Page 25 of Since the Day We Kissed

“Thanks,” Ethan nodded, glancing at Hero. “He’s my shadow—most of the time. Come on, boy.”Hero bounded inside after the two.

“Just dump ‘em on the kitchen table, if you don’t mind.”

Ethan returned his attention to Clyde, who now gestured down the hall, and as they entered the kitchen, Ethan’s eyes and mind drifted to that kitchen table: late-night knocks, the comforting smell of coffee, and Clyde patiently listening to him talk about his dad’s drinking. It was a safe place when he needed it the most.

“Thank you, Ethan,” Clyde said as Ethan set down the groceries.

“You’re very welcome, sir. I mean Clyde.” Ethan saw a notepad on the table, jotted his number down on it, and slid it over to Clyde. “Here’s my number. Like I said, I won’t be here for long, but if you need any help, just call me.”

Clyde’s eyes crinkled with a smile as he walked Ethan to the door. “You’re a good man, Ethan. Always have been.” He paused, hand on the doorknob. “Say, before you skip town, how about we grab a cup of coffee? Catch up?”

Warmth spread through Ethan’s chest. “Yeah, I’d like that. I’ll swing by before I go.”

Ethan’s stomach growled as Hero settled into the passenger seat, pawing at the window. “All right, all right, I’ll crack it open for you,” Ethan said with a grin, rolling the window down a few inches as they pulled out of the driveway.

Once they hit the open road, Hero leaned into the breeze, ears flapping in the wind. His tail thumped against the seat, keeping time with the whoosh of passing cars as the briny air from the coast filled the truck. The road stretched ahead, and Ethan wondered if his old go-to spot for a good meal was still around after all these years. The drive passed quicker than he expected, the landscape both familiar and changed in subtle ways.

Turning onto Main Street was like stepping into a living postcard. The buildings stood proud in their coastal palette: cerulean blues like clear summer skies, soft buttery yellows that captured the warmth of sunrise, and weathered reds that echoed the fiery hues of sunset. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and the sweet spice of cinnamon rolls just out of the oven drifted from the corner bakery, mingling with the earthy scent of damp wood from the docks. Sun-baked rope and the ever-present undertone of the sea lingered in the air. By the time he reached the diner, its familiar sign came into view, standing just as he remembered.

Lucky me.

With Hero at his side, the familiar bell above the door jingled and heads turned as Ethan entered Phil’s Diner. The lull in conversation picked back up in hushed tones as he went to an empty stool at the end of the counter. Still, he felt the eyes of the other patrons linger on his back.

What’s their deal? Is this about Dad ... what he did? I guess in a town like this, people don’t forget—even after twenty years.

“Ethan? Oh, Ethan?” A familiar, shrill voice cut through the diner. “Is that really you? I haven’t seen you in ages!”

Ethan turned just in time to see an older woman coming up to him, her red glasses perched crookedly on the bridge of her nose, and wild, silver-streaked hair puffed out in every direction as if she’d just wrestled with the wind. He smiled at the familiar face. “Hey, Ada. Good to—”

Before he could say another word, Ada swooped in, wrapping him in a hug so tight he nearly lost his breath. An intense floral scent made Ethan’s nose twitch. It was a cocktail of roses, lilies, and something sickeningly sweet. It clung to the air, just like Ada herself.

“Well, look at you. How long’s it been? Oh, now wait a minute. Phil!” Ada’s voice rang out, her arms still locked around Ethan in a surprisingly strong grip for her compact frame. “Phil! Get out here! You’ll never guess who’s back!”

Phil emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron. His eyebrows shot up. “Ethan? Well, I’ll be. How many years has it been?”

Ethan extended his hand, grasping Phil’s firmly, feeling the calluses and strength in the older man’s grip. “Far too many.”

“And who’s this?” Phil asked, bending down, hand outstretched.

“This is Hero,” Ethan said, watching the interaction.

Ada bent down, patting Hero’s head. “What a handsome boy,” she said with a smile, then reached into her purse, rummaging around. “Let me see if I’ve got a little treat for you ...”

Her hand came up empty, and she frowned. “Oh, shoot. Thought I had a snack in here for you.” She gave Hero an apologetic look. His tail, which had started wagging, now drooped.

“He’s not picky, but looks like you’re off the hook this time.” Ethan chuckled, then turned to Phil. “He usually goes where I go. Hope it’s all right I brought him in?”

“Course it’s all right!” Phil said, bringing Ethan’s attention back to him with his boisterous voice. “So, where’ve you been hiding all these years?”

“Virginia. Been there a while now.”

“Well, welcome home!” Phil said, clapping him on the back. “Say, I remember reading about you. Silver Star from Afghanistan, wasn’t it?” He shook his head in amazement. “A bona fide hero right here in my diner. Who’d have thought?”

Ethan’s hand found the back of his neck, his gaze dropping to Hero. “It’s ... not as big a deal as it sounds. Lot of guys got ‘em.”

Ada swatted Ethan’s arm. “Oh, stop being so modest! You’re a genuine hero, Ethan. Own it!”

Ethan forced a smile, his thoughts drifting to the men he’d saved—and those he hadn’t. “Thanks.”

---