Page 30 of Scooter's Endgame
But then a couple of ladies I’m friendly with from the base come over to say hi and chat. One of them hands me another glass and, slugging back a healthy dose of my drink when no one’s looking, my nerves begin to settle.
Dinner is casual and fun. The guys grill patties for a “make your own burger” extravaganza – a vast array of toppings and ingredients laid out on the kitchen counter to craft your own masterpiece. Competition abounds as they try to outdo each other, creating monstrosities and seeing who can finish first. Hilarity ensues, laughter echoing around the backyard as people settle down at the tables set up on the lawn.
A little buzzed, I lean back in my chair with a sigh of contentment I can’t remember feeling in the longest time. I smile at Beckett as he returns to his chair beside me, putting yet another glass down in front of me. My bladder chooses that moment to make itself known, demanding I offer it some relief or things won’t end well.
Praying I’ll find a bathroom that’s not in use, I make my way into the house, thrilled to find there is indeed one immediately available. I’m washing my hands after taking care of business when I hear a couple of voices out in the hall. I can’t identify who it is since there’s too much noise for that, but it doesn’t drown out their words.
“Did you see who Scooter brought with him this evening? I can’t say I’m surprised though. He’s certainly been waiting in the wings long enough. To be honest, I didn’t think he stood a chance since she was involved with that jackass, Gonzo.”
“Yeah, me either. But did you see how he was looking at her when she wasn’t paying attention? God, it made me hot just seeing it. It feels like forever,” her words disappear for a second, “looked at me like that. So swoon-worthy.”
Done washing my hands, I have no more excuse to delay leaving the bathroom. Ensuring I make enough noise to alert the two ladies outside the bathroom, I eventually emerge only to find them gone. Damn it. Who was that? More importantly though, how accurate was what they had to say?
Has Beckett always been interested in me, and I’ve just never noticed?
14
SCOOTER
As the evening’s worn on, Kathleen’s relaxed more. I’m sure the alcohol her friends are plying her with has a lot to do with it. Regardless of the reason, though, I’m glad to see her unwind and enjoy herself. The last while has been stressful, and she can definitely do with a bit of fun in her life.
A few of the guests have brought their children, so Luke has some friends to keep him occupied. All in all, a good call to get her to come along.
It’s just me that’s having to put up with the side-eyes and ribbing. The guys have been ragging on me pretty much since I got here. I knew it was going to happen, but they’ve surpassed themselves this time.
I make my way over to the bar area to grab another soft drink since I’m driving. While I’m debating what I want, I feel a presence beside me and turn to find Gator grinning at me. We’re trained to move silently – our lives may well depend on it – but I have yet to meet anyone who moves as silently as this aptly nicknamed man.
Silent and deadly as his namesake, he’s so good at it he’s been known to freak more than one person out, especially while on a mission.
The mischief in his grin has me bracing. With Gator, you never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. I don’t have long to wait. “So what’s the scoop, dude?’
“Scoop?”
“Yeah. You know, what’s the story with you and Kathleen?”
“Sorry, bud, no scoop. She’s had a rough go of it for a while, and I thought she could use the distraction.”
“Fair enough.” I can feel his gaze bore into the side of my head as I study the selection of soft drinks. Far harder than is required as I attempt to avoid eye contact. The joking and teasing I can shrug off, but this man knows me better than anyone else, other than Knight. He’s far too astute for comfort. “This is me, though, dude. I know there’s more to this than meets the eye. Question is, are you ready to admit it yet?”
“What are we admitting to? Sounds interesting,” Digit pipes up from behind us.
“Hey buddy, you’re late. Everything good?” I ask, hoping to distract Gator from his line of thought, and questioning.
“Yeah, all good, thanks. Just been on the phone with my sister. Maverick and the team are out on a mission, and she’s not heard from him in weeks. She always struggles when he’s gone for so long. And she keeps saying that she’s got a bad feeling about this one.” He shakes his head, a grim look on his face.
“It can’t be easy for them. Sure, we think of home when we’re out there, but we have something to focus on, to keep us distracted from missing home too much. They don’t have that. I mean, yeah, they have stuff to keep them occupied, but not knowing what’s going on can’t be easy either,” I reply. It’s clear he’s worried about his sister, Sherri.
“It isn’t. And this time is really working on her. I think I’ll make time for a trip out to see her and the kids next weekend. I’m not sure if it’s because the kids are picking up on her worry, but apparently, they’ve been a handful since he left.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Gator says. “Shout if you want company.”
“What can I get you to drink?” I ask Digit, since I’m still trying to decide what I want. How hard can it be to make a decision?
“I’m driving, so a cola’ll do me fine, thanks,” he replies.
“Yeah, I’ve got the same issue. I think I’ll join you in having one.”
Grabbing up two cans, I hand one to Digit.
