Page 31 of Salute, To Bravery
I took a seat across from him with my own plate of food and dug in. “This tastes amazing, thank you.” I mumbled between bites. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled it.”
Ian laughed. “Yeah, it seems you were pretty hungry.” He pointed to my plate with his fork. “You’re inhaling your food instead of eating it.”
I looked down at my plate only to realize it was already half-eaten. I sheepishly shrugged.
“Oh, by the way, your phone keeps ringing like crazy.” He casually mentioned as he finished his plate of food.
I stopped mid bite. “You didn’t answer it did you?” I tried to keep the panic from showing on my face.
“No? Why would I answer your phone?”
I relaxed a little. “It’s probably nothing, but I guess I should check it.” I shrugged and tried to remain casual, but my hands shook as I pulled my phone off the charger that was sitting behind me on the kitchen counter.
Fifteen missed calls. Mostly from my mother. There were two from my dad and one from Sophie.
I could feel Ian’s gaze on me as I fumbled with the screen on my phone. I wiped my hands on my shirt, the sweat making it difficult to hold my phone or swipe the screen for that matter. I opened my texts where I saw a number from Sophie.
Where are you?
Did you go on that trip?
This isn’t funny, answer your phone!
Your mom is FREAKING OUT.
You’ve really done it this time haven’t you?
Call me
I sighed and set my phone on the table in front of me.
“Uh, you wanna tell me what’s going on?” Ian’s face was full of concern.
“It’s nothing.” I shrugged and forced a smile on my face. I gathered our plates and took them to the small kitchen sink where I could wash them. I hoped it was enough of a distraction that Ian would drop it.
Ian slid out of the bench seat and came up behind me. He gently turned me to face him. “I know that’s a bunch of bullshit, but I’m not gonna press it.” He dipped his head down, so he’d be eye-level with me. “But when you decide to stop being stubborn and want to talk, I’m here.”
I couldn’t hold his stare and looked away first. “Really, it’s nothing. But thanks.” I again tried to smile.
He sighed as he straightened his spine. “Again, I call bullshit. I’ve never seen you act that way.” He gestured toward my phone. “You know if you’re in trouble all you gotta do is tell me.”
I laughed. “And what are you gonna do Army man? Kill anyone who hurts me?” I smirked at him.
“I’ve taken lives for a hell of a lot less.” Ian’s eyes met mine again, burning holes into me. There was no smile, and his jaw was tense.
I didn’t really know how to respond, but Ian did me the favor of going outside, leaving me standing in the kitchen alone, wondering what kind of man I was traveling with.
The day was mostly spent in silence besides the occasional ringing of my phone. After about the fifth call, I ended up sending Sophie a quick text letting her know that I was fine before silencing the device altogether.
Ian had kept a watchful eye on me throughout the day but had kept his word about not pushing the issue. Our quiet moments were usually comfortable, but today the air had been tense and our conversations short.
I sat on the couch, staring off into space as I mused over my current situation. I left home without telling anyone and I might be with a serial killer. I softly chuckled to myself for the thought.
“What’s so funny?” Ian sat at the dining table a few feet away, hunched over his laptop like he had been for the last few hours.
“Oh, nothing. Just starting to think that I watch too many true crime documentaries.” I smiled as I finally glanced at him.
His smile was soft. “So that’s what’s made you uncomfortable around me?”
