Chapter 13
Alex
As Alex prepared for his dinner with Jordan, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He wanted everything to go well. Standing in front of his mirror, he took a deep breath and tried to calm his racing heart.
He opted for a casual yet stylish outfit—blue jeans, a gray V-neck T-shirt, and comfortable shoes. He ran a hand through his hair, hoping it would cooperate, and decided to go with a subtle cologne, just enough to leave a pleasant impression.
Looking at himself in the mirror, he told himself to relax and enjoy the evening. After all, he looked forward to spending more time with Jordan and getting to know him better.
Do you think you deserve to be happy? They all died because of you.
Alex picked up his phone and dialed Aunt Lynn's number, feeling the need to share his day and Shadow’s progress.
"Hey honey," came her cheerful response. "How's everything going?"
"Shadow made it through the night and is recovering slowly," he explained. "I've been helping out at the clinic, and the staff there is amazing.”
"I'm so glad to hear that. It sounds like you're having a great time helping out." She paused. "Alex," she began again, "there's something different about your voice today. Is there something more you’re excited about?"
Alex hesitated for a moment, then decided to confide in his aunt. "I'm having dinner tonight with Jordan, the veterinarian from the clinic."
Aunt Lynn's delight was evident. "That's great news! I'm happy for you. It's good that you’re making new friends in town. Jordan is great. "
Alex felt a sense of relief and gratitude for his aunt's support. "Thank you. I’m taking it one day at a time. And don't worry, I'll keep you posted on Shadow."
Alex finished the call and returned to getting ready for dinner with Jordan, the excitement and anticipation becoming a bit overwhelming.
As Alex drove to the sushi restaurant to meet Jordan, he put on some music to set the mood for the evening. He scrolled through his playlist until he found a selection that felt just right. The soft melodies and lyrics flowed through the car's speakers, creating a pleasant ambiance.
With each passing mile, Alex's anticipation grew. The music provided a soothing backdrop, helping to calm his nerves and keep his thoughts focused on the evening ahead.
As he sat in the parking lot of the sushi restaurant, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, everything suddenly felt real. Doubt and insecurity crept in as he contemplated meeting Jordan for dinner. Thoughts raced through his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
"What if he realizes I'm not as put-together as he thinks I am?" Alex muttered to himself, his anxiety growing with each passing moment. He began to question whether he was good enough for someone like Jordan or anyone really.
The prospect of opening up to Jordan, of letting him in on the battles he fought within himself, seemed daunting. Alex wasn't sure he was ready to expose his vulnerabilities. He was tempted to drive away and cancel their dinner plans.
He cleared his mind and just focused on his breathing. Slow breaths. He remembered the moments they had shared so far, the connection they had started to build. Despite his insecurities, he realized he genuinely wanted to get to know Jordan better. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to take it one hour at a time. With renewed determination and a bit of fear, he walked into the restaurant.
As Alex entered the sushi restaurant, he was immediately struck by its elegant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's design blended traditional and contemporary elements, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment .
The interior had rich, dark wood accents that gave the space a warm and cozy feel. The walls were adorned with beautiful Japanese artwork and calligraphy, adding to the authenticity of the setting. Soft lighting created a tranquil ambiance, with delicate paper lanterns casting a gentle glow over the dining area.
The seating consisted of low, polished wooden tables with comfortable floor cushions instead of chairs, a traditional style often associated with Japanese dining. The tables were meticulously set with exquisite porcelain dishes and sleek bamboo chopsticks, adding to the overall elegance of the place.
His eyes scanned the room, searching for Jordan. It didn't take long to spot him seated at a table near the window. As he approached, Jordan stood to greet him. He was dressed casually yet stylish, and the sight took Alex's breath away.
Jordan wore a crisp, tan jacket that accentuated his toned physique, when he took it off, he had on an olive T-shirt that was snug in all the right places. He paired it with black jeans that hugged his athletic frame. His brown hair was neatly styled parted to the right, and he was relaxed. He looked confident as his warm hazel eyes met Alex's.
At that moment, Alex felt a rush of admiration and attraction. Jordan's appearance and presence had a magnetic effect, making Alex's heart race. He smiled as he approached the table.
"Hey," Jordan greeted, offering Alex a friendly hug. They sat at the low table. With Alex’s hulking frame, it almost looked like he was a giant at a tea party for dolls. Jordan looked like he found the situation a bit amusing.
Jordan leaned in and whispered, "Alex, you smell amazing."
Alex smiled at him. His broad shoulders were hunched to fit comfortably over the small table. "Thank you. Not many people have ever said that to me."
Alex pulled out a case from his pocket and put on his black reading glasses, eyes scanning the menu. It was filled with sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. He felt at ease despite his awkwardness, trying to fit on one seating cushion.
“Just when I thought you couldn’t get any hotter walking into this restaurant, you sit down and put on those glasses. Damn! ”
Alex laughed. “You like my army-issued specs? I’ll do well on this date if that’s how low your expectations are.” He paused, looking awkward. “Dinner, not date, dinner. Sorry. Damn, I’m embarrassing myself.”
Jordan picked up a water glass and held it out for a toast. “To our first date.”
Alex calmed and smiled. He picked up his water glass and clinked it to Jordan’s. Then, he looked around the restaurant at the people at the other tables and the noise of the kitchen staff. “Do places like this mess with your hearing aids?”
“I just have to keep turning them up and down at times, depending on who comes near.”
“Well, tonight, I feel like embracing my narcissistic side, and I want to be the center of attention. Why don’t you take your hearing aids out so that I have all of your attention and you can just read my lips and enjoy your meal. I promise not to talk with my mouth full.”
Jordan smiled and pulled out his hearing aids. He removed a small hard case from his pocket, placed the hearing aids inside, and put it back in his pocket.
"You know," Jordan began with a sheepish smile, "before I came in here, I had a little internal debate with myself. I hadn't been on a proper date in ages, and my nerves and self-doubt started getting to me. I sat in my car, wondering if I should drive away." He chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in his eyes. "It's been so long since I've been in the dating scene that I almost forgot how it feels. But then I realized that sometimes, taking a chance and stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to find something extraordinary."
“I appreciate your honesty. If I can be equally honest, you are the first person I have been out with in a long time. I asked myself if I should cancel tonight. I don’t want to make things awkward between us. I almost drove away from the parking lot and called you,” Alex said.
Jordan reached out and touched his forearm. “It’s okay—we’re both going to relax, eat some good food, and enjoy each other’s company. No pressure. Deal?”
“Deal,” Alex agreed. “I haven’t had sushi for months—I’m glad you suggested this place.”
“I love this place. Their tuna tataki is the best,” Jordan said .
The waitress approached their table, and they placed their orders. Alex ordered three different combinations of large sushi rolls. Jordan ordered his favorite sashimi platter, and they agreed to share some tuna tataki.
“Did you just order three of the large combo rolls?” Jordan asked.
“Yep, I’m a growing boy.” They both laughed.
They continued to open up about their general awkwardness in preparing for their date and discussed how many outfits they considered before leaving their house. The food arrived in beautifully arranged bamboo platters and boats, as if an artist had meticulously designed each. Alex was in awe of the presentation.
As they began to eat, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Alex shared stories about the people he had met at the clinic over the last two days. He talked about Rebecca's dedication to her work and Emily's passion for animal care and even mentioned the gossip-loving Brenda and Lisa.
Jordan listened intently, nodding and occasionally adding a chuckle or a comment. Then, with a soft smile, he began to share his own stories. He spoke about each clinic's staff member with genuine warmth and affection. Jordan's eyes sparkled as he described Sophia's organizational skills, Daniel's unwavering commitment, and even the quirks of the ever-grumpy Nathan.
"So, Alex," he said. "What brought you to Brookings? It's a beautiful place but not the most common destination."
Alex’s anxiety crept up to the surface, and he took a deep breath. He knew something like this would happen. That Jordan would want to know why he moved here. He guessed it was best to get all of it out in the open now rather than later when they got too far into it.
He is too good for you. Tell him how you let them all die.
"Well," he began slowly, "I came here because I've been struggling since I left the military. I have a severe case of PTSD, and it's been a constant battle. I left the military on disability, and since then, I've been trying to find my way, my purpose. But for the last few years, I’ve just been lost, moving from place to place, doctor to doctor."
His admission hung in the air, and Alex felt vulnerable. He waited anxiously for Jordan's response .
Jordan considered Alex's admission, his expression thoughtful and compassionate. He reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Alex's, a silent gesture of support.
"Thank you for sharing that with me, Alex," Jordan said sincerely. "I can't imagine how challenging that must be, but I'm here to listen and support you in any way I can."
Encouraged by Jordan's response, Alex continued. "My aunt Lynn has lived here in Brookings for almost fifteen years after she left Dallas, and she's been worried about me. She's been urging me to move closer to her so she can help me through this. I guess I came here looking for some hope, some direction."
Jordan nodded. "It's clear you've been through a lot, Alex," he said softly. "But please know that you don't have to feel you need to hide this from me. I don’t know a lot about PTSD from a military point of view where war is concerned. Still, I understand what struggle is and that no matter how hard you try to isolate yourself, the universe always finds a way to help you build the necessary connections. I speak from experience. I have tried to isolate myself for years, and Linda also did a lot of ‘urging’ to get me to move to Brookings, too. Please know that in whatever capacity you need, I'm here for you. You are damn lucky to have that aunt of yours — she’s a force of nature. Sometimes, taking that first step toward healing is the hardest, but it was brave that you chose to come here."
Alex felt a sense of relief wash over him. He hadn't known how Jordan would react to his admission, but his empathy and support meant the world to him. At that moment, he realized he might have found a friend who understood and cared about his struggles. A very handsome friend.
Their banter continued throughout the meal, and they discussed more lighthearted topics. Stories about Alex’s aunt, where he grew up, and how much sushi he could eat created a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Soon, the waitress approached their table with the bill in hand.
"I can't believe you didn't leave anything to take home,” Jordan said in disbelief. “No wonder the national debt is so severe if the army had to feed you three meals a day, or nine.” They both laughed .
They settled the bill by splitting it equally upon Jordan’s persistence and passed on dessert despite the tempting offerings on the menu. Instead, they chose to take a stroll to their cars, savoring the gentle breeze of the evening and the enchanting colors of the sunset painting the sky.
As they walked side by side, conversation continued to flow effortlessly. The fading sunlight cast long shadows, and the world slowed down momentarily.
As they reached their cars, Alex noticed the license plate on Jordan's Jeep and laughed. “Your license plate is WOOFDOC—that’s hysterical.” Alex laughed so much that his belly began to hurt from all the sushi he had eaten.
Jordan laughed. “Hey, don’t be hating on my plate. I love that thing.”
During the laughter, Alex moved closer so that Jordan was up against him on the Jeep. They continued to laugh and looked into each other’s eyes.
“So if I had to Yelp this date, I’d give it four stars,” Alex said.
Jordan gasped. “Only four? Why not five?”
“Five stars is for the date when we end up going home together.” He gently but forcefully pushed the total weight of his body into Jordan, enveloping him around the car.
Jordan responded by putting his arms around Alex’s waist and pulling him in, his face in Alex’s neck. Alex could feel Jordan’s hot breath on his neck, and he bent his head down and leaned in for a gentle kiss.
Alex was mesmerized by Jordan’s lips. He wanted to devour them. It took every bit of self-discipline that he had to remain a gentleman. The kiss lasted quite a long time, and when he pulled away, both were breathing heavily.
Alex felt his erection start to stiffen, so he backed away from Jordan. He saw Jordan’s face looking down at it in his form-fitting jeans. He motioned to him with his hands. When Jordan looked at his face, he said, “My lips are up here,” and laughed loudly.
Jordan replied, “I would get that fifth star if my lips were down there!” They both laughed loudly again .
He reached his hand out, cupped Jordan’s left cheek, and kissed him hard this time—a passionate, deep kiss where he explored his mouth with his tongue, and there was no gentleness, just passion. When he pulled away, Jordan looked at him with longing. Jordan’s hands were now on his massive chest, and Alex could feel Jordan’s touch, which drove him crazy.
“I had better stop before I bend you over this car right now,” Alex said confidently.
Jordan grinned and looked a little devilish. “You know how sensitive my ears are, right? The ‘nagging noise enhancers’ really do a number on the inside of my ear because I’m so sensitive to things being inserted in my body. I want you to know that you'll be bent over the car when our date earns that fifth star.”
Alex looked shocked, stunned, and excited all at once. Jordan's comment, which he said with such strength and confidence, was the most amazing comment Jordan had made since they met, and that kind of strength turned Alex on. Jordan's idea that that would ever happen was amusing. Alex had never had anyone top him.
Stammering and befuddled, Alex said, “Well, I think we’re going to have to wrestle for it.”
Jordan laughed and opened his car door. “Or race!” He winked at Alex.
Jordan got in his car, and Alex closed the door for him once he was in. Jordan started the vehicle and rolled down the window.
Alex leaned down into the window so that Jordan could see his face. “This was the best evening that I have had in years. Thank you for suggesting it and for a great time.”
Jordan looked up at him. “I think you spoiled me for any date I will ever have for the rest of my life—nothing will ever top this.”
Alex turned a bit so that Jordan could still see his face and his ass. He pointed to his ass and said, “Or this.”
Jordan’s face was full of laughter and confidence. “We’ll see, He-Man, we’ll see.”
Alex backed away from the car, and Jordan pulled out of his spot. Both men had huge smiles on their faces as he pulled away.
Alex was sitting in his truck when his phone dinged, letting the engine warm up. Jordan had texted him.
Jordan: Running at 6:30 a.m. if you’re up for it — same place.
Then a GIF appeared of a beagle holding a rose in its mouth with the words “Thank you!” on it.
He hearted the GIF and thumbed up the text, knowing he would enjoy spending more time with Jordan in the morning.