Chapter 4
Sev
When Kelsey had spontaneously come up with their pact, the idea had thrilled him. The offering of a no-strings-attached friendship where they popped into each other’s lives every now and again to build one another up and elicit a good laugh was too good to refuse.
It’s something Sev had never had before.
The first month of Sev’s deployment was mission-focused, which meant he was entirely off radar. By the time they moved back into a safe zone in early February, he figured Kelsey had probably forgotten about him.
In a way, he wanted that for her. To move on. To be happy.
Even if it made his heart squeeze painfully in his chest.
Still, he couldn’t have her number and not take a chance.
Hey, Kelsey, it’s Sev. Just got cell phone service for the first time since I left.
He stalled. Now what? Hope this finds you well? No, that’s what you’d send in an email to a coworker.
Hope you haven’t found anyone? Yeah, that sounded selfish, even if it was true.
Hope you haven’t forgotten about me. Again, accurate, but desperate sounding.
In the end, he went for upbeat.
Hope you’re doing great.
He was shocked when she responded instantly, just as bubbly and full of life as ever.
It’s so great to hear from you! It’s been a busy semester, and I’m already looking forward to the summer. How have you been?
I’m well. Enjoying a change of scenery and a comfier rack tonight. Hopefully. School already ruining your love of learning?
I decided to change my course of study, and I’m now double-majoring in psychology and art. I decided to pursue art therapy.
A surge of pride for her welled up in Sev’s chest as he rapidly tapped at his phone.
I’m so proud of you! Look at you, following your dreams.
They wound up texting back and forth for the next hour, catching up on missing weeks and what the other had been up to. When they finally had to stop or fall asleep where they were standing, Sev thought, for sure, that’d be the end of it. He kept telling himself not to expect more.
Still, Kelsey’s attention was like catnip, and he was a big, orange, furry feline when it came to her.
So, he couldn’t let go. And when he got a text from her on Valentine’s Day, he was hooked all over again.
Sev! Did you send me roses????
Sev chuckled to himself as an image rolled up of a small vase with three yellow roses, real this time, with baby’s breath and greenery, all arranged on a table.
It’s not much, but I’m glad you like them.
Not much? Are you kissing me right now?
Sev’s eyes widened at her typo, his mind immediately picturing what it would be like to do just that. He couldn’t say he hadn’t imagined it a few dozen times since meeting her.
Just as he hit send on his text, another one popped up from her.
I mean, I could if you wanted
I’m so sorry! That was a typo.
Well. He’d just reached a new level of awkward.
Did you mean that?
Lifting his thumbs, he took a deep breath and tried to formulate a response that didn’t make him sound like he’d been fantasizing about her. Still, this was Kelsey, the only person he’d ever felt truly free to be himself around. So, he decided to go with honesty.
You’re a beautiful woman. Of course I’d want to kiss you.
He waited, watching those three dots swirl and then stop over, and over again. He raked his hand through his hair, feeling his stomach drop. He’d only known her for a couple of months, and he was terrified he’d just screwed everything up.
I’d like to be kissed.
Everything froze in Sev’s body as he reread that simple line over and over. Then, he broke into a large, mischievous smile. She wanted him to kiss her?
That can absolutely be arranged.
Kelsey turned the tide of the conversation shortly thereafter, and Sev let her lead them back into safer topics. Still, when he signed off with a kissing emoji, she responded with a heart, and that gave him hope that maybe, just maybe, this could be going somewhere.
They continued to text whenever he could. Every now and again, he’d get pulled for a week-long mission where he’d be out of contact. Still, it never seemed to faze Kelsey. Whenever he got back, he’d always drop her a note, and they’d start right back up again where they left off.
How’s your day been, pretty lady?
You are so good for my ego.
You’re pretty good for mine, too.
I wish you were around. It’s been a long week, and I could really go for a drink at the Second Call.
The notion made Sev laugh. She was still in New York, and he was… well, he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone where he was, but he could frame it in a way she’d understand.
I’ll meet you there, but it might take me a minute. Got a long swim ahead of me first.
I’ll start driving and meet you there.
When August rolled around, Sev was starting to struggle.
After being told half a dozen times they were nearing the end of their deployment, his unit was still overseas.
It was the longest he’d been away from home, and his family felt distant as all their correspondence centered around how their lives were changing.
Emma had already started practice for another cross-country season.
Nick and Andy were back at college, busy with moving back in and starting classes.
Although Sev’s parents were steadfast in their communication, sending messages and care packages on a practical schedule, the predictability of it nearly broke his heart.
Even Kelsey was pressing to get the last of her degree requirements out of the way, delaying her graduation with her major swap to December.
Just before they planned to meet up again.
At a particularly low moment, he found himself scrolling through his text thread with Kelsey.
August was when she’d planned on being married, and even though he knew she had no regrets, he’d been taking extra pains to check in with her.
He got so much comfort from every conversation they had.
There was no denying that over the past few months, she’d been a great friend to him.
Not many people understood the nature of his job, and not once did she complain.
He knew her being brought up Navy taught her about this, but he was grateful nonetheless.
Just realized the date, sweetheart. Are you doing okay?
I am. A lot better than I thought I’d be eight months ago.
Are you alright?
He wasn’t sure how she could tell, but Kelsey always seemed to have a sixth sense about him. He wasn’t, but he really couldn’t tell her that. He didn’t have the luxury of diving into his feelings while he was deployed. But still…
I’m okay now that I’m here with you.
You always say the sweetest things.
I mean them, too.
You ever take a walk on the Boardwalk in Harbor’s Head? It’s right down the street from the Second Call.
Gosh, yes. It’s beautiful there.
Sunset’s the best time to go. It’s peaceful, quiet. A perfect scene with the perfect person.
Really? How many perfect people have you taken there?
Sev snorted. If Kelsey thought he was a serial dater, she had another thought coming.
I’ve never been there like that with anyone before.
But I’d like to take you sometime if you’re up for it.
I’d love to.
He watched those dots appear, and he smiled. Something about coaxing these sweet reactions out of her made everything worthwhile again.
Around Thanksgiving time, Sev was practically crawling out of his skin.
Every day, it seemed they were waiting on orders to go home, and who even knew what the holdup was.
But it seemed like every time he was ready to fall into a pit of despair, Kelsey was right there with her uplifting spirit, ready to pull him out of the darkness.
And it never failed that every one of their conversations kept him smiling more than anything else ever had.
Sev! It’s Electro Dance Night at the Second Call. Meet me there!!!
It’s what?
Okay, so this one he had to look up. Turned out, Electro Dance Night was some sort of high-tech dance competition night.
They laid out electronic grid pads that were connected to a massive flatscreen, and while the music was blasting, you were supposed to tap each grid in the pattern that was flashing on the screen.
It was like an arcade game come to life, only with the light show going on, it was like you were inside the game.
That actually sounds like it could be fun, dancing aside.
Oh, c’mon! You don’t dance?
I can’t say I get the chance very often.
Which certainly was true enough. Sev worked a lot. When he went out, he wanted to relax, not necessarily gyrate around a light grid.
That’s it. The next time I’m there and this is happening, I’m asking Carter to dance with me.
Sev chuckled at her threat. Even if it did hit the bullseye.
Oh, I’m sure he would. But the next time we’re at the Second Call, you’re mine.
I like the sound of that.
He made a mental note to bring a few extra quarters and make use of the ancient jukebox at the Second Call in December. He loved the idea of playing a few slow songs and holding her in his arms.
As the weeks continued to roll on, Sev watched the year pass before his very eyes.
His deployment wasn’t supposed to last as long as it had, but they kept extending due to mission circumstances and needs on both sides of the coin.
In the end, when they finally received confirmation that they’d be returning home, he couldn’t wait to share the news with her.
Finally got my orders! I’m not sure of the exact date yet, but it’ll definitely be in December.
We’re coming up the Monday before Christmas!
Do you still remember our pact?
Did he ever.
Sev had taken so long grinning at his screen and running his thumb over her text, lost in thoughts of seeing her again, that she probably figured he was trying to think of a way to let her down easy.
I mean, if you’re busy, I totally get it.
I’ll be there.