Bean’s lips twisted up to one side. “I don’t know when I’ll leave. I have thirteen years in so far.”
“That’s good. I think it’s one of those things that you either go for the long term or you get out,” Ansley said.
“Yeah. Once I passed ten, I figured I was in for life.”
The door opened, and Chase and Stanley stepped out. "Link, Ansley," Chase called out as he moved off the porch.
Ansley greeted both of them, repeating their names. She'd met three of his friends. Now she only had to meet three more.
They followed the guys inside, Chase pointing out the rose bushes he’d planted. “I also have a garden in the back.”
“What do you do if you leave for a mission?” Ansley asked.
"One of the neighbors takes over, and they get the produce if I'm not here to harvest."
“Oh, that’s nice.”
Chase’s lips spread into a wide smile. "Yeah, it's a nice setup. It allows me to have a garden, but I don't have to always be here. They like getting fresh vegetables, and I like having them when I'm home."
“That’s great that you have good neighbors.”
Chase nodded. "It is. They're also into canning and preserving. I let them take whatever they want at the end of the season if I'm not using it that week. Really, it benefits me. I don't have to mow that area, and I get fresh food."
The rest of the guys showed up, and Link greeted each of them, then introduced Ansley to them. She greeted each of them, and he could tell she was trying to remember their names.
Keel gave Ansley space, probably because he had a real mistrust of women. Link didn’t blame him. The guy had been through a lot during his divorce.
“Hey, you all ready for some meat?” Chase asked.
Stanley slapped his hands together, rubbing them. “Oh yeah, I’m ready.”
Link felt relieved that Ansley seemed to be getting along with everyone so well. He wanted his buddies to like her because he needed his friends in his life. So far, she'd been very nice to all of them, even Keel, who was still distant. This might just end up working out even better than he imagined.
Ansley washedher hands and then moved to the patio door, stepping out to where the guys were. "Can I help with anything?"
“Make sure the chairs don’t float away,” Chase said.
She didn’t understand what he’d meant. “What?”
Link winked at her. “He means you should take a seat. We’ve got this covered.”
“But—”
“Nope, you’re a guest. Have a seat. We’ve got it covered. I brought over chips and buns yesterday. The other guys have brought some food and drinks. Relax.”
She glanced around and found a seat, moving it so she could talk to the guys. It was a little odd being here with them. Usually, she wasn't the only woman in a group like this.
“You okay?” Link asked.
She nodded. “Yeah, this is good. Just getting used to everything.”
"How do you like being out of the military?" Bean asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I got in my car and drove, so I haven’t really experienced much life. I think the next few weeks will be instrumental in figuring out how life goes.”
“What will you do?” Mick asked.
"I have a job teaching English online. It's for people overseas. It should be interesting. I'm giving myself six months to get used to it."
