Page 1 of A Very Grumpy Navy SEAL

ONE

Lula

Well,this sucks.

I sigh as I stare at the charred remains of my rental house.The roof is caved in, and only three of the four walls are still standing.I survey the land, taking in the trampled grass and the deep gouges where the firetrucks parked when they put out the fire two weeks ago.

My dreams of relaxing on the front porch and staring out across the fields surrounding my house have gone up in smoke.Literally.

Well, I moved here looking for an adventure.

I turn and head back to my car, which is stuffed with my belongings.I was supposed to move into my new place today, but now I’ll have to figure out a plan B.

After living in San Francisco my entire life, I yearned to see more of the world.I wanted to find somewhere cheaper without all the memories.Somewhere new.

I rented an apartment with my older brother, Ledger, after our parents passed, but he joined the military two years ago and had no plans to move back home.I couldn’t stand to be in that apartment all by myself, so I did something about it.I took a leap—and landed in this mess.

What do I do now?I have no place to stay, no friends in town, and my only remaining family is halfway around the world.I wish Ledger were here.He would know what to do.

I sigh as I start my old car and back out of the driveway.What would Ledger do?

I know my brother better than anyone.Ledger would make a to-do list with everything that needs to be done and address each task in order of importance.He’s analytical and tackles problems head-on.That trait makes him a great Navy SEAL.

I head into town, my mind going a million miles an hour as I park at the Nosh Diner and head inside.

“Hey!Table for one?”a server asks.Her name tag reads “Cameron.”

I smile.“Yes, please.”

“How about over here?”She points to a table in the back.

“That works,” I say, walking to the table and taking a seat.

Cameron passes me a menu.“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Um, coffee and a glass of water, please.”

“You got it.”She gives me a wide smile and heads to the kitchen.

I pull out my notepad and a pen from my purse and get to work.

Okay, what do I need to do?

I write down tasks.

Contact the landlord about a refund on the rental property.

Find a new place to live.

Organize a place to stay tonight.

Check in with work.

Take a shower.

Eat.

“Are you passing through?”Cameron asks as she sets down my drinks.

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