Page 25 of Just Like This
“Garrett, a truly amazing night was ruined. Last night was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time until …”
His hand shot out and grabbed one of mine, locking our fingers together. “Cami.Nothinghappened with Nikki. Please believe me. I don’t want anyone else but you.”
I sighed but didn’t let go of his hand. It felt too good. “This isn’t easy for me. My mom left after I turned eighteen.” It was difficult for me to admit that to him, and I hoped he wouldn’t continue to pry.
“Thank you for telling me that.” He unexpectedly withdrew his hand and sat back against the vinyl booth. “I need to tell you something.” From the pained expression on his face, I could tell that whatever he wanted to say was eating at him. I waited for him to speak because I wanted to give him the chance to gather his thoughts.
“My leave is ending in less than two weeks,” he said plainly.
I wasn’t expecting him to say that. “Oh,” I responded. A tidal wave of emotion welled up inside me, and tears streamed down my cheeks. Garrett scrambled out of his side of the booth and over to mine where I crumpled in his arms.
“We haven’t had any time,” I whined. “We just got started.”
His thumbs wiped away my tears, and he kissed the stains left behind. “I’ll be back,” he whispered. “This is my last deployment. After this, I’ll be back for good.”
I nodded my head. “I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have let my insecurities get in the way.” Inwardly, I scolded myself for having wasted the evening on a stupid misunderstanding.
The server assigned to our table came by, and Garrett told her we needed more time. “Let’s get out of here, okay?”
“Where are we going to go?”
“Palmer’s.” I shook my head. “Your house?”
“No way.”
“Then where would you suggest we go?”
A thought popped into my mind. “You drive, and I’ll direct.”
