Shadow chuckled. “Do you wanna bet? I have to check his go bag to make sure he took his gun instead of his nighttime moisturizer.”
Taco flipped him the bird.
“Let’s go, people. If we finish in the next three days, I’ll let you all off the rest of the week until the Christmas party” Leo added as an incentive.
They rose, each heading out to their assignments. Scarlett followed Hannah downstairs. “How did you get the supply closet set up this fast?”
“Cole’s working the dogs in the evenings. He’ll be spinning up with the team and he wants Apollo and Thor to accompany them, she said, entering her office. “They know their stuff. I’ve never seen a military dog in action, and I’m impressed. I can’t picture Brody as one. He’s incredibly sweet and loving. Those two act like the team when they came into the meeting at the hospital, formidable and ready to chew you to pieces.”
“They have a job to do, and sometimes it can be ruthless. I feel better knowing they’ll go with us,” Scarlett said, leaning against the wall.
“Wait. You’re going?” Hannah asked in surprise.
“I’m on Team Hawk. Leo hired me because I know the regions, the villages, and the language. It’ll come in handy if I’m right there.”
“Have you told Ty?” she asked.
Scarlett chuckled. “We discuss everything. He’s aware of what my job entails. I won’t go on all the missions, but this one I will.”
“I’ll miss you,” Hannah said softly. “You’re my only friend besides Cole.”
“I hardly believe he fits in the friend category,” she said sarcastically. “You’ll make more friends after the holidays. Did you start attending the group meetings like Claire suggested?”
“Yeah. I hear the veterans’ stories, and it makes me sick to my stomach. They engaged in battle. My story doesn’t compare to theirs and I don’t recall most of it.”
“Hannah,” Scarlett chastised. “Your trauma is still important. Don’t downplay it.”
“I haven’t found where I fit in yet. Claire says to keep going and something will click. It’s hard to concentrate when my parents refuse to return home.”
“Have you talked since your last conversation?” Scarlett asked.
“I’ve texted Mom. She keeps asking for us to sit down and work this out. How do I explain I’m tired of trying to please Dad? He’s the reason I joined the military, and he has criticized everything from my job to the kidnapping and how I’m recovering. I’ll never win with him,” she admitted quietly.
“Then stop trying. If he’s disappointed because he never got the son he wanted, let him be disappointed. You can’t control hisfeelings or his actions. You can only control your response. It’s time for you to figure out what will make you happy. You and Cole seem close. How are things going there?”
“We’re taking things slow. He’s very… respectful,” Hannah hedged.
Scarlett giggled. “Wow, Hannah. He’s everything a girl can dream of: a respectful boyfriend.”
Hannah shrugged. “I think I’m ready to go to the next step. Cole worries it might set off a trigger and set us back. I don’t know how to tell him I want to try.”
Scarlett grinned. “When you go to Samanatha’s, she’ll take care of it. Enjoy your mom and be honest with her about your feelings.”
“You’re right. I’m not ten years old,” Hannah said, gathering her courage. “Thanks, Scarlett.”
“You’re welcome, bestie. We’ll talk soon,” Scarlett said, heading to her office.
Hannah watched her leave, beaming at her bestie. She lucked out in the friendship category. She gathered her pocketbook and Cole’s keys before heading out. Unlocking the truck door, she climbed into the driver’s seat. Who knew getting her driver’s license would give her a feeling of power?
She smiled as she picked up the single rose and a note Cole left on the steering wheel.
Have a great time with your mom. When you come home, I’ll have a surprise waiting. Hint: It has lots of sides.
Cole
Setting it beside her, she drove to the bed and breakfast. Her mom waited out front and waved as she pulled into the driveway.
“Mom, you didn’t have to wait outside. I planned to come in and get you. It’s too cold to stand out there,” she chastised.
