Page 22 of Just Say When

“I think Eads is nothing more than a blowhard, and you’re worrying for nothing,” she said.

I released a heavy sigh. “You’re probably right.”

“I won’t keep you,” she said. “I just wanted to give you the good news. Give my love to Abe, please.”

“Gladly.”

We said our goodbyes and disconnected. I tucked the phone back into my pocket and headed toward the front of the cabin. I caught a whiff of cigarette smoke as I neared the corner and knew the source immediately. Jeremy leaned against the railing, looking through the cabin window, watching Abe and Allen laughing together in the kitchen. A half smile curved his lips as he tilted his head back and exhaled a plume of smoke when I stepped onto the porch.

“Thought you gave those up,” I said, trying to make small talk.

Jeremy turned dark, solemn eyes my direction. “Some things are just too hard to shake. Something tells me you know a little about that.”

I tilted my head in concession. “I think it’s an affliction we all know.”

Rich, full-bodied laughter pulled our attention back to the cabin. Allen gestured wildly as he recounted a story to Abe, who was the source of the hilarity. He’d leaned against the counter, thrown his head back, and clutched his stomach. The scene was so comical Jeremy and I couldn’t resist laughing along with them. After a few moments, Allen stopped gesturing, and Abe straightened to his full height. He wiped his eyes and looked in our direction as if realizing we’d been spying on him. He scrunched up his face and gestured with his hand to saywhat are you doing?

“Abe is saying and doing the right things, but he’s not okay,” Jeremy remarked.

“Nope,” I agreed. His body was rigid with tension, his big shoulders looking like immovable mountains. “He’ll get there, though.” I’d see to it.

Abe waved us in, so we went inside and joined them. I stirred the chili and liked the color of the sauce.

“Taste test,” Abe insisted.

I pulled a spoon from the drawer, scooped some up, and held it to his lips. Abe pursed his mouth and blew on it for a few seconds before taking a bite. He nodded as he chewed, then waited to see if the right amount of heat hit him late. He tapped his throat and grinned. “Perfection.”

“Were the beans tender enough?”

He held out his hand and rocked it side to side. “Maybe a little longer.”

“Sounds like the perfect time to start the cornbread and get the chili toppings ready.”

Abe settled his hand on my waist. “Want some help?”

“Sure. How do you feel about shredding cheese?”

Abe stepped closer and said, “I’m the man for the job.”

Unable to resist his proximity, I put the box of cornbread mix on the counter. “What kind of job? Hand? Blow?”

Abe set the block of cheese down and gave me his full attention. “All the above and so much more.” He lifted a hunk of cheese to my lips, and I accepted it with my teeth. He inhaled sharply when my lips brushed his fingertips. Raucous laughter erupted from the living room, interrupting our sexy moment. Abe scowled and picked up the hunk of cheese and went to work on the grater.

Even though Allen and Jeremy retreated to the living room, they included us in the conversation. Allen was doing most of the talking, as per usual, and the rest of us piped in occasionally. The kitchen table felt especially small when the four of us crowded around it to eat, but we were used to navigating tight quarters together. Abe’s knee knocked into mine several times while we ate, drank, and laughed. Abe and I switched to water after two beers while the other guys continued knocking them back.

Allen scooted his chair back from the table and stood up. “I want a second bowl of Lio’s chili. I can never get mine to taste as good as yours.”

“Well, when your kitchen skills are as limited as mine, you learn to perfect the few things you make well,” I replied.

“Want another bowl, Jere?” Allen asked.

“Nah, I’m full.” Jeremy usually ate two or three bowls of chili, but he’d barely finished the one in front of him.

Allen studied Jeremy for a few minutes before heading into the kitchen.

“Is everything okay?” Abe asked Jeremy. “You’re thinner than I’ve ever seen you.”

Jeremy shrugged and tore off a chunk of cornbread. “I’m fine. I just don’t need the bulky muscle like I did when we were on active duty. I gained about forty pounds last year when the doctors put me on woo-woo meds.”

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