Page 44 of Operation: Reckless Angel

“No, she was an MP. She’s at a different duty station now,” he lied. Well, it was a small white lie. She had been an MP. And she lived and worked elsewhere.

“Long-distance relationships are hard, but they can work out. There’s texting, phone calls, Skyping. We didn’t have that when your father served. I’d think it would make it easier than I had it.”

“Mom, thanks, but I’m not sure it would work in our case. Do you remember me telling you about my coworker and friend, Michael?”

“Yes, sounds like he’s one of your best friends up at Great Lakes,” his mom said.

“Yeah, we spent a lot of time together since I transferred to Illinois. Well, we’ll still work together, but he’s engaged. I went over to their place a few weeks ago and it’s just,” he sighed and shook his head. “It wasn’t the same as when just he and I hang out.”

His mother laughed. “I’d think not, sweetie.”

“My boss, BT, his girlfriend, lives with him now too. Both women are nice, it’s not that.”

“You’re feeling like a third wheel?”

Roth shrugged. “Maybe something like that.”

“Do you want someone to share your life with?”

“I didn’t think I did, didn’t think it mattered, but then I met Briana, and I could see us together. I know that sounds crazy. We only talked for a few days before she left town, but she’s fun, feisty, and,” he paused when he saw the grin his mother was giving him.

“And you’re attracted to her.”

“It’s not just physical. She’s a good person and I would have liked to get to know her better.”

“Well, I think you should. It doesn’t have to lead to a romantic relationship. And I’m sure if she’s in a new place, a friend to converse with would be appreciated. As you know, being in a new town can be lonely until you get to know people.”

Roth thought about Briana practically living in her van alone. She very well could be lonely. “Thanks, Mom, I’m sure you’re right. Yeah, maybe a long-distance thing could work.” He pressed a kiss to his mom’s cheek. “We actually did exchange a few text messages earlier this month and talked about doing a camping trip together in the summer, but I’m sure she saw it as friends hanging out.”

“You never know where things will go,” his mom said. “But if you don’t seek any type of relationship with her, you’ll have none.”

“I know. I just don’t want to seem pushy,” he said. What he meant was given he was the agency contact with the Woods siblings he didn’t want to pursue a personal relationship with her if she didn’t welcome it because that would be an abuse of his position. He didn’t want her to interpret it as a requirement to keep her and her brother out of trouble with the agency.

“There’s been a lot of change in your life in the past two years,” his mom said. “I know you’re still mourning the loss of your SEAL career, but all things happen for a reason, son.”

“I know, Mom. I’m really okay with where I am now. The command is good to work for. My coworkers are my friends and the work we do is good, important.” He wasn’t lying about that.

She hugged him. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. I’ve been so worried about you since the injury. I know you were devastated when you could no longer be a SEAL.”

“Yeah, I was. But another door opened and I’m in a good place now. Please don’t worry, Mom.”

He hated that she’d always worried about him. She had been against him becoming a SEAL, and she worried terribly about him when he did that job. He understood. She didn’t want to lose her son in addition to her husband to the fight in the Middle East. She had been so relieved when he took the job at what she believed was the naval hospital. He felt bad for lying to her about it, but he couldn’t tell her the truth. And at least now she didn’t worry about him doing a dangerous job. It was better for her this way. At least that’s what he told himself.

“So, Briana, continue to reach out to her as a friend. Maybe it goes further, maybe it doesn’t. You said you want to get to know this girl better and I can’t think of a better way to do that.”

“Yes, Mom,” he said sarcastically, but followed it up with a smile and another kiss on her cheek.

They got busy chopping vegetables for the dressing, working together like they had before he went into the Navy. They had a routine, a comfortable family tradition. He and his mom always made the stuffing and stuffed the bird. Kelly always made appetizers they’d munch on through the afternoon.

“What about you?” he asked.

“What about me?” she replied.

“Don’t you want someone to share your life with now that Kelly and I are out on our own? I don’t recall you ever dating.”

“Would you be okay with it if I did?”

“Well, yeah. Dad’s been dead for so long. I’ve never really understood why you haven’t.”

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