Page 20 of Buddy System

“Hey, it was true. I was traumatized for years after that experience. I can’t even imagine what those guys went through incombat. Their shit was real.”

About half an hour later, Levi and Skyler return to our group. Levi is walking a little better, but I’m still worried about his pain level. The sun is setting, and the guys both look calm now. They’re smiling as they sit back down, and soon the mayor takes the stage which is now lit up with spotlights. He welcomes everyone and tells them all how proud he is to serve as mayor forthis wonderful community. He tells a bit about the history of the town and thanks the sponsors for the event. It’s a typical mayor-type speech on a patriotic holiday that goes on just a little too long.

As he speaks, the high school band quietly fills up the stage behind him with the band director. Finally, the mayor winds down his talk and asks, “Will all of the military personnel please make their way up here and line up in front of the stage?” He waits as they file forward, during which time the band members make a bunch of squawky noises as they tune up.

When everyone, including Levi and Skyler, stands at attention in front of the crowd, the mayor says, “On this most patriotic of days, please everyone, show your appreciation for these brave men and women who have given so much of themselves to serve and fight for our beautiful country.” Cheers go up, and the applause is deafening. As it dies down at last, he says, “Now if you would all please join the Honeybee Hollow High School Band and sing

‘America the Beautiful.’” He steps to the side of the stage as the band director takes over.

The band isn’t the best I’ve ever heard, and the voices are a mixed bag, but the whole thing is so enthusiastic and genuine, I’m on the verge of tears throughout the song. I look over at Skyler’s parents, and they are singing arm in arm—just as moved as I am.

When the applause subsides, the mayor takes the mic again as the band files out. “Thank you, kids, that was just wonderful. And now we have a special treat, I’m told. We have a brand-new Honeybee Hollow resident among us who is going to sing our national anthem, and I’ve heard from several people that he’s exceptional. Please once again put your hands together and welcome to the stage US Army Sergeant Levi Spencer.”

Well, our new residency is news to me! I guess the community already wants to claim Levi as their own. The thought makes me warm inside.

Skyler carefully helps Levi up the stairs to the stage. I feel awful that I hadn’t even considered how he’d manage the eight or so steps. Once they reach the top, Skyler lets go and stands proudly at the edge of the stage. Levi approaches the mic, shakes the mayor’s hand politely, and thanks him. The mayor asks everyone to stand and then steps away.

I’ve heard Levi sing many times. But his a capella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” cuts me to my very soul. He looks so brave and handsome, and his voice doesn’t miss a trick. He’s impassioned, proud, and utterly amazing. I chance a glance around at the crowd, and jaws are dropping everywhere. Tears are streaming down Levi’s sister’s face, and I’m sure I look the same. His brother-in-law seems to be capturing the entire performance on his cell phone, as are a few hundred other folks in the audience. I want to kick myself for not recording him too.

I look over at Skyler, who is standing proudly at attention with his hand over his heart, and I can see pure love in his eyes as he watches Levi and listens to the magic of his voice. My heart pounds as I wonder,Why didn’t I realize it before?He’sin lovewith Levi just as much as I am. Well…he has good taste. I think back to what I’ve been told about their horrible experience in Afghanistan and how they risked their own lives to save each other, and I understand the dependency and respect they have for one another, but I also see that it runs deeper than that. If those two aren’t in love, I’m nuts. Part of me wonders why I don’t feel threatened or jealous, but I’m okay with it. No matter what kind of love it is, it’s beautiful and to be respected. I don’t feel as though anything is being taken away from me, only added. Levi can have two people who love him. He’s a lucky man for it.

As soon as Levi sings the line, “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,” the silent fireworks begin in the sky, and the crowd gasps and points. Levi continues the verse to its end like a champ, and finally waves to everyone with a big smile before exiting the stage to thunderous applause—and with Skyler’s help.

The crowd settles into their seats, and the magnificent fireworks show continues with a rousing musical soundtrack that begins as soon as the guys are off the stage. The display is breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring, but I know the most memorable part of the entire celebration was Levi.

When the grand finale fades away, and the last crescendo of the music is nothing but a memory, everyone claps once more, but this time it’s more of a polite applause. It feels to me like clapping in church. Everyone is smiling and happy—but subdued. Several people come over to thank Levi and welcome him to the community. When he can get a word in edgewise, he introduces me to well-wishers, but they truly only have eyes for him. I can tell he’s drained by all of this, and I could not be prouder of him.

We’re all exhausted and half asleep by the time we make it back to Skyler’s house. It’s been a long, emotional day. Kate and her family are taking over the upstairs tonight, so they don’t have to drive home so late. After quick showers, Levi and I fall into bed, and I snuggle into his warm embrace. I can’t help but whisper, “So…we’re officially moving here?”

Chuckling sleepily, Levi answers, “Guess so. At least that’s what everyone tells me. You okay with that?”

“Absolutely.” He squeezes me tighter. “Levi? I’m pretty sure Skyler is in love with you. Did you know?”

Dead silence. But I feel a certainstirringin his boxers. Smiling to myself, I pull the covers away, scoot down, and slide his pants out of the way to show Levi how much I love him too…with my mouth. He doesn’t have any objections, and soon I feel him tensing and thrusting and finally releasing into me.

“I love you so much,” he mumbles. “Tomorrow…” and he falls asleep. I understand. It’s been quite a day.

Chapter

Eighteen

Skyler

What an experience that was yesterday.Even though some of what happened was tough, Levi managed to pull himself together and wow everyone. I was so proud of him, and I could tell Brooke was relieved as well as thrilled.

I’m beyond happy that I asked them to come down here for the Fourth celebration, and okay, I did have an ulterior motive and hoped to get them to stay. But thanks to the town gossip chain that never gets the facts quite right and spreads like wildfire, my friends were made to feel like important newresidentsof the town already. I don’t know if it was because Levi and Brooke felt obligated to be polite or because they love it here that much already, but I’m not going to argue with their announcement that they plan to stay. It’ll be good for Levi, and anything that’s good for him is good for Brooke. And good for me.

It’s still early in the morning, but when I wander out to the kitchen and head for the coffee maker, I see that someone already made a fresh pot. Levi and his sister are sitting outsidein the relative cool of the morning, and they seem to be having a serious conversation over their steaming mugs. I don’t know whether to join them because I’m hesitant to interfere in a family matter. My decision is made for me, however, when Levi notices me, smiles, and beckons me to come out and join them. I nod and grab a stack of plates and a box of muffins and scones that I load onto a tray with my coffee before I head out.

Levi grins and thanks me, then tells Kate, “Try the blueberry muffins. I don’t know what Juni does to them, but they’re amazing.”

Kate’s expression remains somber and concerned, but she does go for a muffin saying, “Juni’s nice. She and Brooke really seem to have hit it off.” Looking at me, she asks, “Tell me, Skyler, does what happened to Levi last night happen very often?”

“You mean, does he blow everyone’s socks off with his singing?” I ask with a cocky grin. “It’s getting to be a habit.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “I’m referring to his reaction to stress. His PTSD. He doesn’t seem to want to open up about it with me, but I promised our parents I’d find out how he’s really doing.”

I don’t want to shrug it off; I know she’s concerned. But Levi’s response makes sense to me. I try to explain, saying, “Levi and I both have issues with it. His reaction was understandable last night. He was already tired and obviously experiencing significant pain from walking around all day—as well as feeling nervous about getting up and singing. Add some thoughtless kids to the mix who startled him, and it’s a perfect storm for a bit of a meltdown. His immediate reaction to protect Brooke from possible danger was noble and actually pretty endearing.”

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