“You’re like that, and I know that there will be others who see me that way too,” he says.
“I’m glad you decided to stay for Thanksgiving. It wouldn’t have been the same without you there.” I say.
I turn around to see who’s around everyone is busy and not paying us any attention. “What the heck?” I give Sutton a hug. “I’m really going to miss you, friend. You will have to stay in touch.”
“Seriously Avery, I want to be invited to the wedding, and I want the first child named after me,” he scoffs.
I whack him lightly in the shoulder. “You’re nuts. We’re nowhere near anything like that.”
“Maybe not but you’ll get there,” he says.
We definitely aren’t there yet, but for the first time in my life I’m open to the possibility.
The next morning, I sleep in. It’s Thanksgiving, and I don’t have work. I peek into Jess’s room and she’s fast asleep. Aunt Bee and Uncle Jim are talking loudly in their room.
I tiptoe downstairs and head to the kitchen. I get a text message from Bennett.
Bennett: Are you awake?
Me: Yes.
My cell rings and I pick it up right away.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he says.
“Good morning to you,” I answer.
“I can’t wait to see you later on,” he says.
“Me too, but you know we have to be careful. I heard Monica is going to be at the dinner tonight,” I say.
“Don’t worry so much,” he says easily.
“You told Sutton about us,” I say.
“Come on. You know he would never tell anyone. I’m feeling good about us and I wanted to share it with someone. I don’t know what’s going on, but my friend Quinn is MIA,” he says.
“What does that mean? Is he still active?” I ask.
“No, he got a full discharge. He’s working for a security company in Virginia Beach,” he says. “It doesn’t make sense. I just can’t get a hold of him and he hasn’t been around to see me either. I asked my friend Trev, but he doesn’t know anything.”
“That’s strange. Is there anyone else you can call?” I ask.
“Yeah, I’ll do that soon. I just wanted to hear your voice,” he says, and he does that constantly—he says sweet things that make me fall for him even more.
“That’s sweet,” I say.
Jess walks into the kitchen.
“I got to go,” I say quickly.
“Okay, see you later,” he says.
“Bye.”
I place the phone down on the counter and turn to my daughter. “Hey sweetie. I was just about to make some eggs would you like some?” My cheeks feel like they are burning.
“Sure,” she says, rubbing sleep from her eyes. “Who were you just talking to?” she asks. She knows me well enough to know I was just behaving super weird.
“I met a man,” I say, trying to contain my smile.
“Seriously, Mom? That’s awesome. Where did you meet him?” she asks.
My lips twist and I mumble, “The hospital.”
Her eyes widen. “Um, like he’s your patient?”
“He was my patient,” I say, bracing my palm against my forehead. “I know it was wrong of me to fall for my patient, but he’s really a great guy. We’ve just been talking on the phone—at least until he gets out of the hospital.”
“Yay.” She jumps up and down, and then walks over to me and gives me a hug.
“When your dad passed away, he left me a letter. In it, he asked me to remarry and find you a good daddy. Now you’re all grown up and I feel like I failed you,” I admit. “Just, life was busy, and my focus was you and then work. There was no time, and no one really caught my eye.”
“But this guy did? Wow! He must be something.” She grins.
“He’s great. Nice and handsome. Honestly, though, I don’t know where we are headed but he will be at the dinner tonight and you may get to meet him. We’ve been acting like strangers because of the hospital fraternization policies,” I explain.
“Ohhh, Mom, you’re a rebel,” Jess jokes.
“Well, I try not to be,” I say, because, well, since I’ve had her, I’ve become a responsible person.
“I know. I’m just joking. I’m seriously happy for you. I hope it works out,” she says.
“Thanks, sweetie. How are things going with Dylan?” I ask.
“Good. I told him I think we should wait a little before we, you know . . .” She moves her eyes back and forth.
“Got it. That’s probably a good idea,” I say.
“Yeah, he was cool with it,” she says. Good. I exhale.
I scramble up some eggs and warm some bagels and Jess and I sit to eat. I think how Jess and I have our own special routine, our life together. It’s what we know. How will me being with Bennett change our dynamic? Will he want to live in Jersey when he’s out of the hospital? We haven’t discussed anything yet. I just hope that we will both be on the same page.
Chapter Eighteen
Bennett
“Good morning, Mr. Sheridan,” Nurse Peterson says.
“Good morning.” I smile.
“How was your night?” she asks.
“Not bad. I’ll be happy when I don’t have to sleep in a hospital bed anymore,” I say.
“I’m sure.” She comes around my bed and conducts a neurological test. She does this every morning because of the initial concussion I had from the blast.
“Can I ask you for a favor?” I ask her.
“Sure. What can I help you with?” she asks.
“I need a pair of scissors and a razor,” I say.
She frowns. They limit which personal belongings we are allowed in here. Given the suicide rates among veterans, certain items are not permitted.
“I want to shave my beard, possibly give myself a haircut. I want to look human,” I explain, since my hair has started to grow wild.
“I see. That is no problem. We have a barber available who can take care of you. Only he isn’t working today,” she says.
“This is really important to me. I’d like it done today,” I say.
“I really don’t think . . .wait a sec. My nephew Michael is in hairdressing school. If you don’t mind an amateur, I could call him and see if he’ll do us a favor. I’d need to stay here to supervise,” she explains.
“I’ll take what I can get. I’m not picky.”
“Okay. Let me go make the call and I’ll let you know,” she says.
“Thanks so much, Nurse Peterson,” I say. I want to look good for my woman tonight.
I try calling Quinn again for the umpteenth time.
He finally answers, “Hello.”
“Quinn, is everything okay?” I ask, sitting upright in my hospital bed.
“Bennett?” he asks, sounding confused.
“Yeah, it’s me.”
“Things have been messed up. Sorry I haven’t been by,” he says, his voice sounding hoarse.
“What’s going on?”
“A lot,” he answers curtly.
“Care to elaborate?”
“Not on the phone. Look, I know it’s Thanksgiving. I’m in Jersey. I’ll come by and visit you later,” he says.
“Okay,” I say, not wanting to push.
We end the call. I get out of bed and begin to look through the box of clothes I ordered online. Thankfully, they got here on time. Now I just need to decide what to wear. I’ve never cared how I looked but Avery has only seen me in hospital gowns and shitty joggers. I want to show that I can clean up well. Just hope she’ll like what she sees.
“You . . . look real nice, Mr. Sheridan,” Nurse Peterson says as she helps me up out of bed and passes me my cane.
“Thank you for all your help. Your nephew is a great kid,” I say. He came in gave me a haircut and shaved my face. I wanted to transfer him payment to his bank account, but he refused to take my money.
“Thank you. He’s going to graduate beauty school soon.
He does my hair and my daughter’s, and he’s really great,” she says.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done. All your help. I know I was a pest when I first got here. I’m sorry,” I say as I stand and take hold of my cane.
“Pain can be really stressful,” she says, giving me an out. “I’m not holding you responsible for anything you said or did during that time.”
“I do appreciate that but I still feel the need to apologize. I’m usually not so nasty,” I say.
The door swings open and Quinn stands there, tall and brooding. “No, he isn’t nasty; he’s just a jerk.” He chuckles, walking in with a few plastic bags, like he’s been grocery shopping.
Nurse Peterson smiles.
“Quinn, play nice,” I say.
“Sorry, my apologies. I appreciate everything you’ve done for him. He isn’t a jerk. He’s an honorable man. I’m alive and in one piece because of him,” he says to Nurse Peterson.
“I could tell. He has kind eyes.” She smiles, pressing her lips together.
“Thank you, ma’am,” I say.
“If you don’t need anything else for now. I’ll go on the rest of my rounds,” she says.
“I’m good and thanks again,” I say.
“Of course, Mr. Sheridan. You have yourself an enjoyable Thanksgiving,” she leaves the room.
“Wow. You look like yourself again and not like some psych hermit,” Quinn scoffs playfully.
“Good to know that’s what you thought of me.” I laugh.
“Here. I brought you some food,” Quinn says, holding up a bag. “Didn’t think you would want hospital food on Thanksgiving.”
“Thanks, man, but the hospital is hosting a big dinner. Apparently, we’re getting real food. They’re bringing all the patients to the main lunchroom. You’re more than welcome to join,” I say.
I peek into the paper bag he brought.
“Okay, but we’re still eating those subs. They’re meatball. Ashton introduced me to this place. These sandwiches are like crack,” Quinn says, licking his bottom lip.
“Hey, I think I lost a ton of weight being in here so I’m not opposed to eating two meals.” I reach into the bag, take a sandwich and pass it to Quinn, then I grab one for myself and limp my way back to my bed since Quinn is sitting in the only chair in the room.
Getting back on the bed is a tough process. I finally get myself upright and bite into the sandwich. My eyes roll to the back of my head and I groan. “Oh, this is good.”
“I told you,” Quinn says, opening his mouth wide for a large bite.
We eat in silence and I savor every bite.
When I’m done, I tell him I need to get dressed for the dinner tonight.
“Oh yeah? Why?” he asks looking down at me. I’m wearing a t-shirt and jogging pants.
“Because it’s Thanksgiving,” I say.
“It’s a hospital,” he retorts, and then his gaze narrows on me. “Is this about that leggy blonde?”
“Don’t call her that,” I snap.
“Seems like I hit a nerve.” He grins mischievously.
“Don’t be a jerk. I’d never refer to Ashton that way,” I tell him.
His face turns somber. “We lost the baby.”
“Sorry, man. Shit. I didn’t know,” I say, sitting up straighter.
“It was messed up. Some stuff happened with work. She couldn’t get a hold of me and now we’re on rocky ground,” he explains.
“So you aren’t going back to Virginia Beach?” I ask.
“I’m here for now. Ashton and I have been through a lot. She’s trying to push me away, but I won’t let her,” he says. He looks completely torn.
“Is there anything I can do?” I ask.
“No, man. I’ll just hang out here a bit,” he says.
“’Kay. I’m just going to change,” I say. I grab some clothes I prepared and head into the bathroom, wishing I could do something to cheer Quinn up.
I pull on the grey sweater, followed by changing my boxers which is a little more challenging because I have to reach forward. I am definitely in much better shape than I was but recovery is going to be a long process. I manage to get the jeans on my bad leg first and then slide them over my behind. I grab my cane and stand, feeling winded from the simple act of getting dressed. How is this my life now?
Stop it. You need to be grateful for what you have.
I step out of the washroom.
“All good, man?” he asks.
“Yeah, thanks for dropping by. I do appreciate it. I know I’ve been an asshole,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck. “Everything, including the pain, was very overwhelming.”
He claps me softly on the back and doesn’t say a word, but his eyes speak volumes. They tell me he will always have my back.
“So what’s going on with you?” he asks as I walk with my cane toward the bed.
“I’m falling hard. It’s crazy. I don’t even know how it happened.” I snicker.
“Tell me about it,” he says knowingly.
“She’s . . . just perfect,” I say of Avery.
“Good for you,” he says.
“She’s coming for the Thanksgiving meal with her daughter. Thing is, we aren’t allowed to be together because of hospital fraternization policies and all,” I explain.
“That’s tough. Wait a minute. Did you just say she has a daughter?” he asks with surprise.
“Yeah. She’s sixteen. What of it?” I ask defensively.
“Easy there, slugger. I don’t see a problem. I’m just surprised that you, of all people, would date a single mom,” he says. He isn’t off-base either. The old me probably would have been too scared to get involved with a woman who had a daughter because of the extra responsibility.
“That was the old me. The new me wants to see where this goes,” I say.
“Then I’m happy for you, bro,” he says.
“Thanks, man. I want to meet her daughter and get a few minutes alone with her but it’s like all eyes are on us. She already had a slap on the wrist because someone reported to her superior that there may be something going on between us,” I explain.
“A fucking rat. Hate those,” he scoffs. “Man, you were a fucking SEAL. You’re suave and stealth. You want to see your woman alone? Make it happen,” he says.
“This isn’t a mission,” I scold him.
“Make it one,” he says. “Come on, man. When you want something, you go after it; you don’t cower.”
“That’s some pep talk.” I roll my eyes.
“I’m being serious. You’re both adults.” He nods assuredly. He’s right; us staying apart is crazy. She isn’t my therapist anymore. We are two consenting adults.
“You’re right. I’m going to need your help,” I say.
He stands and moves to clap me on the back again but then withdraws his hand, and I know it’s because he doesn’t want to hurt me.
“I’m not fucking made of porcelain, asshole.”
He laughs. “Sorry, man.” He has the decency to wince.
I can’t get on his case because I know my body is still weak. I’ve been working hard in therapy, building my upper-body strength and strengthening my leg muscles, but I know recovery isn’t a race but a marathon.
Quinn and I come up with a plan. Nurse Peterson stops by my room to get me. Sutton and some other patients are with her, along with some transporters. We head down to the cafeteria with Quinn but when I get there, the air is sucked from my lungs.
Chapter Nineteen
Avery
“Halo! Over here,” I call out, waving while standing beside a long table. She sees me and waves back. Jessy went to the washroom for a minute and I don’t want someone to snatch up this table. It can fit all of us.
“Avery, it’s so good to see you,” she says. She looks beautiful, her auburn hair longer than it was the last time I saw her on a visit to Chicago. “It was a long, crazy drive, but we made it.”
I hug her, and then hug her kids.
>
“Hey there, Avery,” Thomas says. “It’s good to see you.” He gives me a hug. “There she is. Look at you, all grown up,” he says to Jessy as she strides back to the table.
“Hi Uncle Thomas,” she says, giving him a hug.
“You’re taller than your mom,” he says, and I see the way he looks at her with sadness in his eyes. She’s a clear mix of me and Liam.
Jessy smiles. “I’m so happy you guys came to visit.”
“I’m glad we made it, but a thirteen-hour drive turned into a sixteen-hour drive,” Halo says. “Macy needed pee breaks every two hours. It’s like her bladder has an alarm attached to it.”
“Mom,” Macy whines, and gives her mom the stink eye.
“I love you and your bladder.” Halo smiles.
“I don’t,” Brandon groans.
“The same thing happened to Jessy and me when we came to visit a few years back. It was a long drive. Not one I was excited to take again soon after, even though we loved spending time with you guys,” I say.
“I drove the whole way. I don’t know why she’s complaining. She had Netflix on the entire time,” Thomas says of his wife.
Halo rolls her eyes and swats him on the chest. “Whatever.”
He laughs and kisses her cheek. They are this awesome inspirational couple. I used to watch the way they looked at each other and think wow.
“Dave and Jenny were driving just behind us. We got in this morning and had some time to rest, which is definitely a good thing,” she explains.
“Cool. I think that’s Jenny there,” I say, tilting my chin to the entryway of the cafeteria. Her husband and kids are following behind. We met on mine and Jess’s last trip to Chicago.
Jenny comes up and we say our hellos and hug. “I’m really so glad you all could make it,” I say. I’ve spent a few Thanksgivings with Cindy and her sister at her apartment, but it didn’t feel warm and welcoming like this.
“This is really great,” Thomas says, looking around. There are long tables lined up with food in the middle. We didn’t want to have a cafeteria vibe to the meal, so we set up all the dishes in the middle of the table to give the place a homey feel.
Irresistible: A Salvation Society Novel Page 10
