Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 371(@200wpm)___ 297(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
“No, I rented it. I wanted you to have wheels in case you want to go somewhere while I’m busy, and since I’m still new to the area and don’t know much about the public transportation or ride services, I didn’t feel comfortable relying on those,” I state, slipping her duffle bag into the trunk and reaching for the suitcase. “Also, we have a decent drive to get back to the base.”
“You rented me a car too?” She seems dumbfounded at the fact I wanted to make sure she has wheels while she’s visiting.
I bend down to move the large case but stop when she asks her question. Standing upright again, I step forward and meet her gaze. “Yes. You don’t have to use it unless you want to. Plus, I thought it would come in handy this weekend.”
The corner of her mouth curls upward. “What’s this weekend?”
Bending down, I lift the suitcase and slip it inside the trunk. “Not telling. It’s a surprise,” I state, closing the lid and flashing her a big grin.
Faith rolls her eyes but can’t stop the smile. “Fine. Be that way,” she sasses, walking around me to get into the passenger seat.
I run around her and open the door. “Your chariot, my lady.”
Shaking her head, she slips inside and sets her flowers on her lap. “Thank you, kind sir.”
With a quick push, I shut the door and practically sprint around to the opposite side. I give the ignition a start, fasten my seat belt, and throw the car in Reverse. “Your vacation starts now, Faith. Sit back and enjoy.”
The drive from the airport to Fort Irwin isn’t exactly convenient at around two hours, but it is what it is. That’ll give us plenty of time to catch up and talk as we make our way toward the base.
“How was your flight?” I ask, merging with traffic.
“It was good. I sat next to a mother and young son on their way to visit her grandparents. I was worried about him during the takeoff and descent, but he was a rock star. She kept him occupied with a movie on her phone. He didn’t so much as make a sound unless he wanted a snack.”
“That’s great. The last time I flew to Florida, I sat next to a couple whose baby cried the whole time. I felt absolutely terrible for them. They were so embarrassed and getting frustrated, probably because they could hear the complaints from the other passengers. When we were stable in the air, I asked them if they minded if I held him to give them a break. I could see the hesitation along with the relief in both their eyes as the dad handed him over. The baby was so damn tiny. I just cradled him in my arms, stood up, and slowly moved up and down the aisle. Within a couple of minutes, he was out like a light.”
When she doesn’t say anything, I glance her way for a moment. Her eyes are wide and full of something I don’t want to dissect for fear it’ll give me too much hope in our situation. “That’s the sweetest,” she mutters with a soft smile.
I shrug, keeping my eyes on the road instead of on her. “It was the least I could do. They were seriously stressing out. I’ve heard babies respond to that.”
“I’ve heard the same.”
“How’s the job search coming?” I ask once we get onto the highway.
She sighs and leans her head back against the headrest. “I should just accept one of the offered positions. There are so many good schools looking to fill teaching positions. I broadened my search and found a few kindergarten spots, but they’re all farther than I want to drive, which means I’d have to relocate. I’m not against that, but I don’t know the area or school system, so I’m just… I don’t know, hesitant, maybe?”
“That’s understandable,” I reply. “It’s always a little scary to move somewhere new. You don’t know anyone, and the comments online are always mixed.”
“Is that how you felt moving here?”
“Yeah. Fortunately, most of the soldiers I’ve encountered are welcoming and good dudes.”
“Most of them?” There’s no missing the question within her question.
“There are these two guys who don’t particularly care for me. One of them was up for a promotion and I ended up with it. Hell, I didn’t even apply for the spot. I was recommended and given new orders when I got to Texas.”
“Sounds like something catty women do,” she adds.
“Probably. Anyway, unfortunately, I have to deal with them daily, since they’re on my team.”
“That sucks. Can’t you get them moved?”
“Yeah, but I won’t. Not unless they are a danger to themselves or someone else on the team. I can deal with their brand of bullshit, which usually is just mumbling stuff under their breath. The other guys just roll their eyes at ’em.”