“But you didn’t choose anything.”
“I don’t have anyone to impress. Anyway, I like my flowery dress. It’s cheerful and makes me happy.”
“I agree.” Vi glanced at her watch. “Shall we go? We’ll get there after the first arrivals and before the ones coming late.”
Emma led the way out. Her parents, who said they’d follow shortly, waved as the two young women hurried down the hallway.
Vi wished the butterflies would stop fluttering a
round in her stomach. She wasn’t sure how she’d react when she had to speak with Hawke. It was inevitable, and if they didn’t act cordial, the gossip line would light up later.
“Stop worrying about it,” Emma said as she drove her car to the park.
“You know me too well. Once I get there and lots of people have gathered around, I’ll calm down. Maybe I can hide and not have to speak with him.”
“Vi, you are not a coward. Go up to him and say hello.”
“This feels scarier than when I was hiding out from ruthless killers in the Middle East.”
“You were brave. Pull back your shoulders and be the same today.”
“I embarrassed myself, and he said no.”
“See how brave you were? That took real courage.” Emma parked the car and gave her a long look. “Take a deep breath and get out.”
“Oh, all right.”
Despite her determination to put on a good face in front of the other guests, Vi held back from mingling with the crowd and leaned against a tree to watch the happenings. She’d said hello and spoken with several people she hadn’t seen in years. In the distance where the main party had begun, she spotted Hawke, his sister, brother, and parents.
Sunlight shone on Hawke’s dark blond hair, making it appear lighter. Before she could look away, their eyes met. He smiled, and Vi forced herself to look away. A lump formed in her throat. She stared at the ground, wishing she might do a magic trick and vanish.
“Hello.”
She heard his voice in her dreams. When she raised her face, Hawke stood close in front of her.
“You look beautiful.” He looked her up and down. Heat sizzled through her body, and she resisted the urge to throw herself into his arms. Remembering the embarrassment she’d felt several days ago helped keep her steady against the tree.
“I’m Taylor Bartlett. Most people call me Ty, or my close friends, at work, call me Hawke. I think we knew each other in high school. Do you remember?”
The SEAL’s Surprise Mission (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Rache) Page 11