“Parents can mean well, but miss the mark,” I say, trying to soften the tension that’s building. “You have your sisters. They must understand things better than your parents. No generation gap.”
“My sisters think I’m an elitist, or something along those lines. They think not going to their weddings, not seeing their kids christened, was a choice I was making. They think I checked out of our family because I felt like it. It’s tense, and like I said, complicated. I’m still adjusting to civilian life; I don’t need that pressure.”
I contemplate pushing this farther. I can see where his family is coming from. I’ve been on the naïve side of understanding the motivations of someone in the military. Click and I started on rocky ground on this topic ourselves, but instead I clam up. I’m here to support Click, to give him a place to ground himself, not to gang up on him.
“I just want to get to the bottom of whatever mess one of my sisters got herself into and then get out of here.”
“That’s fine,” I say, trying again to touch his shoulder that has now relaxed. “I’m here for you. Whatever you want.” As we pull down a quiet cul-de-sac I can tell by the five cars spilling from the driveway this is Click’s house. They’ve all gathered, just like he warned they would. The welcoming committee, the interrogation group, and the well-meaning mob of his family was about to lay siege on my senses.
“Just remember, they can smell fear. If you cry they will never respect you again, so if you feel yourself on the verge, just excuse yourself to the bathroom. They’ll probably still know, but at least you can save face.”
“Wait, why would I cry?” But Click is already stepping out of the car and coming around to open my door. I’m searching his face as he approaches, looking to see if his lips are curling into a playful smile. But there isn’t one. He’s either trying hard to play a joke on me or I’m screwed.
Books By Danielle Stewart
Piper Anderson Series:
Book 1: Chasing Justice
Book 2: Cutting Ties
Book 3: Changing Fate
Book 4: Finding Freedom
Book 5: Settling Scores (Available May 2014)
Piper Anderson Extras:
Choosing Christmas - Holiday Novella - Chris & Sydney's Story
Betty's Journal - Bonus Material (Suggested to be read after Book 4 to avoid spoilers)
The Clover Series:
Book 1 & 2: Hearts of Clover
Book 3: All My Heart
Novella: Facing Home – Click & Jordan’s Story (Available July 2014)
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All My Heart (The Clover Series) Page 19
