Page 93 of Luck Be Mine
“Like?”
“LC, you’re a middle-aged, old man. Watch a movie. Read a book.”
“I never watched movies. Never had a dang television, and I only have time to read ops reports on terrorists.”
“Most people use this time to get acquainted with one another and learn about family, education, hobbies and the like.”
“I already know about her family, her hobbies, where she went to school, who she dated.”
“She knows most of those about you, too, so what the hell are you worried for? It’s not like she’s not going to take you home. What has you in a knot?”
“Trauma.”
“Beg your pardon.”
“Childhood, work related, overprotectiveness. My walls may be back up.”
Doogie went silent at the honesty. “You phase shift in and around those walls depending on what’s going on. What’s got you there again?”
“Secrets, so many fucking secrets, a few I ought to spill, but haven’t.”
“She’ll be the first to tell you she doesn’t want any information. Deep-six the guilt, my friend. It will make you hesitate in your work, in your life, with your wife. Don’t do that, man. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of seeing you navigate a marriage while the rest of us flounder.”
“Hernandez doesn’t flounder.” Their senior chief had his shit in line.
“Senior Chief’s wife tells him exactly what to think and feel in the civilian world. He acts accordingly. Your wife is a busy doctor with her own bullshit to cope with and doesn’t have time to regulate yours along with everything else.”
“Truer words.”
“What brought this on?”
“Big conversation last night after I got home. She’s feeling disconnected, like we’re drifting. My fault, mostly.”
“So make up your mind, like you did in BUD/S. You love and adore her, and you’re going to connect no matter how down and dirty it gets. I’ll kick your ass if you mess this up.”
“I’ll kick myself. You won’t have to.”
“You’re overthinking. Go hold her hand. Have her try your food. Laugh at the movie. Gaze at the stars. You could go visit her office at QM or visit the hospital. Let her colleagues see you’re real. It’s not hard. She loves you, and she’s very proud of you. Do the same.”
“You’re right. She bought casual clothes and put them in the closet for me.”
“Because she’s an organized, smart woman who knew at some point you were going to need them married to her. Don’t overthink that either. It’s her taking care of you. Now you go do the same.”
Hunt sighed, grateful for Doogie’s friendship. “I needed someone who could straighten out the mess in my head.”
“Oh, I’m happy to roam around in there and kick you to the right path. You’ve saved my ass a time or two. This is the least I can do.”
“Thanks.”
“Hanging up now. Out.” He disconnected.
Hunt shoved his phone in his pocket and bolted to his truck. This date was a birthday celebration, and he needed to make a stop. Plus, he wanted to get to the hospital in time to go in and make himself visible.
He never announced he was a warrior elite. He didn’t want that common knowledge. Still, he didn’t want to leave his wife out there with few people understanding who he was in her life. One never knew when that would matter.
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◊ Date Night – Building Memories ◊
