Page 11 of Gator's Gambit
I hate the idea that my sister might have been driving her car around with this little fucker attached, some bastard knowing her every move. Sure, whoever put this on the car isn’t targeting my Emma. But it still doesn’t sit right. Then again, it doesn’t sit right that someone is targeting Fancy either. And I want to know why.
Popping the card and tracker into the resealable bag, I place it in my go-bag I put in the trunk earlier. With a quick glance at my watch, I see it’s still a little early for lunch, but I’m starving since I didn’t take the time to eat breakfast before heading out. I need the sustenance, and Fancy needs a minute to collect herself, so time for Chubby’s Cubby it is.
“All right, Pooks, we need to chat,” I say once the server has taken our order. I can see her body stiffen as my words, and brace for resistance.
“Chat about what?”
“This morning.”
“Oh. Um, what about this morning?” Fancy falls silent again, chewing on her lip as she does when she’s nervous – a tell I’ve always found sexy.
I reach across the table and take one of her hands in mine. “Fancy, look at me.” I wait a beat, then two before she sighs and finally lifts her head. “I don’t know what’s going on, but whatever it is, is clearly weighing on you. Let me help you.”
She turns to the window, silently staring out at who knows what out there. I’m guessing to mull over my words. I give her the time to work it out in her mind and come to her decision. While I wait, I study her profile and notice how tired she’s looking, the dark circles almost hidden by a light coat of makeup.
“Fancy?”
“Hmm? Oh, sorry. I completely zoned there. Sorry.”
“So, you wanna tell me what’s going on?” I watch her shut down before my very eyes.
“I have no idea.” Disappointment fills me at her brief reply.
It’s clear something’s going on, and I had hoped that our history would make her feel comfortable confiding in me. Apparently, I was wrong, and there’s no denying I feel hurt when she doesn’t.
I take a moment to gather myself, not wanting her to see how I feel. “Fair enough. Well, I’m here if you need someone to talk to, at any point, okay?”
“Thanks, Godric. That’s very sweet of you, but I’m fine.” I open my mouth to reply that she clearly isn’t but close it again without saying a word.
An awkward silence settles over the table. Eventually, the server returns with our food, and we make meaningless small talk while I eat my burger and fries, and Fancy pushes her food around the plate.
“So, tell me about your life in the military. Do you like what you do? Whatdoyou actually do? I mean, I know you’re a SEAL, but I don’t know what that entails other than the obvious.”
“Yeah, I love what I do. Now. Going through BUD/s was literal hell, and there were many moments I didn’t think I was going to make it through. I can’t tell you the number of times I considered quitting.”
“What stopped you?”
“My dad. I’d imagine how disappointed he’d be, and I’d push myself a little bit harder. Eventually training came to an end, and I don’t think anyone was more surprised than me that I made it through. But I did.”
“Your mama and sisters are so proud of you. And if your daddy were here, I know he would be too. So, what happened after training?”
I clear my throat to get rid of the lump that’s formed at her words. “I was assigned to the team I’m still with. I excelled at diving during training, so I chose to make it my specialty and am lead diver on my team.”
Fancy nods, silent for a moment – seeming to grapple with something, but then her next words have me rocking back in my seat. “I never told anyone this until now, but I was there – at your graduation, I mean. You were so handsome in your uniform.”
“What? Why didn’t you come say hi?” How – why – did I not know this?
“I knew how important it was to you, and I wanted to support you. Even if you didn’t know I was there.”
I shake my head, saying nothing, but warmth spreads through me at the idea that she was there. Made a special trip, just to see me graduate.
“Why didn’t you come say hi?” I ask again, unsatisfied with her previous answer.
“It was a family moment. I didn’t want to intrude.”
“You are family. God Fancy, we’ve known each other all our lives. How could younotthink you’re family? I …” My cell phone rings right at that moment, and I could kiss the caller for saving me from what I was about to say. Looking down at the screen, I see it’s Em.
“Hey sis, what’s up?”
