Remember Courage

by Ginny Sterling

  “Did you test yet after dinner? You seem a little distracted by your new lady love, buddy.”

  “Shoot! No,” Dylan admitted and hesitated. Normally someone bringing it up would irritate him, but Ethan had been nothing but understanding. They seemed to have an unspoken code among them. He didn’t treat Ethan as helpless with his prosthetic limb - Ethan didn’t pester him about his food intake and diabetes.

  “Thanks for the reminder.”

  Dylan bolted off the couch back to his room and quickly swiped his finger with an alcohol pad. He winced at the click the pen made and the jab of the lancet, before squeezing a drop onto the tester strip. The screen lit up and Dylan quickly jotted down the number in the digital app on his phone and let out his breath. He’d been a little low before dinner and adjusted his insulin levels. He was afraid by reducing them, he would have tested really high. Maybe he was getting the trick of this after all?

  Eva drove into work the next morning and felt so excited for their date this evening. She’d never laughed so hard or had such a wonderful time in a long time – and Dylan wasn’t pushy about it. She’d been on dates that had ended badly, even spraying mace on a guy when she was younger who didn’t understand what ‘no’ meant.

  It was like Dylan was just happy to get the chance to spend time with her. She had no idea what movies were out and truthfully, she realized that it didn’t matter what was playing. She couldn’t wait to see his smile and hoped that work flew by today.

  It was a relief to have a break from the crazy running around she’d been doing the last few weeks. Her life felt like a rat-race each semester, consisting of work early in the morning – then her classes – wrapping up her day with what she didn’t finish at work earlier in the day. Paula never complained about the overtime because she was aware that Eva was doing the job of two people. In between semesters usually involved her splitting her day in two shifts with a big gap in the middle.

  The morning flew past and before she realized it the café started to get crowded, signaling that the second wave of customers was getting ready to start. Glancing up at the clock, she smiled softly, knowing that Dylan would probably be here shortly.

  She worked the counter happily, watching the door ever so often, and was crushed to see that he never appeared. Part of her hurt inside at realizing that now that they’d gone out, maybe the chase was over? Was he one of those guys that only enjoyed the pursuit of his prey? Just as she turned to wash her hands and clean up, she heard the bell chime on the door and peeked over her shoulder.

  “I’m late,” Dylan said with a soft smile, holding a bouquet of flowers. In his hand, he held a small cluster of wildflowers wrapped in green floral paper and tied with a bright neon pink ribbon.

  “What can I get you?” she said smoothly, trying to keep from gushing over the flowers and the fact that he’d arrived, her fears dissolving before her eyes in his smile.

  “You aren’t going to ask why?”

  “You don’t owe me an explanation.”

  “Can you join me for a few minutes away from the counter?” he asked shyly, handing her the flowers. “I’m fairly bursting with excitement and I want to tell someone the news.”

  “Sure. Give me a second to put these in water and I’ll be right out,” Eva said, curiosity piqued. She accepted the bouquet and slipped around the corner back towards the kitchen to sniff them. The flowers had a faint clean scent that wasn’t overpowering. The blooms smelled like sunshine and summertime. Smiling, she put them in water and hesitated.

  Dylan never ordered lunch.

  Grabbing a small salad, she threw in some grilled chicken, croutons, a few wedges of tomato, and a boiled egg. One of the girls Eva had hired, who’d been with her since she took over, was in the kitchen piping frosting on sugar cookies and smiled at Eva.

  “Is your guy here again today?”

  “He’s not really my guy, but yes. He just got here.”

  “It’s sweet that he comes here every day just to see you.”

  “Yeah it is. Can you ring me up for a salad and put it on my account?”

  “You got it.”

  “Thank you, Chelsea,” Eva said quietly, nodding. She poured a cup of coffee for herself and grabbed a Diet Coke for Dylan before heading into the dining room.

  He was easy to find, sitting alone at one of her favorite tables. The light from the window streamed in, highlighting the stained-glass mural of a coffeepot among a bunch of flowers. It was one of the coziest spots in the entire building and she often did her studying there. Sliding the tray onto the table, she saw his surprised smile as he looked up at her.

  “My treat,” she smiled, “You bought dinner so I thought I’d treat you to lunch. Eat up and tell me what happened that has you so excited.”

  “You’re the best,” he admitted, picking up his fork and taking a bite. Eva noticed that his hand had a slight tremor to it and didn’t comment. She just gave him a few minutes to eat, while stirring a pink packet of sweetener in her coffee and taking a sip. It was so nice to have a chance to stop and take a moment for herself – and spend it with him.

  “So, I’ve been waiting to be cleared for duty and the captain pulled me aside, putting me on a shift with John,” he said excitedly. “I’m being moved from dispatcher and out to patrol finally. I found out today! I’d been put on desk duty until I had my records in order and truthfully – I’m glad to get this chance. Apparently it didn’t used to be this way and was a lot like the military – you couldn’t serve. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, you know? That’s the reason I was late, because I had to sign quite a bit of paperwork, get assigned a badge, a gun, and other stuff.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Eva said happily, smiling at his enthusiastic expression. His eyes crinkled at the corners as he grinned good-naturedly.

  “I know it’s hard to explain – but this feels like I’ve accomplished something and that I’m getting a second chance to be a part of something greater, you know?

  “I understand,” she said, laying her hand down on top of his where it sat on the table. “I really am very happy for you, Dylan. You’ll be great.”

  “You’re the first person I’ve told. John knows because he asked to be assigned with me. I’m glad that I’m riding with John and Radar truthfully – it will be like being back home… well… in Afghanistan again,” he said sheepishly. “It wasn’t home - but felt like it because I was there for so long.”

  “You don’t have to explain. I understand.”

  Dylan turned over his hand so he could cradle her hand in his instead of hers covering his. She swallowed nervously, feeling the temperature of the room as it seemed to increase tenfold suddenly at the warmth of his touch.

  “I like you holding my hand,” he said quietly, his eyes watching hers.

  “Don’t go getting all mushy on me,” Eva blustered nervously, feeling her face flush, “I’m going to have to get back to work soon.”

  “I know.”

  “But my coffee isn’t finished and neither is your salad.”

  “True,” he smiled, pulling his hand away and picking up his fork to finish the last few bites, “I’m going to have to get back too. I’ve got a date with an angel tonight and can’t risk getting tied up at work again.”

  “What time do you want to meet here?”

  “I could pick you up, if you want?”

  “Or we could meet at the theater,” she suggested as he wiped his mouth with a napkin and set his fork down.

  “Would you prefer that?”

  “Do you mind?”

  “Not at all,” Dylan replied easily. “Whatever makes you comfortable.”

  “What time?”

  “Is six okay or do you need later?”

  “That’s fine with me.”

  Eva got to her feet, feeling a little guilty, like she was lazing about on the clock in front of her team. She picked up the tray and Dylan got to his feet, preparing to leave, right beside her. She picked up the faint
scent of his cologne and saw a light scruff on his jaw, staring fascinated at the soft curve of his lips when he looked at her. She adored the fact that he seemed to be always so light-hearted, that he laughed and smiled so easily.

  For a moment, Eva thought he might lean down and kiss her right there in the middle of the café as he hesitated. She caught her breath, wanting him to do it yet not ready to make things serious between them. He seemed to realize she was nervous and took a step back.

  “I’ll see you soon.”

  Dylan had been so excited that he’d been cleared that he didn’t pay attention to what time of the day it was. He’d been so good at being on a schedule and watching things carefully, it was surprisingly easy to have time slip by. When he’d realized it was almost two, he’d raced over for two reasons. He wanted to tell Eva about being put on active duty – and secondly – he needed to eat something soon.

  He’d walked in and saw her standing behind the counter, looking lovely as ever. Today, she had a large baby-blue clip holding her hair from her face that only served to accent her cool skin tones. She looked like a delicate fairy that seemed to be skittish around him when he got close – making him yearn to soothe her and gain her trust. When they were just talking or chatting, he adored her quick wit. She was a mix of fire and ice – intriguing.

  The rest of the afternoon flew by and before he knew it, he was standing in the lobby of the theater waiting for Eva to arrive. He saw her glide in through the door and knew it sounded poetic to think that the lobby seemed brighter now that she had entered the room. Smiling, he extended his hand towards her.

  “You look lovely.”

  “I’m still wearing my work clothes.”

  “Well, you practically glow in them then,” he teased, wishing he could wax poetic right about now without looking utterly stupid. He’d tell her that her eyes reminded him of the warm waters of the Caribbean, that her skin looked like the crystalline sands of an idyllic beach, and her lips like a… starfish?

  He accidently let out a snort of laughter.

  “What’s so funny?” Eva asked, looking at him warily and then around the lobby where they were walking up to the ticket counter to get their 3D glasses.

  “Nothing! Nothing,” he said quickly and smiled at her, trying to cover up his thoughts. He handed over the ticket stubs and one pair of glasses for the movie as a distraction.

  He was a blasted fool and falling for Eva awfully fast to think a starfish was an appropriate description, but to him – it just kind of fit. He adored her smile and shape of her lips when they pursed. They did remind him of a starfish, but in an eclectic weird way of thinking. Not the spines, legs, or suckers – oh no, not that at all! Rather her lips were a deep, pink, fascinating color that he knew hid a soft warm center – the very heart of her.

  “You’re still smiling and looking at me weird.”

  “Sorry – I’ll look at you normally now. I promise.”

  “You know what I meant.”

  “I’m teasing.”

  “What theater are we in?”

  “This one,” Dylan said easily and held open the door for her to enter. They walked up the carpeted ramp and quickly took their seats. They saw several people sitting around with their glasses on their face already, glancing at Eva. Apparently she had the same idea, because she’d put her glasses on and was getting ready to take a photo. The black framed 3D glasses looked too big for her face, making her utterly adorable.

  “Hang on,” he muttered, putting his on. “Take one of the two of us.”

  Leaning in, they put their heads close and smiled at the phone. The photo was cute, but he was more touched that they’d actually taken a picture together.

  “Can I get a copy of that?”

  “Sure.”

  The lights dimmed and the screen flickered brightly as the trailers of the other movies began to play. Sitting back in the chairs, Dylan realized that coming to a movie with Eva wasn’t the best date idea he’d ever had – it was one of the worst.

  It was pitch black except for the light off the screen, making it nearly impossible to see Eva’s expressive face. They were sitting in separate chairs, so they couldn’t even cuddle if he wanted to! Nor could they talk due to their surroundings. Either they, or the people around them, would not appreciate the movie being interrupted by a bunch of talking.

  And this was about to go on for just over two hours and twenty minutes.

  Tactical dating error 101.

  Eva sat there in the dark, watching the movie. This had to be the strangest date ever. First Dylan was definitely laughing at something, making her feel extremely self-conscious. She thought about going to the bathroom to check her teeth… and did check her blouse several times for stains.

  Now they were sitting in the dark, beside each other, not saying a word. If she wanted to sit with someone for two hours, she could have been in a lecture hall. The movie was decent, not anything she would have bragged about, but worth watching for sure for someone.

  It was the way they sat all prim in their own seats. He wasn’t holding her hand or anything remotely romantic at all – but then again did she even want that? Was this a deliberate ploy to give her space and take things slow? If so, she appreciated that sort of… but if she was actually dating someone, she wanted it to be something special.

  Dating meant relationships developed…

  Relationships meant time and commitment…

  Commitment meant distraction…

  And distraction meant delaying her own advancement, her goals.

  So, what exactly did she even want?

  Just then, she felt his hand reach over and touch hers where it lay on her leg near the empty armrest of the seat. He scooped up her hand, lacing his fingers with hers and propped it between them.

  Glancing over, she saw the light of the screen flicker off his face, catching a glimpse of his expression in the shadows, and that charming upturned curve of his lip. Facing back towards the front, she settled back in her seat. She felt his thumb brush her hand steadily back and forth. It was a tender sign of affection, like he couldn’t help but caress her hand. Eva couldn’t contain the sigh of happiness that escaped her.

  When the lights came up, Dylan held her hand on the way out towards the parking lot. She kind of regretted being stubborn and asking him to meet her here. She’d been stubbornly trying to keep a distance because she realized her own level of attraction to him as she listened to him talk about the movie as they headed towards her vehicle. He’d insisted, refusing to budge an inch and balking at her suggestion that she could walk to her car alone in the dark.

  “Do you have any plans this weekend?” Dylan asked, turning to smile at her as he leaned against her car. There was a soft, gentle, masculine air to him that just struck her as perfect. A little bit playful, a dash of personality, and a sprinkle of sexiness that was a devastating combination.

  “I’m pretty boring away from work. A few loads of laundry, doing the dishes, going to the grocery store, and basically adulting during my time off. You? What do you have planned?”

  “Nothing incredibly exciting – except that I happen to have a friend that is going to be grilling some brats and watching the game.”

  “What game?”

  “Truthfully – I don’t know,” Dylan admitted and grinned.

  “I’m not big on following sports. I usually spend my down time doing stuff like reading or running on the ‘dreadmill’. It’s boring but I get to listen to my headphones for a while and check-out mentally.”

  Smiling at his nickname for the treadmill, Eva glanced down at their hands as he laced his fingers with hers. She really enjoyed the way they just seemed to click together on everything. This was all so new, so different.

  “How about,” he said slowly, pulling their linked hands up towards his chest and laying them together just above his heart, “we spend our ‘boring’ and ‘incredibly exciting’ day off together having brats and wiping the floor with my fri
ends in an intense game of Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Scrabble, or whatever sports game is on the television?”

  “Oh really? A little competitive, are we?”

  “Very – and you never know someone until they are challenged head-on by a few difficult questions,” he teased lightly, tugging her a little closer towards him.

  “I’m incredibly competitive too - and play to win,” Eva warned quietly, not fighting the attraction flaring between them. She refused to think of anything but the inviting way he was drawing her near, into his embrace.

  “I just knew I wanted you on my side,” Dylan breathed, leaning down towards her. Eva’s eyes closed of their own accord as his lips touched hers. His lips were firm and sweet, coaxing, in a way that made her melt against him.

  Gosh, he could kiss!

  She wanted it to go on forever, feeling cherished in that moment in a way she’d never experienced. She broke the kiss, trying to catch her breath and feeling his racing heart under her hand where it lay against his shirt.

  “What happens if we somehow lose against them,” she chuckled lightly and heard his soft laugh brush against her hair.

  “We won’t,” Dylan promised, looking at her in the lights of the parking lot. She caught her breath at the tender look in his eyes as he smoothed back her hair from her face. His finger traced the tattoo down her temple before caressing her jawline. His touch made her shiver in anticipation and happiness.

  “When it’s something I want badly enough, I do everything in my power to make sure this will be the best game you’ve ever played… and keep you coming back for more.”

  “Are we still talking about the game?” Eva couldn’t help the words as they fell from her lips. The smile that suddenly blossomed on his face was incredible as he gave a slight nod.

  “I play to win too, Eva… in everything.”

  Chapter 8

  Dylan was excited to be able to pick up Eva for their get-together. It was hard to call it a ‘date’ when they were going to be hanging out with his buddies, their wives, and whoever else showed up. The more, the merrier – everyone agreed. They were all of the belief that you could never have too many friends in your circle.