Chapter 22
Adam left his doctor appointment feeling pretty pumped. He was going back to work. Taking a week to let the cut heal without pulling at the stitches had been the right thing to do, but he was bored out of his mind. There were only so many crossword puzzles he could do and daytime television didn’t interest him.
After stopping at the drugstore for latex gloves to protect his hand, he drove straight to Melinda’s house. When he arrived, there was a car in the driveway, so he headed for the backyard.
After setting the sawhorses in place, he remembered Mel had said his tools were in the garage. He debated between knocking on the door to see if she could open the garage or just sit and wait until she was done. He wasn’t all that anxious to interrupt her, so he flopped into a chair, stuck his legs out in front of him and soaked up the afternoon rays. There was a nip in the air—fall was on its way too quickly, as far as he was concerned.
He felt his leg being nudged and quickly sat up straight. Melinda was staring at him as she tried to hold back a smile. “Adam, what are you doing here?”
“The doc said I could go back to work, so here I am.”
Melinda teased. “Snoozing in my yard constitutes as work now?”
He had never met anyone who was as good at bantering with him as Mel. “In my defense, I got here and realized all my tools were locked in your garage. I knew you were with a client, so I was just going to wait until you finished.” With a sheepish grin he said, “I must have nodded off.”
She crossed her arms over her stomach. “Maybe this is a sign you should give yourself another day?”
He sprang up. “I don’t think so.” He put his hands together like he was praying. “Please, if you would be so kind as to let me into your garage I can get busy.”
“Sit back down and keep me company. I’ve been in the office all day and could use some fresh air and vitamin D.”
He sat down with a smirk. “You’re the boss.”
She gave him an annoyed looked before saying, “The doctor said you’re healed?’
“He did.” Adam was done talking about his medical issues. “How’s business?”
“Brisk. If I didn’t know better, I would swear it was spring.”
“I don’t understand. What’s special about spring?” he asked.
“People come out of hibernation and all thoughts turn to love, especially after Valentine’s Day.”
He cocked his head. “I had no idea.”
She kicked off her sandals and wiggled her bright pink toes. “Statistics show most people are anxious for warm weather and new adventures. Hence higher numbers of first dates in the spring, and most break-ups happen before the holidays to avoid that awkwardness of taking someone home to meet the family. You get through the holidays solo, cocoon for the winter months and say hello in spring again.” She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. “So, statistically speaking, I should be slowing down as we’re sliding into fall and winter.”
He liked listening to her talk about business, with a touch of sass. “Does that mean if you meet someone now it won’t last?”
Without looking at him she said, “Not at all. It typically takes one to two years to know if someone will really fit into your life.”
“Well, that’s good. I wouldn’t want to be setting myself up to fail.”
“Adam,” she chuckled, “you’re a great catch.” She dropped her head and leveled her gaze at him. “Have you talked to Beth?”
“No. With this happening”— he held up his hand — “I haven’t felt much like putting the effort into dating.”
“Maybe you should say something to her. She’s probably wondering if you fell off the end of the earth. Or you decided you didn’t want to go out again.”
Adam heard a subtle reproach in Mel’s voice. “You’re right. I’ll call her tonight. What about you and that guy, the client you said hit on you? Have you heard if things went well with his match?”
Her eyebrow arched. “Actually, I heard from Nick and Gretchen. Things are going well for them.”
Mildly curious he asked, “He didn’t ask you out again?”
“No, I was pretty firm.” Melinda stood up. “I have to get back into the office and finish up some computer work. Before I do, I’ll help you haul out whatever tools you need.”
Adam’s gazed slid up and down. “I don’t think so. Pale pink top and white pants. You’ll be wearing grease and grime from head to toe.”
“I’m washable,” she said pointedly.
“All you need to do is unlock the door and we can both get back to work.”
Melinda paused. “You’re kind of bossy you know?”
He gave a hearty laugh. “Military training. Lots of practice at both giving and receiving them.” He pointed to her back door. “Now, if you would so kindly open the door, I can get back to work.”
She stormed toward the house, but over her shoulder she laughed, “Catch you later.”
As soon as she went inside Adam began taking measurements. Concentrating on the tape he didn’t notice Will had come around the corner of Melinda’s garage. “Adam.” Will held up his tool belt. “Thought I’d lend you a hand.” He snickered. “No pun intended.”
Adam frowned. “That’s a bad joke.”
“What do you have left to do?” Will glanced at the structure and gave a low, appreciative whistle. “When Stacey sees this, I’m in trouble. She’s going to want one in our backyard.”
Adam gave him a sidelong look and chuckled. “That can be arranged. For a price.”
Casually Will said, “Have you seen Melinda today?”
“Why?”
Will hitched the belt into place and said, “No reason.”
“I need to get this decorative trim ripped down.”
“So that’s how you sliced your finger.”
“Yeah.”
Will stretched out the tape and said, “How wide does this need to be?”
Adam handed him a piece of paper with the measurements. “Let’s get the tools from the garage and you can handle the saw.”
They worked together cutting the long lengths of board and laying them to one side.
Adam stuck a pencil behind his ear. “There’s another ladder in my truck if you want to grab it.”
Will said, “It’s none of my business, but…”
Adam gave him one of his stern Major looks. “Then maybe you shouldn’t say anything.”
Will’s face lit up with humor. “Do you like Melinda?”
Thinking fast he said, “Of course, I do. She’s a great lady and we’ve become good friends.”
“No,” Will said slowly, “heart-pounding like.”
Sharper than he intended, Adam said, “Of course not.”
With a nod of his head Will grinned. “Just as I thought.”
Adam’s temper spiked. “I have no idea what you mean.”
“I’ll get that ladder.” Will started to walk away. Over his shoulder he said, “Talk to her, bro.”
Adam looked at the house. One thing Will had right—Adam did need to share a few more details about his last tour. But maybe not a full disclosure. Not yet.
Melinda heard a tentative knock on her back door as she chopped vegetables for a salad. She peered around the corner and saw Adam standing on the step. “Come on in.”
Adam opened up the screen door. “Hey, Mel. I’m done for today and the trim is finished. I think it looks pretty good.”
“Give me a minute and you can show me.” She dumped the shredded carrots in the bowl. “Did I hear Will earlier?”
“Yeah. He thought I could use an extra hand.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “I would have helped.”
“You’re the client. I couldn’t have you on a ladder holding up boards.” His voice had a sharp edge to it.
She studied his face. Something seemed to be on his mind. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. I want to finish this job.”
She wondered if she’d shared too much about John and made things awkward with Adam.
“Any chance you can take a break and we can talk?”
Melinda paused. “Let me just cut up this broccoli and onion, and then we can sit out back and have a beer or glass of wine.”
“I’ll get them, if that’s okay.”
“Help yourself. There are frosted mugs in the freezer, and would you grab a beer for me too?”
Adam opened the freezer drawer and pulled out the frosted mugs and then took two bottles of pale ale from the fridge. He slowly poured the beer into the mugs.
Teasing, she said, “You’re really concentrating on those glasses.”
“Well, I want to keep it from overflowing onto the counter. That would be a waste of good beer.”
Melinda slid the bowl of chopped vegetables into the refrigerator and picked up a mug. “I’m all set. Let’s go out back and talk. You can tell me whatever it is that’s distracting you.”
Adam’s head snapped up. “What makes you say that?”
“You’re quiet and distant today, and usually you’re smiling or teasing me.” Melinda pushed open the door and held it for Adam.
He didn’t say anything until they were both settled. Seeming to stall, he took a long drink of his beer. He set the mug down. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since you told me about John.”
Melinda averted her eyes. She knew it had been way too much information to share.
He laid a hand on the arm of her chair. “I’m humbled by your strength.”
She felt tears prick her eyes, but she blinked them away. “From the hospital to the day after the funeral, every day was horrific. I’m not sure how I made it through.”
“I would guess between the support of your family and John’s brothers in blue, you took it one day at a time.”
“His squad members were amazing. Even after the funeral and right up until I moved. They were there for every rough day. Donating his clothes, sorting and packing his fitness gear for the local Y. You know, weights, golf clubs, stuff like that.”
Adam leaned forward in his chair. “You were lucky to have them.”
“I know. When life-changing events occur, not everyone has people to support them. Sometimes you just need a friend willing to be in the same room while you process whatever emotions your feeling, never pushing, just offering support.”
“Exactly.” He wrung his hands. “Which is what I wanted to talk to you about. I’d like to tell you why I broke it off with my ex, Anita.”