Page 14 of Rescued By the Rebel

“There’s a burger place down on First Street that’s close to the office, so I go there or to that sandwich place on Main quite a bit. Sometimes I go to the bar with some guys from the club. Other than that, I just eat at home.”

“Don’t like eating out?” I ask him with a teasing smirk, and he grins.

“Not by myself.”

There it is, that same connection between us like we’re each half of a heart that belongs together. He’s my missing half. I know he is,, and I’m tired of fighting my feelings for him and trying to slow us down to match other people’s timelines or idea of what dating and love should look like.

Our waiter comes back and Aldis and I both order the sirloin. Aldis orders us a few side dishes, and I pass my menu to the waiter as he turns to leave.

“So, tell me more about yourself,” he says.

“There’s not much to tell. I was pretty boring growing up.”

“I doubt that.”

“My parents were workaholics, and I was pretty much raised by my grandma until she passed.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, she was the best,” I tell him softly. “I always wished I was closer to my parents, but I don’t think they felt the same way. I just never seemed to be as high on their list as making more money or hanging out with all of the big, important people.”

“They’re idiots,” he seethes, and I smile.

“Were. They passed in a car accident last year.”

“Shit, I’m sorry, Winnie.”

I nod, grabbing my water and taking a small drink.

“You already know that I grew up in New York,” I say, steering the conversation back to more neutral ground. “I never really felt at home there. My grandma took me to this tiny town in Connecticut once, and I fell in love. I knew that I wanted to live in a small town then. I liked the pace of it all, the sense of community.”

“So, Maplewood is perfect,” Aldis interjects, and I smile.

“Yeah.”

“I think it’s great what you’re doing with Furry Haven. You’re amazing for taking care of all of those animals.”

“It feels easy, like a dream come true. I mean, I get to be outside around such sweet creatures who just need a little help. Someone to care for them.”

“See? Amazing.”

I blush and clear my throat.

“What about you?” I ask him, wanting to know more about him.

“Well, I grew up in Chicago. Broken home. I lived with my mom, and after the divorce, I rarely saw my dad. I joined the Navy as soon as I could and then joined the SEALs after that. I went on two deployments and was shot on my last one. The bullet hit a nerve, and I was medically discharged.”

He says all of this very clearly and concisely, but I can tell that it still bothers him. His parents’ divorce, being shot and discharged, all of it bothers him still.

“And then you threw a dart,” I continue, and he smiles.

“And then I threw a dart and moved to Maplewood,” he says, leaning forward towards me. “And one day, I was in town when I saw the most beautiful woman. She was checking out at the grocery store.”

My stomach drops, and I frown at him.

“Me?” I ask, and he nods.

He seems nervous all of a sudden as he studies me.

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