Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
LANCE
T oday started off blacker than I’d like to admit. Coming home from duty has been alternately a relief and stressful beyond belief. Relief, because my life isn’t on the line just because I woke up that morning in a war zone, but stressful because I don’t know what the fuck to do with my life as a civilian. Coming home was the right thing, but without someone to ground me, I’ve been lost. I can hide my turmoil well, most of the time, because it’s too much to put on strangers. People who haven’t been on the front line don’t understand. What people see in movies and TV doesn’t come close. They don’t feel the sand that gets everywhere, the aggressive heat, the non-stop stress of Is today the day I die?
Then, that curvy angel from the other day called me, and everything felt right. She has a sweetness that knocks me on my ass. Being with her was calming, not to mention she’s got enough curves to make me weep. I’ve never found skinny girls sexy, because there’s not enough to hold on to. Because, fuck. Watching a sexy woman jiggle as they ride your cock and moan your name? Ain’t nothing hotter in the world.
So of course it was a no-brainer to say yes to being her date, not least because it means I’ll see her at least twice, so she can teach me how to cook lasagna properly.
Bernadette hasn’t mentioned it, but it’s not lost on me that tonight is Valentine’s Day and it will be our first date. It’s also perfectly clear that she’s independent, which means it’s going to be a delicate balance of sweeping her off her feet.
But I have an idea for how to do just that.
“Yes, grandma. I’m doing fine,” I say. My grandfather also served and did combat duty, so she has an idea of what I’m dealing with. But I’m not going to share my burden with her, especially while she’s on her girl’s vacation. “How are you doing? Have you and your friends already bought condos and planned your moves to Florida?” I ask, laughing. My grandmother isn’t an impulsive woman, but she’s been talking about moving for a while.
“Not yet,” she says, also laughing. “I know you came back to Cincinnati, because I’m there. I’m not going to abandon you. How is the house?”
“The house is fine, grandma. I’m not throwing wild parties. I’m not a kid anymore.”
“No,” she says, the smile clear in her voice. “You always were a good kid. Very responsible. I’m proud of you for serving our country and very happy that you made it back in one piece. Have you decided what you’re going to do?”
“That’s still up in the air. Oh! Before I forget. There’s a surprise for you, when you get home! A lady stopped by a few days ago, because she had a bunch of letters that had been misdelivered to her family’s home. Letters from grandpa.”
“Oh, my word!” The phone line goes silent as my grandma inhales sharply. Her voice is slightly jagged when she continues. “That’s… I don’t have words. Those are a true gift. He wrote me daily, for so many years. His letters are my most treasured possessions. You did get her information, didn’t you, so that I can properly thank her when I’m home, right?”
“I did,” I smile, looking at the bundle of letters. “I liked her – a lot.”
“Lance. I recognize this tone of voice. Are you planning to court this young lady?”
I laugh at her formal language, because courting is not how I’ve been thinking about it. I’m planning on seducing her and making her my wife.
“Something like that. I’m seeing her again tonight.”
“That’s… Are you taking her out on Valentine’s Day?”
“Actually, yes. She has a work event tonight and I agreed to be her date.”
“That sounds…unusual. Is she just using you as a date or is there something developing between you two?”
I smile. My grandmother has always been direct and never one to mince words. A memory of how Bernadette was a compelling mixture of confident and vulnerable rises up, and an unfamiliar nervousness rises up in me. I know she had to feel the same spark I did.
“It will if I have anything to say about it. And before you tell me that it’s her decision, too, I know it is. I would never force a woman into anything. You know that.”
“I do, my dear grandson, I do. In any case, I’m going to want to meet this young lady when I’m back, to see who’s captured your attentions and to thank her profusely for bringing a part of dear Oren back to me. It’s going to be a hard Valentine’s Day without him,” she says, her voice catching. Outwardly, she has a strong facade, but I know how heartbroken she is to be alone. Their commitment and love are what I’ve always wanted for myself, and marriage is something I take seriously.
“I’ll also have another surprise for you, but you have to wait until you’re home for that.”
“Lance,” she says, the warning clear in her voice. “You know I don’t like surprises.”
“Trust me, you’ll like this one. It’ll be a gift from me.”
“Well, that sounds good. Though of course you know it’s unnecessary. What? Just a moment, Lance, Greta is trying to get my attention.” Grandma covers her phone, her voice muffled. “Lance, darling, I’m afraid I must end our call. Greta needs me. I’ll be home next week and I expect a full report on this lady friend of yours.”
“Of course, grandma. I love you.”
What special thing can I do, for Bernadette, to help her feel more confident at the awards ceremony? This isn’t going to be a normal date.
Then, the perfect idea springs to mind. Bernadette is going to love it.