When he didn’t say anything, I figured he didn’t want to talk about it. He surprised me a couple minutes later by answering. “Yeah.” He sniffed. “Some guys go back, even after an amputation. I never wanted to see any of it again. Never wanted to see the inside of a barracks or a mess tent. Couldn’t stand being around people, crowds, yelling. Dust and diesel and helicopters. Didn’t want to smell…”
“What?”
“War.”
I tried to picture what that odor would be. Did bombs have a smell? Missiles? Burning flesh? Did the scent of certain spices bring him back to a particular time in his life?
I hesitated, not wanting to pry. “Where did it happen?”
“Afghanistan.”
“That’s quite a change. From Afghanistan to Whatcom County.”
He huffed out another almost laugh.
“And your job sounds dangerous, so it’s not like you left the risk element behind.”
He hummed a response.
“I saw your business cards. You don’t have a website or anything on there.”
“Not much for technology.”
“You get enough business?”
“Get what I need.”
“No desire to grow it?”
“I’d take more work, but I’ve got no interest in running after it.”
“You probably don’t want it, but…I mocked up a few new card designs for you. And put together some logo and website ideas.”
“Yeah? You didn’t have to—”
“I wanted to. Needed to keep busy, you know?”
He tightened his arm around my waist and I snuggled into his naked body. “What about you, Christa? Now that you’re free from your shitty boss. What are you gonna do?”
I opened my mouth to respond and shut it again.
“Don’t have to answer. Just being curious.”
“It’s a good question. The thing is, there’s what I should do and what I want to do.” I thought of Granny Evans alone in her big house. “I need steady, decent income. So, I’ll probably hit the employment websites as soon as…”I get back to civilization.I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. I didn’t want this to end.
“And the other thing? The dream job?”
“I’d like to help small businesses and nonprofits find their audience.”
“Sounds important.” He huffed against my back. “I have no idea what it means.”
“So, a lot of people who open a business really love what they do. Same with a nonprofit. These are people who believe in their mission. They’re not into it to hobnob with wealthy donors or market or whatever.” I turned onto my back and he loosened his grip, but kept his arm on my belly.
“Makes sense.”
“And most of them, especially up front, couldn’t pay for a full-time PR person. If money weren’t an issue, I’d start a business with different types of services. Affordable graphic design and marketing packages, general PR advice, consultation. I’d also work with nonprofits to help acquire funding and I’d only charge my fee once they got the money.”
“That’s…amazing.”
