Today, though, considering how quiet the roads were, he was surprised to see the market so busy. He parked his bike under the shade from the large oak at the back of the lot, and after Faith slid from the bike, he followed suit.
The two of them wandered the marketplace and had a spirited conversation that ranged from dog breeds (Gus liked Bulldogs while Faith preferred mutts like Taco) and chocolate bars. Faith was all about the caramel and peanut butter, while Gus was fond of toffee.
“Toffee is lame,” she said with a laugh.
“Caramel and peanut butter is overdone.”
“Really?” She smiled, and man, the world lit up just a bit.
“Honestly, every other chocolate bar out there has caramel and peanut butter.”
“Doesn’t that tell you something?” She skipped ahead and he got a glimpse of the young woman she’d been.
“It tells me you need to try something different.”
“Maybe I will,” she retorted with a wicked grin. “Tonight.”
He chuckled as he pulled her in for a kiss. “I want your word on that.”
This went on for nearly thirty minutes before they found an empty table in the café. While Faith went to the washroom he settled back and perused the menu, whistling a tune as he did so.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a smile like that on your face.”
He glanced up with a grin, then stood to give the woman a hug. Mauve was a tall, athletic woman, with a welcoming smile and kind eyes. A former division one basketball player with beautiful light brown skin, her hair was snow white, and her eyes were such a pale shade of blue they almost appeared colorless. She was a striking woman with a big personality that had been passed down to her son.
“What are you doing back this way so soon?” She stood back and studied him.
“It was a nice day for the bike.”
A small frown appeared on her forehead. “You got business here? Brendan hasn’t said anything.”
“No.” He shook his head. He’d been up a few weeks back and visited her son. The visit hadn’t gone well. “How’s he doing?” he asked quietly. After Gus and Walker decided to leave the Navy when their contract was up, Brendan, who was a member of their team, had signed on for another six years. Unfortunately, two years in, he was nearly killed by an IED, and after that, he’d been discharged, living in the shadows ever since.
“He’s not doing as much as I think he should be if you want the God’s truth, but I thank you for asking.” She sighed andshoved a cloth into the pocket of her apron. “He needs purpose but he’s still fighting some demons.”
“He’ll get there. He wants it. I know he does.”
Mauve attempted a smile. “I’m sure he will. In his own time.” She pointed to the table. “Now you sit down and tell me about this woman.”
Gus chuckled and slid back onto his chair with a shrug. “She’s a lady I met in Fire Lake.”
“Is this serious?”
“No.” He shook his head. “We’re hanging out.”
“That so?” Mauve replied. “I didn’t think you hung out with anyone longer than it takes to kick them out of your bed.”
Before he could reply to that she kept on talking.
“And what’s going on in Fire Lake? Why are you there and not in DC?”
Gus didn’t get a chance to answer the question because Faith appeared, and Mauve took a step back. He was thankful for the chance to change the subject.
“Mauve, I’d like you to meet my friend, Faith.”
“A pleasure.” Mauve smiled warmly as Faith sat across from Gus.
“Mauve’s son and I served together in the Navy. We were both SEALs. Same unit.”
