Page 34 of No Mistake

Staring straight ahead she said. “You haven’t. It’s just...” She didn’t finish, dabbing at her eyes.

“It’s just what?”

“Nothing. I’m just worried about Chloe and... I think I just need some space.”

That much was true. Being this close to him had her all confused. She liked him. A lot. But Mark was right. A man like Ryan would never be serious about her. Getting involved with another Navy man? Why had she even considered it?

“If that’s what you want, I will give you space. But can we talk about what you said earlier?”

“I’d rather we didn’t, Ryan. I’m not really up to talking right now.”

“OK. Then I’ll talk and you can listen.” His voice was gentle. She didn’t respond, turning her head to look out the passenger window.

“It kills me to hear you talk about yourself that way. Or that someone like me wouldn’t be interested in you. I’ve told you already, I think you’re amazing. Those other women in my life, were just that, women. Not girlfriends. Not even close. And no, you don’t compare to them, because you are way out of their league. Fuck, I think you might be out of mine.”

He paused; Sophie swallowed. She dared to steal a quick glance at him. He was staring at the road, but his knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel, and his face was tense.

“You are beautiful, sexy, smart, funny and, damn, I can’t get you out of my head. That’s new to me. Trust me. You are not a fucking bet, or a challenge. And you kissing me was no mistake.” He paused as if gathering himself. “I will give you the space you need because I get you are dealing with a lot. But I want you to know you don’t need to do this alone. I’m right here.” He hesitated again and let out a sigh before he continued. “And if that’s too difficult, then any of the team would be there for you. Whether you like it or not, you are family to us.”

Sophie felt the tears roll down her cheeks. Chloe was her family, her responsibility. She’d managed alone all this time. She understood team families, seen that brotherhood on base with her patients. But she was always on the outside looking in. She and Kelly had become really good friends over the past year, and that meant she got invited to their home, to team gatherings, and sometimes to drinks at Jerry’s Bar. But she always assumed it was because of her friendship with Kelly, nothing else.

Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the window. She must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew, Ryan was squeezing her arm, waking her as he parked in her driveway.

“Do you want me to come in?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No. I’ll be fine. Thank you.” She bit her lip. Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to face him. “Thank you, Ryan, for everything. I appreciate you being with me.”

“You’re welcome. I don’t like the thought of you being here alone, worrying about Chloe.”

“It’s what I need right now. You might find that weird, but I just want to be by myself for a while. And you should probably get back to work, to your team. Agent Adams said she’d keep me informed.”

Ryan must have training or something he should be doing. He’d said something about not being regular Navy anymore, and she didn’t see them on base as often as she used to. Perhaps they were on some special assignment or something.

“Just promise me you’ll call me if you need anything. Food, company, a shoulder to cry on. I mean it, Sophie.”

“I promise.” She smiled weakly, then got out of the car and headed inside. As she closed the door behind her, she heard Ryan pull away and felt an overwhelming sense of loss and loneliness.

After making a tea, Sophie got comfortable on the couch, mindlessly flicking through channels before she settled on an old black and white movie. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when her doorbell rang. She was tempted to ignore it, then her phone beeped.

Hey, open up. It’s me and I bring lattes!

Sophie smiled reading Kelly’s text and went to open the door. Kelly stepped inside, setting down the coffees before giving her a big hug.

“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at work, it’s the middle of the day?” Sophie asked.

“Yeah, well, Sanchez told us you were on your way home, and then I saw Ryan, so figured you were back. I wanted to come and check on you. How are you doing?”

Suddenly, it was all too much and the tears came hard as she crumbled. Kelly’s arms came around her, guiding her to the sofa where they sat down.

“Oh, Sophie, I’m so sorry. You know they’re doing everything they can to find her.”

Sophie let Kelly hold her as the sobs continued. Yes, she was scared and worried for Chloe, but she was also upset over Ryan, at how Mark had treated her, her parents dying. It felt like it was all snowballing, and she was so tired of trying to be strong.

Her tears easing, she sat up a little straighter, taking the box of tissues Kelly handed her.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart like that.”

“Jeez, Sophie. It’s OK to fall apart every now and then. I’ve done it on you enough times. That’s what friends are for.”

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