Remember Courage

by Ginny Sterling

  “Good.”

  Chapter 3

  Dylan spent the last year of his life getting things in order. He’d moved home after his discharge but only for a short amount of time. He loved his parents so much, but he couldn’t handle all the attention. He knew his mother meant well, but she was smothering him with her concerns and worries.

  He was normal and wanted to be treated that way.

  One afternoon, he’d emailed all of his squad to let them know what was going on in his life since things had happened so quickly. He knew Jamie was aware but wasn’t sure if he’d said anything to anyone else. That was the hardest email he’d written. He felt ashamed that his body had betrayed him and that he’d let down his team, his brothers.

  Hey guys,

  I wanted to reach out to everyone because I feel it’s important to stay in touch with each other. You guys have been my family the last nine years and it’s hard to believe that I am not there with you. Life has a way of jerking the carpet right out from under you – and for those of you that didn’t know… I was discharged because I’m diabetic.

  I’m back in Seattle right now, trying to figure out what I’m going to do. I swear, if my mother doesn’t stop asking me if I’m okay fifty million times – I’m gonna lose my cool. I wouldn’t hurt her feelings for the world and need to get my feet under me so I can be on my own.

  Anyone got a relative that’s hiring?

  (It’s a joke – sorta? Sorta not?…)

  Please write when you can – even if it seems like nothing, just know that I wish I could be there with you all. You’re my brothers, but our motto (and my body!) failed me this time - I had to get left behind. Let me know where you’re at and what’s going on in your lives – be safe! – and if you’re ever in the area, drop me a line.

  Dylan Luka

  Hey Dylan,

  Minter, Wilkes, Cooper, and I are all living near Tyler, Texas. What a great idea for us to all keep in touch. I’m glad you emailed. Get down here right away, soldier – we are hiring and you’d be a great fit.

  That’s an order, mister!

  John Griffin

  Luka!

  Good to hear from you buddy – sorry about the news, but hey! It could be worse… right? You could have Wilkes shove you into a landmine (Colin, you’ve had that one coming for a long time now buddy! LOL) and pout for months on end before you finally pull your head out of your… well… you know. Seriously, though – come join us down here in Texas and we’ll help you get started on your own.

  No one ever gets left behind, brother!

  Ethan Minter

  Cheap shot there, Ethan!!

  Seriously though Luka, what time does your flight land? I will pick you up. My wife said she’d make dinner for us all and she’s an incredible cook. I don’t know about working with Griffin though – the man is getting a little pudgy in his old age.

  Colin Wilkes

  What?!? I’m not pudgy – Lily calls it’s her ‘sweet padding’…

  John

  Ugh… I think I will scratch my eyes out now. Thanks for the visual, Griff.

  I just ate dinner too… (gag)

  Mike Cooper

  ‘Ditto’ what Coop said! - And who knew the man could read and write?

  I’m glad you are doing much better, Dylan. You had us scared there for a while, buddy. I’m throwing my vote in with John on this one.

  My vote is Texas.

  You should be with your family, but we consider you that too. You could always go visit your mom anytime. Texas isn’t as far away as Afghanistan. Plus, I plan on going back there to visit when I get a chance someday and I’d love to see you. I was there for Colin and Ava’s wedding – and she’s obviously crazy(about him).

  Miss you, Luka.

  Jamie Post

  Hey now! No insulting my wife… don’t make me come out there!

  Colin

  Bring it…

  Dylan saw the flurry of emails from the team over the next several days as each of the guys kept hitting reply-all on their emails. It was so good to hear from them and really made him feel a part of something again. He wondered if he should try starting his life over again out there in Texas. He knew he was trying to find a way to feel like himself once again.

  He’d gotten his eyebrow pierced and let his facial hair grow a bit in an effort to assert himself and regain some sort of identity. No one made him ask permission before doing it like they did in the military – but then again the sheer loneliness that he felt, and missing his friends, was tough.

  Hands trembling, Dylan made his decision and hoped his mother would understand. He knew she had been hounding him about writing down everything he ate, testing his blood sugar every few hours, and doublechecking his insulin shots before he injected. It made him feel like an incompetent three-year-old boy instead of a twenty-seven-year-old man. She meant well, but he needed a bit of distance.

  John – I just filled out the application online for the police department. I will have to get cleared by medical, so do you have something there I could do in the meantime to earn a living? Do you mind asking or putting in a good word for me? I’d feel better if I knew I was landing on my feet when the plane touches down there.

  Colin – my flight lands this Saturday at 4pm and I could use the lift you offered. Tell your wife not to bother cooking or be insulted if I can’t eat some of it. I’m still working with a dietician to keep things under control and will need to find one there ASAP. In fact, I need to go ahead and work on transferring my records to the VA there.

  Anyone got a couch I can borrow until I get a place? I’m excited for the first time in months and can’t wait to see you all.

  Dylan

  Speaking for all of us: we’ll figure it out, buddy… just get down here.

  See you Saturday!

  John

  As Dylan got off the plane in Tyler, he hauled his large duffle bag onto his shoulder and walked towards the baggage claim to get his other suitcases. He brought what he could and his mother offered to mail the rest once he got settled.

  Thankfully, that conversation didn’t go as bad as he thought it would. She was worried and hated to say ‘goodbye’ again – but when he offered to have her visit, and promised to do the same, she seemed to be excited to see how happy it made him.

  Grinning, he looked up and saw Colin’s blond head above the crowd since he was the tallest of the lot. Dylan then realized that the ‘crowd’ around his friend was actually their gang. Ethan was there holding a sign saying ‘Welcome Home Luka’ that made tears spring to his eyes, that he quickly dashed away and laughed happily. His former CPO saluted him, only to have a dark-haired woman and a blond run out to him and boldly hug him.

  “Welcome to Texas, Luka. I’m Lily Griffin – John’s wife.”

  “I’m Daisy Greenwell – Ethan’s fiancée. This is Ava and Cora – Colin and Mike’s wives. We are all so glad you decided to come down and be with us.” A small dark-haired woman linked arms with another lady, as they all circled around him, hugging him enthusiastically like they’d known each other forever.

  The four men joined in, all of them creating a massive circle of friends, blocking the way right there in the middle of the airport. Dylan realized that this was just what he was looking for.

  Home.

  The next few weeks were a flurry of activity as Dylan got settled in. He was staying with Ethan for the time being since he spent most of his free time with Daisy at her place. He only slept at the apartment, or so it seemed.

  He was hired on at the police station as a dispatcher until he had a chance to finish the physical requirements needed to pass and graduate to officer. The physical exam part was no problem, it was his medical records. His doctor recommended restricted duty for the time being to allow him to judge for any severe hypo or hyperglycemia events to qualify him as fit for duty.

  The department was wonderfully understanding and accommodating, with the effort focused on him being able to p
erform the duties needed as an officer. Dylan understood that and wouldn’t have it any other way. He could have died in Afghanistan if the squad hadn’t been there to get him treatment quickly.

  Becoming a dispatcher gave him ample time to learn the codes, the neighborhoods, and develop friendships – in fact, today, he was going to lunch with John. Glancing up from his desk, he smiled as his former CPO walked in.

  It was sometimes weird to be buddy-buddy with a man that had ordered him around, but it was for his own protection and that of the team when they were in the desert. He understood that now and marveled at the change of personality that becoming a civilian, and marrying Lily, had wrought in the man. He was easy going and that was just not like him a few years ago.

  “Whatcha up for today, Dylan?” John asked lightly, “It’s your turn to buy lunch and wherever we go, I need to grab something nice for my girl.”

  Dylan smiled, thinking of how enamored the guy was. He knelt down and let Radar sniff his hand again, watching the dog warily. John told him it was okay to pet her because he’d worked with Radar to relax a bit around others.

  There were several K9 dogs that you simply were not allowed to pet. They were all business and didn’t take well to strangers. Dylan had never really been close to Radar and when Lily had told him about the time she’d seen the dog in action – he had a healthy respect for those long canines in that animal’s large muzzle.

  “Something easy, please. There’s a coffee shop nearby that is supposed to be pretty nice. I know Perkins said it was great yesterday,” Dylan replied, tossing his thumb over his shoulder towards the older man sitting at the desk nearby. He pulled his headset off and set it down, getting to his feet.

  “I’m ready when you are.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Chapter 4

  Dylan followed John into the coffee shop his coworker had recommended and caught his breath. Perkins had said that the café had amazing free coffee for officers and several different menu items. He noticed that the older man had been there almost every day for the last two weeks for lunch and the crowded parking lot was a good indication that what he’d heard was true. Walking in, he stopped in his tracks.

  Gosh, he had a weakness for dark haired girls and the one behind the counter was utterly amazing. She had flawless skin and high cheekbones with icy-blue eyes that met his for only a second before looking away. As she tucked her hair behind her ear, he noticed that her haircut was wild – making her even more intriguing. One side was chopped close to her head and the other was long, falling into her face.

  “Man, it smells good in here,” John said quietly, disrupting his thoughts. Dylan realized it actually did smell divine in the café. The aroma of coffee beans, gingerbread, and fresh-baked bread hit him like a ton of bricks. Man, this was an amazing place and he would have to thank Perkins for the suggestion when he got back to the station, he thought.

  “What? Oh yeah it does.”

  “You okay man?”

  “Ugh, that was your one time to ask me that today – alright? I’m fine and you saw me test in the car, remember? I’ll be a good boy,” Dylan smarted off, smiling as John laughed.

  “I’m not your daddy. You don’t have to tell me.”

  “I know, but people don’t realize how much they ask that sometimes.”

  “Point taken.”

  “Thank you,” Dylan nodded.

  “What are you going to have?”

  “A whopping Texas-sized cupcake loaded with icing,” Dylan teased and saw John’s surprised look as he turned back around in line to face him.

  “I’m kidding, and sorta wish I could, right now. The chocolate ones look great. I technically could - but I don’t want to risk my levels and have to start over on my medical records for officer duty. I’m going to be good and keep my pretty figure trim,” he said, poking John in the waist and smiling.

  “I know. I know,” John admitted and actually flushed with embarrassment. “I had to order a size up in uniform pants. Even these are getting too snug too.”

  “I’m just teasing you cause everyone else is. You’ve got nothing there.”

  “Lemme tell you – stuff changes when you hit forty,” John groaned, rolling his eyes. “I went for a run last night and didn’t enjoy it like I used to.”

  “You used to enjoy running?” Dylan quipped as they stepped up to the counter, swallowing hard. The woman was even more beautiful up close and he saw the faint pattern of a tattoo along her hairline. Small, delicate scrollwork blended in, making it almost look like lace. It was the prettiest thing he’d seen in a long time, wanting to run his fingertip across it.

  “Officers? What can I get you two gentlemen for lunch?”

  “Your phone number,” Dylan blurted out and blushed at John’s abrupt guffaw of laughter. Man, he had no game anymore with the ladies, he thought embarrassed. He watched as her eyes danced and she smirked at them both.

  “That’s not on the menu.”

  “Is there a special menu?”

  “Sure is,” Eva whispered, crooking her finger at him and leaning forward. Dylan immediately perked up and shoved John aside, ignoring the chuckles from behind him. He was mesmerized by the sultry look she got in her eyes and the glimpse of mischief he saw there.

  “We’ve got roast beef sandwiches, chips, and a pickle today or my favorite… chicken Caesar salad,” she breathed, dropping her voice down in an intimate fashion that gave him goosebumps.

  “I think I’ll have your favorite – and make that two of them,” he smiled, realizing that she was taunting him in the most adorable fashion.

  “Coffee?”

  “Strong – just like I like my girls.”

  “Oh, you are a feisty one, aren’t you?”

  “Just when I’m with you. What’s your name?”

  “Eva – and you?”

  “Dylan.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Dylan and here’s that number you wanted,” she flirted, lowering her eyes as she rang him up. For a second he thought she’d changed her mind at giving him her phone number until she shoved a table tent at him on the counter, grinning broadly. Laughing, he picked it up and felt John clap him on the shoulder.

  “Still got it, don’t you, Luka?”

  “She didn’t say no.”

  Dylan could have sworn he heard Eva scoff and glanced over his shoulder back at the woman only to see her smirking as she slid on a pair of gloves and pulled the handle on the large machine that was used to make the coffee.

  “Next order please?”

  Eva had seen the gorgeous man when he’d walked in almost immediately. She always tried to be overly pleasant towards the police when they arrived simply because they were quick to check on her when she worked late hours. They always asked how she was doing, knowing that she often closed alone or opened early by herself. As a thanks, she had put cake pops on the menu right away and always gave the officers one, as a freebie, with their meals.

  But that guy… she mused, chuckling to herself while Madison rang up the next client at the register. That guy – Dylan – was something else. He obviously thought he was the cat’s meow, immediately flirting with her. She hated to admit that it worked only too well.

  He was incredibly attractive and she liked a quick-witted guy that went after what he wanted. Most guys in town seemed to like the pretty little girls and were intimidated by someone that was focused on themselves.

  She was dedicated to making something of herself and taking the time to do it. In fact, she had a class shortly and needed to step out in twenty minutes. She’d make up the officers’ lunches, bring it to their table, and slip out the back door of the café, before returning this evening to close up.

  Grabbing two trays, Eva slipped a cake pop in wax paper pockets emblazoned with the café’s name and put one on each tray. Walking over, she put one down in front of the blond man in uniform that was grinning at Dylan – the man that had flirted with her earlier.

  “Dylan,
” she said politely, setting his tray down in front of him.

  “Say it again,” he ordered in a heady voice that sent a thrill right through her. She met his eyes and saw the blatant interest there, combined with that roguish smile.

  “Nope,” she teased, grabbing the table card and turning away. That was the hardest thing she’d ever done, cause she wanted to parrot out his name over and over again like a high-pitched seagull from the Disney movie. Dylan, Dylan, Dylan! Instead, she found herself grinning as she heard his laughter echo behind her.

  “Someday, maybe?” Dylan called out boldly after her.

  “Maybe… not?”

  “I think so.”

  “Have a great day, sir…” Eva quipped, not looking up from where she was grabbing her things out of her locker about fifteen feet away. It was almost embarrassing at how much he was flirting with her publicly – but then again, she kept flirting back and was enjoying it immensely.

  “It already is one,” Dylan announced happily, waving at her. Eva threw her keys in her purse and smiled wryly, slamming her locker door shut.

  “That’s sweet.”

  “I’m betting that isn’t all that’s sweet here,” he replied mischievously.

  “It is for you,” she countered in a singsong voice, winking at him.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow?” Dylan asked, as the café grew quiet, listening to their banter. Oh, this would be gossip spread all over town soon enough. She even heard the other officer telling Dylan to ‘cool his jets’.

  “It’s up to you. You can eat lunch anywhere you want in town.”