“Sorry, son, but SEALs shoot moving targets from a rocking boat in the dark. You’re not going to outshoot him unless it’s for distance.”
Nathan’s goofy grin disappeared when John said, “But if you’re shooting for distance, my money’s on you.”
“Well, I got that going for me,” Jamie said with an exaggerated sigh.
“I’d be happy to train you,” Jay said. “Give me three months and I’ll turn you into a fighting machine.”
“Nah, I think I’ll focus on being a dad.”
“Totally worth it,” Doug said. “I don’t hit the gym as often or as hard as I used to, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Hey Blaszek, are you gonna let yourself go when Ashley pops?”
“Fuck no. I’ll bench press Ashley and curl the baby if I have to.”
“Hard to believe you were a grumpy ass when you joined SSI,” Jay teased.
“He wasn’t the only one,” Jamie said, sliding a verbal jab past his brother’s defenses.
“I wasn’t a grumpy ass,” Jay defended himself.
“No, you were a grumpy dick,” Cate teased him.
“Are you done training?” John asked, putting an end to the fun. “I need to talk to Doug.”
“We are,” Jay said, turning to Doug. “Don’t think you’re getting off easy. You’ll square off against me next month.”
Doug mimed pulling out his phone and unlocking it. “Call coach and schedule extra training sessions.” He never broke eye contact with Jay, nor did he stop grinning.
Jay’s laugh broke the tension.
The easygoing camaraderie among the guys at SSI reminded me a lot of being with my SEAL brothers.Too bad I’m on the outside looking in.
“Hit the showers and get back to work,” John ordered.
Chapter 11
Madi
Iput on my jacket, tossed my bag over my shoulder, and used talk-to-text as I verified the clinic lights were off.
I’m stopping at the grocery store on my way home. Need anything?
Meg: Ice cream
Jack: I’m good, thanks
Meg: Please and thank you.
I didn’t bother asking Meg what flavor; she always asked for the same one.
I popped my head into Carol’s office, and asked, “Are you ready to go?”
“I have a few things to finish. You go ahead, I’ll lock up,” Carol said.
“I don’t mind waiting,” I said. After what happened the previous Saturday, I didn’t like leaving her alone.
She nodded. “Like father, like daughter.”
