Learn with Me
Page 17
“Let’s order something in and veg in front of the TV,” Siah suggested.
“I can so get behind that idea.” Carter shifted Siah from his lap and stood up. He moved over to the counter and started emptying his pockets into the basket he used. He was just about down the hallway when his phone rang. Siah reached over and tossed him his phone; after the last time Siah answered Carter’s phone he was a bit leery.
“Sergeant May.” Siah did love it when he got all military. He hoped he kept that when he got out next year.
Siah watched as Carter listened to the voice on the other end. He couldn’t hear what the person was saying but it was obviously important.
“I’ll be there.” Carter motioned to Siah with his hand like he was writing. Siah grabbed the notepad and pen from the counter. “Okay, eleven-hundred. At Dover? At Walter Reed? Ask for…? I’ve got it. Thank you for the information.” Carter hung up the call and dropped his head down.
“Babe? You okay?” Siah moved closer and rubbed his hand up and down Carter’s back.
“Briar’s coming tomorrow. I need to—”
“We,” Siah interrupted. Carter looked at him for a minute before nodding.
“We need to be at Walter Reed at eleven-hundred. He’ll be sedated for the trip and from what I understand hasn’t been informed of the extent of his injuries. His rear detachment said the hospital staff didn’t tell him because they didn’t want him giving up. Staff here will tell him. Guess they just let him think he couldn’t feel anything because of pain meds.”
“I can understand that. What do we need to do before tomorrow?” Siah thought Carter needed to get some food and relax, but he was a grown man and could make his own decisions… not that Siah wouldn’t guide him in the direction he thought he should go.
Carter seemed to be trying to make a decision as he stood there. He must have come to one. “I know that Briar said his parents disowned him but… I think they need to know he’s been hurt. The parents I remember would be there for their son when he was hurt. I just— I think I need to call his parents especially now that we know when he’s coming home.”
“If you think it’s something that needs to be done, let’s get it done.” Siah looked at the clock over the sink. “It’s six o’clock now. Would they be home?”
“Six was always dinner time at the Mason household and unless the house was on fire, there better not be any interruptions.”
“All right, you change and I’ll order up some food. You can call after we’ve eaten. Any cravings?”
§ § § §
Carter tossed down his chopsticks. Siah had ordered Chinese tonight and it hit the spot. Spicy beef with broccoli and cashew chicken. Steamed dumplings and lo mein. He was stuffed.
“Let’s put this all away,” Carter said as he reached for the container.
“Carter,” Siah said patiently.
“I’m stalling, aren’t I?”
“At least you’re recognizing that you are. The rest will be fine right where it is. Move to the couch and bring your phone.”
“Nah, let’s pick this up first then after the call we won’t have to move and can go with the rest of our plan for the night.”
Siah narrowed his eyes at Carter before moving to put the leftovers away. It really didn’t take them long to pick everything up. They grabbed some drinks and settled on the couch. Siah placed his hand on Carter’s thigh and squeezed.
“You’ve got this and no matter what they say on the other end of the phone? Remember, everything is better for you now. You’ve got the crew, Mooney and family, the heptad, and…” Siah stopped to preen. “Best of all, me.”
“Everything is great for me now. I’m almost half way to my bachelors. The crew and heptad are there for me no questions asked. And I’ve got the hottest, most supportive partner ever.”
Siah leaned his forehead against Carter’s. “Get this over with.”
Carter picked up his phone and dialed a number from memory. Yes, there were definitely numbers you never forgot. It rang three times before a shaky voice came over the line.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Mason?” Carter asked.
“Yes?”
“It’s Carter May. I’m calling to—”
“Are you calling to rub salt in our wounds? Don’t you know what you’ve done to this family? Why would you call here? You killed our daughter and took our son from us. Neither would have even thought of leaving if not for you.” By the time she finished speaking, Mrs. Mason was practically yelling.
Wow. Carter knew there wasn’t going to be a love-loss and there was possibly going to be some hard feelings but… wow.
“I thought you’d want to know that Briar is in critical condition. He was injured about a week ago and will arrive at Walter Reed tomorrow.”
There was silence on the other end for a long time. Carter thought the call had been dropped.
“Mrs. Mason?”
“I’m not sure what to say. Goodbye.”
Carter sat there with his phone and in his hand. That definitely wasn’t the answer he’d been expecting. “I don’t know how I feel about that. I knew they weren’t going to be the most friendly to me. But to just hang up?”
“Some have to learn the hard way what’s the most important,” Siah said.
“I know what’s the most important but I know I’ve got more to learn. Learn with me?” Carter held out his hand to Siah.
Siah twisted their fingers together and laid his head on Carter’s shoulder. “No one I’d rather have at my side.”
About the Author
Kris Jacen grew up just north of Boston, Massachusetts and met her soldier in high school but didn’t married him until almost ten years later. She moved around with him and their daughters (born in two different states thanks to the Army) for the first 19 years of their marriage (they’ll celebrate their silver anniversary in 2018) before settling in western New York.
She has been the Editor in Chief and Formatting Director for ManLoveRomance Press and its imprints since January of 2008 and has never looked back. Working with the amazing authors at MLR has allowed her to both hone her editorial skills and indulge her inner fangirl. She also acts as editor, mentor and sounding-board for newcomers which lets her “pay-it-forward” and help authors realize their dreams.
You can find out more about Kris on her website:
www.krisjacen.com.
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