Page 71 of Homecoming

“What does he say?”

“He’s just letting me know he organized the appointment for my evaluation—still, the sooner I get it over with, the better. When I pass that, then I can officially start training with the team at the base. I spoke to him this morning and told totry andbring it forward, but I didn’t imagine it would be this fast. Now I’m worried in case I don’t pass.”

“Why? You said you feel fine, or don’t you? Kat, is there something specific you’re worried about?”

“No. I’m fine, but do you think I should take Riley’s mom up on the offer of the counseling sessions first? Initially, I was hesitant to say yes because I didn’t think I’d feel comfortable talking about personal things with a stranger, but now… now I don’t know.”

“Maybe a stranger is exactly what you need: no judgment, no connections, and no emotional ties. It sounds the perfect balance of things to me.”

“So, you think I should talk to her? She did offer to just meet for coffee, but I don’t know… Do you think I should meet with her?”

“Why not? What do you have to lose? So you have a coffee and that’s it. Is that really so bad? Tell you what, you make an appointment with her and I’ll drive you. I need to go into the city and pick up some supplies—nails, metal, and stuff for the jewelry orders I have. I can drop you then pick you up on the way back from the hardware stores.”

“I’m really not sure if it's a good idea. Won't it seem like I’mfailing.” Kat sighs. “If I take up her offer to talk, then it feels like I’m saying I know I have a problem.”

“Well, better to talk to her and see if you really do have a problem before you fail the actual test, right? Getting through that means you’re one step closer to getting back with the team and if that’s what you really want, then why not give yourself the best chance?” he stands up and smiles as he pulls Kat to her feet.

“Why are you so damn sensible?” she smiles.

“Come on, put your clothes on or you might find I’m not quite as sensible as you think.” He kisses her neck then, turning around to face the pups, he calls, “Hey, come on guys… we’re going back to the house and if you behave, then maybe we can get some ice cream. I think Uncle Zak has some yummy caramel flavor in the ice box. That would be good, yeah?”

There’s a yipping chorus of bark as the pups come out of the bushes and follow behind him and their mother as they set off back to the house.

“You do know Zak’s going to torture you for giving them his ice cream?” she smiles.

“Shit!” Kat frowns as they approach the front of the houseandcombing her matted hair with her fingers, she watches as the two men pace in front of the expensive looking car on the drive.

“Oh hell… that must be the architect guy.Shit,I look such a mess.” She pulls again at her hair, trying to straighten her curls and brushes the grass strands from her tee-shirt.

“Would you rather I deal with them? I can tell them to come back when Darius is here?”

“No, it's okay. I can handle this. I know where he wants to build, and it’s not like I don’t know what he wants. You’ll be pleased with the design he chose. It has a log style front and flint walls. I think he went with most of your suggestions. I’ll speak to them, then go gather up his drawings and ideas from the office. I guess that’s what the guy is for—to expand on those ideas. You know how fussy Darius is, so I hope he’s good. Could you take the pups inside and I’ll join you as soon as I finish up?”

She kisses Noah gently on the lips as she calls ahead, while her hands continue to comb the knots in her hair. “Hey… Hey there, I’m so sorry I’m late. I was supposed to call ahead and cancel because Darius was unexpectedly called away with work and…Oh my God….Tyler?” The lines on Kat’s brow deepen as she stares in confusion. “You… you’re Tyler from the… the embassy… Bosnia... when we got taken… But how come you’re here?”

“Kat!” he smiles in a look of surprise. “Wow! How the hell are you? My God… this is such a nice surprise.”

“What the hell?” She sneers, “Why the fuck are you here? And how did you find me?”

“I didn’t. I mean this… it’s just be a coincidence. I’m working at a club in the city now. It’s call Selene’s, and the owner’s brother runs this commune. Rhys, he asked me to arrange for an architect after the last one failed to show. This is my step…half… brother. It’s who I’m recommending as the architect.”

“Hey Kat, I’m Donovan and really pleased to meet you. I understand from Tyler that Darius had a problem with the last architect and I just want to assure you I will do everything to—”

“Darius isn’t here, and so you both need to leave. I can’t do this with you right now.Youneed to go.” Kat continues to stare at Tyler as an anxious, churning zing of feelings whirls around the pit of her stomach. “I said just leave!”

“Wait, is there a problem here?” Tyler follows her up the steps of the porch.

“Did you not hear what I said? I said you need to go! Seriously, I don’t know why you’re here, but whatever the reason, this isnota coincidence—that just doesn’t happen. Now will you please go before I make you leave?”

“Kat… I didn’t know this is where you lived. Honestly, Donovan is just here to look at the plans for the house.”

“No. This is beyond any reasonable coincidence. Now… go!” she sneers, pushing him back. “The last time I saw you was a continent away in Bosnia and… no, this isn’t right. Leave now, because I won’t ask again.”

“Kat,” Noah calls from the door as he holds Evelyn in his arms. “Kat, is there a problem?”

“No, no problem. They’re just leaving. Noah, take the pups inside the house. I said, take them inside, now!” She snaps angrily, and immediately Noah pushes Luka and Lukas back inside the hallway as Kat turns and cautions the unwanted visitors. “You need to go and rest assured, Iwillbe speaking to Rhys about you.”

“Kat, I know it might seem strange that I’m here like this, especially the way our last encounter ended, but really, it’s all just a misunderstanding. I’m seeing the daycare owner, Rosie. She and I are officially dating.”

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