Page 88 of See You Soon
"We never thought we'd see the day when Grim finally settled down. Apparently, Ari knows how to make miracles happen, guys, starting with saving my life." Rooker jokes and everyone laughs except Kane. He looks extremely tense and unsure of himself as he downs more of his drink, his eyes never leaving me.
"Alright let's get this fucking night started the right way." Danny interrupts us and holds his shot of alcohol in the air. "You too Grandpa, let's go," Danny orders Rooker. Rooker rolls his eyes, shaking his head. They all synchronize holding their shots up.
"Hooyah!" All the Navy men roar and they down their drinks. I'm standing by awkwardly watching. Lopez orders them all more drinks and gets Danny his favorite.
Jack Daniels.
Rooker begins telling them about his wife and how she's going to kill him if he gets back home too drunk. Lopez starts gloating about the state of Texas and Zeke argues that Hawaii is better. They engage in a brotherly argument about the pros and cons of both states.
Everyone from inside the tent starts surrounding the bonfire. The toasts to the bride and groom were just about to begin. Family and friends fill the beach with chatter and slow music begins to play outside. I’m watching all the women hold up their dresses to avoid getting sandy.
I decided this is my window to leave Danny alone so he can let loose with his close friends.
"Danny, I'm going to head towards the bonfire. I have to make a toast to Emilia." I motion towards the bonfire, breaking Danny from his circle of friends. They all look at us and then turn around to give us privacy, but Kane doesn’t. His eyes linger on me a little longer before they change to Rooker.
Kane probably realizes I’ve been seeing Danny since Iraq.
I can already smell the whiskey and I can't help but subtly enjoy it. The scent of whiskey reminds me that he's alive. He's right here with me and not halfway across the world.
Danny smiles in agreement. He gives me a kiss on my lips, and I melt from the soft clash, kissing him back. His light blue eyes trail toward the bonfire behind me. I'm watching his movements like a cinema movie.
When I catch the reflection of the bonfire flames in his eyes, his body stiffens, and his gorgeous smile slowly fades.
Danny clenches his jaw and he looks lost in thought. He freezes and I can't help but feel confused by his demeanor. It feels like minutes pass by as I watch his blue eyes reflect fire. He doesn't blink and continues to stare.
His actions send me in a looming weary. I touch his shoulder and it breaks him out of his trance.
"Danny? Everything okay?" I ask, my eyebrows furrow and the need to pry is gnawing.
Danny clears his throat. Still not looking away from the fire that illuminates the beach but he finally blinks, downing the rest of his whiskey glass.
"I'm fine." He's cold and emotionless and the side of Danny I don't like comes back to me full circle. He's closed off and mysterious. The stone-cold facial expression is familiar and I don't like it. I let go of his shoulder and my hand falls to my side.
Biting down, his jaw twitching, he finally looks away from the fire and turns his back towards me.
"More whiskey. And keep them coming, please." He requests from the bartender like he's forcing himself to sound normal. The bartender nods, filling up his glass.
What just happened?
"Fuck yeah!" Lopez pushes his shoulder, laughing, encouraging Danny but he doesn't react. He doesn't even flinch.
I bite my lip debating with myself as I turn around making my way to the bonfire. I thought giving him space would be the best thing. My feet sink onto the sand, and I'm swallowed with each step.
Questions swirl into my head and I grow nervous. I keep reminding myself that tomorrow would be the day of questions and answers but not tonight.Tomorrow.
Nothing will ruin tonight's homecoming.
* * *
The toasts of the wedding were emotional. People that love both Emilia and Harry gave their good wishes to the couple along with advice for a happy long marriage. I was one of the first to speak.
I sat down next to Meredith after she apologized for her crude behavior. We both sat and listened as the toasts went on, but my concentration was elsewhere. I was worried about Danny's drinking.
The whole time I sat at the bonfire, he didn't stop drinking with his team. All of them were a hot mess of intoxication. They probably can't help it after months of being in Iraq.
"What are you going to do about Shane? I'm terrified for you and your mom.This guy's scaring me.I can't imagine how you're feeling." Meredith says.
"I know," I murmur, stressed out.
