by Kaylee Ryan
“Come, sit.” Brandon’s mom, Sarah, waves me into the dining room. “Sit anywhere.” She points at the table.
Brandon and Savannah are already seated on one side. Eric rounds the table and sits on the end. I sit across from Savannah, leaving the spot next to his father open for Sarah. She surprises me when she takes the seat on the end, directly across from Eric.
“Dig in,” she says, pointing to all the food.
“This looks and smells delicious. Thank you.”
“The best way to thank the cook is to eat up.” She smiles.
We fill our plates and dig in. Eric, Sarah, and Savannah ask lots of questions about boot camp, and I chime in here and there. I’m a little distracted. The dynamics of their family intrigues me. It’s not sitcom-worthy, but it’s… nice. You can tell his parents care, truly care about what we went through.
“So, Slade, where are you from?” Eric asks.
I wipe my mouth and take a drink of water before answering. “Michigan, sir.”
“Eric, please. I’ve been up to Lake Erie a few times, finishing. Beautiful country,” he says.
“It is. A lot of people say it reminds them of the ocean.”
“Not you?” Savannah asks.
I shrug. “I’ve never seen the ocean.”
“Never, but you were just in South Carolina,” she says with disbelief.
“There was no downtime,” Brandon tells her.
“When you go back, will you see it then?” Savannah asks Brandon.
“Nah, SOI isn’t leisure either,” he tells her. Savannah looks crestfallen at the news.
“So, ten days,” Eric says. “Y’all got plans?”
Brandon laughs. “Sleep. Lots of sleep and more of this.” He points to his now empty plate.
“What about you, Slade?” Sarah asks.
“No plans, ma’am.”
Reaching over, she pats my hand. “Good, you boys will be around for more of my cooking. It’s harder to cook for just two.” Her willingness to include me without question, humbles me. I’ve never been privy to seeing a mother, one who loves her children in action.
“Thank you for dinner,” I say, remembering my manners. “It was delicious.”
She smiles brightly. “You’re welcome. You make yourself home while you’re here.”
That ball of anticipation, it’s back. “Thank you,” I say quietly. How is it that I’ve been here a little over an hour and they’re already pulling me into their fold? They’re showing me what a real family should have been like. Gran tried her best, but her health wasn’t good when I went to live with her, and she declined quickly from there.
“I told Reeves I’d show him small-town country life,” Brandon says, referring to me by my last name. Something we’ve gotten used to.
“What part of Michigan are you from?” Sarah asks.
“Detroit, a suburb of Detroit, far from the country life.”
“We’re not so different,” Eric says. “You can just see the stars here, and it’s a hell of a lot quieter.”
“That’s not a bad thing,” I tell him.
“Not at all. Sure, we have to drive to the store, the post office, even the gas station, but we like our little piece of heaven out here in the country,” Sarah says wistfully. “Nothing is within safe walking distance, but we love it.”
“I should probably go,” Savannah says, standing. “I have an early class in the morning.” Brandon stands as well, lacing her fingers with his as they disappear into the living room.
“And I need to get on these dishes.” Sarah stands, as do I to help her. “Sit.” She points at my chair, or better yet, Eric, show him to his room. Take a break, Slade. You’ve earned it.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you for dinner and the hospitality.” I’m overwhelmed by how welcome they’re making me. Not that I expected otherwise. Truthfully, I didn’t really know what to think. I know that spending ten days all alone wasn’t alluring. Trying my luck going home with Combs for that time sounded way more appealing. It took little effort for him to convince me. Now that I’m here, I’m glad I came.
“You’re welcome. Please make yourself at home.”
“Let’s go grab your bags,” Eric says.
I nod and follow him outside. Brandon and Savannah are leaning against what I assume is her car. Brandon’s dad doesn’t blink an eye as we pass them to his truck. He hands me my bag and then grabs Brandon’s as well. “Goodnight, Savannah,” he sing-songs as we pass them for the second time. I hear a muted, “Oh my God,” in a female voice, and chuckle.
“I just couldn’t resist,” Eric says conspiratorially when we’re back in the house. He heads for the stairs, so I follow him. “This is the guest room, which will be yours anytime you come to visit.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Don’t know your story, son. I do know that my home is always open to you.”
I nod. Not really wanting to get into my history. Not tonight. Witnessing the way their family interacts together, the love they all share, it’s cut me to the core. I’m lost in my own thoughts, thinking about my life. Gran saved me and did the best she could, but she couldn’t give me this: a mother and a father fully invested in my life. I envy Combs in that aspect.
“Make yourself at home, Slade. Get a good night’s rest.”
“Yes, sir.” I watch as he leaves the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. Setting my bag on the bed, I remove my boots and place them neatly at the foot of the bed. I’m just getting ready to strip down when there’s a knock on the door, and Brandon then comes inside.
“You good?” he asks.
“All set.”
“All right man, I’ll see you in the morning. Here’s to sleeping in,” he says holding his fist out of me to bump.
“Good luck with that.” Our internal clocks are set, I can’t see that habit breaking anytime soon. Not to mention that it will be the same routine once we’re back from leave.
With a tired smile, he nods, wishes me good night, turns on his heel and leaves.
Once I’ve stripped down to my T-shirt and boxer briefs, I lie down on the bed, and the softness has me sighing in relief. After sleeping on a hard-ass mattress for the last thirteen weeks, this is heaven. Pulling the covers up over me, I fall into a deep sleep.
AT EXACTLY TEN O’CLOCK, I rush to the door and flip the sign to Closed. Chase laughs from behind me. I turn at the sound and give him a warning look. “Seriously, Chase?”
He laughs harder. “What’s the rush?”
He knows damn well what the rush is. “Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I worked on my own tonight because your plaything couldn’t bother to come to work tonight.”
He shrugs. “I’m not her keeper. I told you to call Savannah.”
“You do realize that Brandon came home today, right? This is the first time they’ve seen each other in thirteen weeks.”
“And?” he asks.
“Gah! You’re such a jerk.” My outburst causes more laughter. Rolling my eyes, I start putting the chairs up on the tables so we can sweep and mop and get out of here.
“You’re supposed to wipe those down first, Austyn,” he points out.
“No shit, Sherlock. I already did that. I also already filled all the salt and pepper shakers and the ketchup bottles. While you did what?”
“Hey, the kitchen is my domain.” He points over his shoulder at the kitchen.
“Great, then you better get back to your domain and out of mine.”
“You seemed stressed, babe. I can help with that.” He wriggles his eyebrows at me.
This is nothing new from Chase. He’s a serial dater and an epic flirt. I wouldn’t go as far as calling him a playboy, because well, I don’t see that he has much game. He’s not a bad-looking guy. He’s average height, blond, and blue-eyed. I bite back a smile when I remember Brandon referring to him as “that pretty boy we work with.” That sums up Chase. “Now, Chase. You know you can’t handle me,” I retort.
> His eyes light up, and I groan. “Nope. Not ever. Not going to happen, so just erase it from your mind. Nope,” I say again.
“I’m wearing you down,” he says, pointing at me.
With a snort, I carry on lifting the chairs. “Keep telling yourself that, bud. Now, can you please get back to work so we can get the hell out of here?” It’s been a long day. My feet are killing me and I’m exhausted. I just want to go home and shower off the smell of diner and go to sleep.
He looks at his watch and his eyes widen when he sees the time. He now realizes his bullshit is delaying us even further. He doesn’t want to stay here any later than I do. I quickly place the chairs on the tables, then get to work on sweeping. It amazes me how people will drop things, such as napkins and cutlery and not pick it up. I get dropping some crumbs… it’s a restaurant. But the napkin on the floor that they had to step on, or over, to get out of your seat. Come on.
It’s eleven by the time we leave. It’s usually twenty to thirty minutes’ tops, but with one waitress and dealing with Chase, it took longer tonight. I’m exhausted and my feet hurt. I just want to go home, take a hot shower and wash off the grime of the day, and go to sleep. I’m just pulling into the house when my cell rings. I know it’s Savannah without even looking. The two messages I received while driving I’m sure were her as well. My lack of reply has prompted a phone call.
“Hello,” I say, turning off the ignition.
“I’ve texted you twice, you okay?” my best friend, Savannah, asks.
“Yeah, I’m good. Autumn called in tonight, and then Chase was, well, being Chase, so it took forever to get out of there. I didn’t want to reply while I was driving.
“You should have called me. I would have come in.”
“I know you would have, which is why I didn’t. How’s Brandon?”
“He’s great. It was so good to see him. Oh, and he brought one of his marine buddy’s home with him. He’s hot.”
I laugh. “Good to know. Wait, are you still with him talking about his friend? That’s wrong,” I say, giving her a hard time. After all, what are best friends for?
“No. They’re exhausted from traveling, and I’m on the morning shift with you tomorrow.”
“You are? I thought you took today and tomorrow off?”
“I did, but then Margaret called and asked if I could work. Apparently, she scheduled herself but forgot about a doctor’s appointment.”
“She’s had quite a few of those lately.”
“Yeah, she says it’s all routine, but I worry about her.”
“Me too.” Margaret is the owner of The Home Place Restaurant where Savannah and I both waitress. We started the same day our junior year of high school. The job is part-time, and Margaret works with our class schedules now that we’re in college. It’s a great gig for extra cash. I hate the thought of asking my parents for money all the time. It makes me feel like a bum.
“So, I hope you don’t have plans for tomorrow night.”
“Nope. What’s up?”
“I kind of told Brandon that we’d go to the county fair with him and Slade.”
“Slade,” I repeat the name. I don’t know about the guy, but the name is hot.
“That’s his friend, who came home with him. You’ll go, right? I don’t want Slade to feel like a third wheel.”
“Sure. We always go to the fair,” I remind her.
“I know, but not with me fixing you up.”
“Hold up, you didn’t say this was a fix-up. Savannah, you didn’t.” I love my best friend, even though she romanticizes everything and thinks I need to find someone so I can be as deliriously happy as she and Brandon are.
“Calm down, I didn’t, but he’s hot and seems like a really nice guy.”
“Right, how much time did you spend with him?”
“Just a couple of hours, but I can tell,” she replies.
“I’ll go, keep the guy company while you two lovebirds do your thing, but don’t go getting any ideas in that head of yours. It’s a favor. Nothing more.”
“You’re the bestest best friend ever,” she says excitedly.
I can already tell she’s not listening to a word I just said. “I mean it, Savannah.”
“Got it. I’ll see you at work in the morning.” She hangs up before I can say anything more. I love her, but sometimes she’s a handful. Shaking my head at her antics, I climb out of my car and head inside. The shower and my bed are calling my name.
“Good morning, Sunshine,” Savannah greets as soon as I walk into work.
“You’re chipper,” I say with a yawn.
“Of course I am. Brandon’s home.”
I smile at her. “How’s he doing? He seem okay?” I’m such a bad friend. I forgot to ask last night.
“He’s great. You can tell they worked them hard. His muscles are even more defined than before.” She wags her eyebrows.
“He was a pretty fit guy to begin with,” I comment.
“Right?” She beams, then opens her mouth, but I hold up my hand to stop her.
“I know what you’re going to say and I don’t want to hear it.”
“What?” She feigns innocence.
“I don’t need details, Savvy,” I tell her.
She huffs. “Fine, but as my best friend, you’re supposed to want details.”
I laugh. “I’ve heard it all from the two of you. I’m good for a lifetime of details.”
“Ladies, ladies, there is no need to fight over me. There’s enough Chase to go around,” Chase says, coming in through the front door.
“You’re not on the schedule and no. Just no,” Savannah says.
Her refusal doesn’t faze him. “Margaret called me this morning and said RJ called in. Asked me to cover the morning shift.” He comes over and stands between us, placing an arm around each of our shoulders. “You know, sharing does have its benefits.” He grins.
“Get off,” we say at the same time, ducking out from underneath his arms. His laughter follows him into the kitchen.
“What time are we leaving tonight?” I ask her once we’ve made our escape. I’m hoping there is time to go home and grab a nap before we go.
“I don’t know for sure. I’ll talk to Brandon later and let you know.”
“Sounds good.” Glancing at the clock, I see it’s a few minutes before eight. “We better get moving. Only a couple of minutes until we open.” We rush to get the chairs off the tables and the salt, pepper, and ketchup back in their rightful places. We’re just finishing the last one when old man Harris ambles up to the door. He’s a regular, a widower who comes in for breakfast seven days a week. “Hey, Mr. Harris,” I say, opening the door for him.
“Austyn, dear, how are you?” he asks, carefully maneuvering his frail body with his cane.
“Can’t complain. Savannah and I are going to the fair tonight.”
“Oh, I remember when my Rosie and I would go to the fair. You girls behave.” He tries to act stern; he’s anything but.
“Oh, I’ll keep Savvy out of trouble, don’t you worry,” I tell him, taking his cane and sitting it in the seat across from him.
“Don’t listen to her, Mr. Harris, you know I’m the good one,” Savannah says sweetly as she sits down a black coffee and a glass of orange juice. “What sounds good today?” she asks him.
“Two eggs, over easy, bacon, and wheat toast,” he tells her without even looking at the menu.
“Coming right up.” Savannah goes to put his order in while I finish opening up the front counter and making another pot of coffee.
The morning flies by. The Home Place has been in our town for over thirty years. Known for its homemade recipes, we stay busy, but the weekends are our busiest, thankfully it’s not the weekend. I’m standing at the counter, making what feels like the one-hundredth pot of coffee today, when I hear a deep, familiar voice behind me.
“Good help is so damn hard to find these days.”
I can’t help but smile. Bra
ndon is Savannah’s boyfriend and has been since freshman year, but he’s also my friend. We all went to school together since we were little. I take my time, knowing it’s him, and finish making the coffee.
“Is she ignoring you on purpose?” I hear another deep voice ask.
This voice is different, and it sends tingles down my spine from the deep rumble. This must be the marine friend Brandon brought home with him. Sexy name, sexy voice, and Savvy’s seal of approval. I’ve got to see this guy. Grabbing a towel and drying my hands, I slowly turn to face them. My eyes land on Brandon and a grin spreads across my face. “You’re home!” I say, rushing around the counter and hugging him. So much for playing it cool.
“Hey, Aust, how are ya?”
“Me? How are you?” I release him and step back.
“Good. Stopped by to have some lunch. Where’s Savannah?”
I point over my shoulder. “She was in the back grabbing more pie for the case.”
He nods. “Hey, there’s someone I want you to meet. Austyn, this is Slade. We went through boot camp together.”
Turning to face the deep, sexy voice, I have to bite my bottom lip to keep my mouth from dropping open. He’s tall, at least a head taller than my five foot four. With broad shoulders, dark black hair, and scruff to match, he’s handsome. That combined with deep brown eyes, so dark they appear to be onyx, this guy is the complete package.
Holy hell.
“HEY,” I SAY, HOLDING MY hand out to the blonde. It’s the same girl from the picture. Her blue eyes are striking, so much so that the picture did not do them justice. She’s a fucking knockout. “Slade, it’s nice to meet you,” I add, remembering my manners.
“H-Hi, Austyn.” She places her hand in mine.
Her hands are soft, a contrast to mine that are rough from the last thirteen weeks of hardcore training. I’m standing there holding her hand, staring into those ice-blue eyes, when Savannah comes around the corner.
“Hey, what a nice surprise.” She stands on tiptoes and kisses Combs on the cheek. “I see you two have already met.” She smirks.