Page 9 of Homebody
“Sounds good. Thanks for the tip.” Noah nodded.
“I’m gonna head over now. Deal with this phone. I’ll see you over there,” Dean said with a glance at Noah.
Only half of his motivation was to get to the texts. The other half was to escape from the burden of Blessing’s intense attention.
Noah nodded, glancing up as he took the pen in his hand.
Dean happily left Noah to deal with the volunteer who seemed a little too obsessed with his mother and his damn texts. The fourth one in as many minutes had just vibrated in his pocket.
Finally seated in one of the two empty leather chairs Blessing had told them about, Dean read the messages that had accumulated while he’d been making his way to the USO. That was when he knew two more things with complete surety. One was that he loved his mother and she loved him. But it was a certainty that she was going to drive him completely insane. And he hadn’t even stepped foot in the state yet. This couldn’t be good.
Mom
When are you landing in Albany? Will your flight be on time?
Just chatting with the ladies at Ruby’s and they want to know if you’re seeing anyone. Just curious. What should I tell them???
FYI I’m thinking MRI for dinner tonight. OK? You love the wings there. Let me know!
Are you in Atlanta yet? Are you getting these? Call me! You know I hate texting.
It was subtle, for his mother anyway, but if he weren’t mistaken she was feeling around. Trying to find out if he was dating anyone back in Virginia. Why? He had a sneaking suspicion and he didn’t like it.
Was she hoping to fix him up with someone while he was home?
That would be right up the alley of the ladies who hung around at the salon. Matchmaking while getting made over.
He could picture it now. A whole group of mother hens all focused on fixing him up with lord only knew who.
But there was no time to think more about that now because Blessing was currently escorting Noah over.
“I hope you gentlemen are comfortable,” she asked everyone seated in the area with one sweeping glance.
Dean had been so focused on sitting and checking his damn phone, he’d barely acknowledged the others when he’d arrived.
“Yes, ma’am,” one said now.
“Couldn’t be better,” the second agreed.
“Yeah. Thanks,” the third added.
“Let me introduce you all to the newcomers since it looks like you’ll be spending a bit of time together thanks to the delays.” Blessing glanced from Dean to Noah then back to the three men—and one black German Sheppard—already seated there. “Gentlemen, may I introduce Dean Sinclair and Noah Ziegler.This is Tyler Marconi, retired Army, heading to Montana. Seth Hansen, who is heading to South Dakota with his newly adopted and retired MWD Gomer. This is Code Drakos, who is heading to Tennessee. So, now that you’re all acquainted, can I get you anything?”
“No, ma’am.” Seth smiled.
“No, thank you,” Tyler said.
“We’re good.” Code added.
“Okay. Then off I go. I’ve got three more coming to check in. They’ll be here any second now.”
Blessing turned and rushed to the desk, as if she knew for sure exactly three more people were coming even though there was no one at the desk nor walking through the door.
But damned if by the time she made it behind the counter and had picked up the sign in clipboard a man with a woman and a child in a stroller came around the corner and into view.
Had this family called the USO phone in advance? Or did she justknowthey were coming, just like how sheknewit was his mom texting?
Strange didn’t even come close to describing Blessing.
