Page 27 of Homecoming

Grace had to cover her face with her hands for a minute. “You’re terrible,” she gasped. She didn’t tell her she’d already been imagining those other things. A lot. She’d been panting over Owen Black for months.

Angela only gave her a suggestive look, sipping at her iced coffee.

“I felt bad when he left like that,” Grace said, glancing back out the window. Owen had moved down the street a little, and was sitting on a bench, scrolling through his phone. His shoulders still seemed tense, though. As she watched, he took off his hat and looked at the band, then plopped it back on his head.

“Well, you did the right thing,” Angela said, her tone changing. “When they have panic attacks or flashbacks, it’s best to leave them alone for a few minutes before you approach them. And sometimes they need a distraction. I’ve distracted Aiden with a kiss before. And more,” she said, grinning.

“I dated a guy in New York that had been in the military,” Grace said, the situation just occurring to her. “He didn’t really see combat, he said, but he still had issues with crowds. We couldn’t ride the subway, because of it.”

Angela nodded. “It’s one of the more common things the guys come home with. They’ve learned to be fearful of crowds, because it hides suicide bombers. They’ve literally been trained to avoid crowds like this.” She glanced around the shop pointedly. It was mid-afternoon, and people packed every table,taking a break from their shopping. “That training is hard to forget.”

Grace nodded, her mind on Owen’s face when he’d pushed up out of the chair. She’d wanted to reach out and grab him, make sure he was all right, but she’d forced her hands to stay in her lap. She’d given him exactly three minutes before she went to check on him.

And that was probably wrong, because Angela was technically here to see her. She shouldn’t have left her. “I’m sorry I just left you here…”

Angela waved a hand. “Believe me, I totally understand. If it had been Aiden, I would have done exactly the same thing.”

“But we’re not…” Grace grimaced, trying to explain, but Angela shook her head.

“It doesn’t matter what you are to each other. You saw a veteran that was having an issue and you went to check on him. I appreciate that. All the men on the mountain are vets, and while we try to prepare them for dealing with people and towns, there might be another issue pop up like this.” Angela leaned back in her chair, her expression turning serious. “It’s a different world for them, even in a setting like this. They’re trying to adapt, but a tiny trigger can pull them back to a place they’re fighting hard to leave behind.”

Grace sighed, her thoughts still lingering on Owen. “I just hope I didn’t overstep. I want to help, but I also don’t want to push him.”

“You did fine,” Angela reassured her, a soft smile returning to her lips. “Just being there for him is a huge step. It shows you care, and that means a lot.”

Grace looked out the window again, watching as Owen read from his phone, lost in thought. “I really like him, Angela. I’ve never felt a pull to another person like that.”

Angela’s expression softened. “I think he really likes you, too, Grace.”

She sighed, letting the little spark of excitement and wonder settle in. “I appreciate you saying that.”

She sipped at her drink and leaned down to dig into her purse. She drew out the second present she’d wrapped earlier. “I may not see you till after Christmas, so I thought I would give you this now.”

Angela’s eyes lit with excitement, then dimmed. “I didn’t get you anything,” she said, frowning.

Grace shook her head. “Like I told Owen, I love the giving part of Christmas.”

Angela tore the paper from the box and lifted the lid, gasping when she saw what was inside. “Oh, my gosh! It’s the pin I loved in the artist’s store!”

She drew out the black and gray horse’s head, with the trailing, beaded mane. “This person must have amazing eyesight.”

Grace laughed. “Well, I’ll admit, sometimes I do use magnifiers.”

Angela gawked at her. “Wait, you made this?”

Grace nodded, and she loved the stunned look on Angela’s face.

“This is amazing,” she breathed, and moved to pin the horse to her dark coat. “Thank you so much! Oh, I love it!”

“That looks really nice there,” Grace said, nodding, and laughed when Angela leaned over the table to give her a tight hug.

Angela rested her fingers on the piece even when she sat back in her chair, and she seemed to be thinking about something. She looked up and caught Grace’s gaze. “I know this is probably a crazy question, but do you have plans for Christmas?”

“Well, we usually head to my mom and dad’s house early and congregate there. We watch the littles open packages and usually end up watching a ball game or something.”

Angela nodded. “Well, if you’re interested, we’re planning a big dinner. Most of the men will be there, as well as Jordyn. She’s the only other woman up on the mountain right now, and I think she would love you. We have an amazing kitchen crew who will be doing up something special…”

Grace cocked her head, considering. It would have been nice if Owen had been the one inviting her. “Don’t the men go home for Christmas?”

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