Page 14 of Faking it with the Green Beret

“Not as big as the one you’ve done for Boss and me.” He could never repay her for letting him have his dog back.

“A few caveats go with living in one of my properties. You’ve got the first covered.”

Caveats? Interesting. “Okay. What’s that?”

“I require tenants to have a pet.”

“Done. For protection?” Not likeheneeded an animal for that.

“Emotional support, plus it gives them a sense of value and responsibility when they have something dependent on them for care.”

“Makes sense,” he agreed.

“The second rule might be a little harder. No alcohol or illegal drugs allowed on the property. I don’t mind if you have a drink or two when you’re out, but impaired decision-making landed some of the residents here. It’s better not to have it accessible.”

“It won’t be a problem. I go months without a drink on deployment.”

“Good to know. Because if you show up drunk or get arrested for being under the influence, you’ll be out.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Good thing she hadn’t been at Jumpy’s the night he got back.

“I also don’t allow overnight guests. It’s usually a safety thing for my tenants, but the same rule applies to you too.”

“Again, not a problem.” Since there was nobody in his life.

“Family is the exception, and I require ID.”

“Sounds like trying to get on a military base, but I’m guessing there’s a good reason.”

“Yes.” She didn’t elaborate further. “Also, if you’re interested in counseling, my colleagues have been great about working my tenants into their schedules.”

“Counseling? You’re a shrink?” A shiver ran through him just saying the word.

She gave a slight eyeroll and an amused smile. “Not a psychologist, but I have a master’s in counseling.”

“I’m protection detail. I don’t need counseling.”

“I’m just saying, many people find it helps to discuss problems or things they’ve experienced and need to process with an objective person. They want different results and need to change behaviors so they engage in healthy relationships.”

“So, a guy doesn’t end up homeless?” He got the hint.

“Well, I doubt you want that to happen, or Boss to end up at animal control again.” She cocked her head a bit.

Dayam. He couldn’t argue with that logic when she brought Boss into it. For Boss, he’d consider it. It wasn’t as if his buddies would know or it would go in his personnel record. “I’ll think on it.”

“If you just want to talk to a friend who has experience, I’m available as well. Let me show you the house.”

“Let’s do that when I get back. I want to run to the hotel, check out, and get back here before it gets too dark—just in case.”

And, hopefully, the quick trip would be enough time for her to forget about psychoanalyzing him.

ChapterSeven

(Y)OUR HOUSE – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

When John returnedwith his things, Elizabeth let him through the gate and walked over with Boss to meet him at his temporary home. J.R.’s timing of showing up when he did and leading to John and Boss having a place to live was the best luck he’d had in a long time.

“This is for gate.” She handed him a remote. “Hope Harbor was the first tiny house I bought. It belonged to the parents of one of my colleagues. They’re Filipino and only about five feet tall,” she explained. “It was custom-built for them to travel the country once they retired. It’s on wheels, but it’s connected to water, sewer, and electricity.”

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