Chapter 37
thirty-seven
JULIAN
I was elbow deep in garden soil when a truck pulled up my driveway. The past weeks since leaving New York, I dedicated all my time growing vegetables in my front yard. The alternative was letting myself go stir-crazy as I recalled my rejection. I call bullshit to whoever said it was easier to move on when you have closure.
“Officer Lopez?” I asked as the familiar face started to come into view. He was out of uniform, which meant it was a formal visit.
“Julian Perez. Your file came across my desk today, and I thought there was no way in hell it was you. I had to come check for myself.”
I shook his hand and smiled. “It’s right, sir. My physical said I’m still in great shape, and I’m more than qualified to be a crew chief for another term.”
His grey mustache tipped up. “You might be in great shape on paper, but how’s your head? Because you’re stupid if you think I’m approving this.”
I blanched. “What?”
He’d helped with my long registration process the first time, so we dropped formality when we talked, unless he was in uniform.
He looked out at the widespread view and sighed. “I’ve always saw potential in you kid, so this conversation is off the record. You have all the skills the Air Force can give you, so why drag yourself back for another four years?”
“I guess, I’m having trouble finding my purpose. Maybe going back to the military will help me find it.” The words didn’t sit right on my tongue when I said them out loud.
He gripped my shoulder. “I’m talking to you like you were one of my own now; I can’t stop you from reenlisting, in fact, I’m supposed to encourage you, which is exactly why you should listen to me. You’re smart, but you seem troubled by something. You have a beautiful home, your sister just got married, you seem to be building something good for yourself. I promise, you won’t find what you’re missing by running away for another four years. Once I sign those papers, there’s no going back.”
Images of everything I’d leave behind flashed through my mind—I wouldn’t see Sofia’s smile every morning, or hear how married life was treating her. Elijah wouldn’t pop in randomly to steal my beer, I wouldn’t get to pretend to hate Levi. Damon was staying in town longer than expected, so I’d miss out on hearing how his new life was treating him.
“She’ll come back to you, I promise.” Mrs. Vega’s voice suddenly echoed in my ears, hitting me over the head with a realization.
What the hell was I thinking? I’d been so busy trying to escape my problems, I forgot what I would leave behind. Besides, I made a promise to stay right where Mila could find me if she ever came back, and I had to keep it.
“On second thought, sir. I think I’m gonna stay right where I am. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”
He held back a smile as he saluted me. “Not a waste at all.”
I watched as he drove away, and immediately rushed to dial the number I’d contemplated deleting dozens of times. I wasn’t sure if I was disappointed or relieved there was no answer. “It’s Cami. Sorry I didn’t pick up, but leave me a message, and I’ll try to remember to call you back.”
I smiled when her voice played over the message. “Mila. I know I said you wouldn’t hear from me again, but there’s one more thing I didn’t say back at your apartment. If all I have now are memories of you sitting under the sun at the cove, reading your beat up copy of Persuasion by Jane Austen, I’ll consider myself lucky. I’m going to love you for the rest of my life, and no matter how many years pass, or who we become, if you’re ever back in Willow’s Cove, I’ll be right where you left me.”