Sullivan: Think she knows what she's gotten into?
Garcia: Doubt it. Give her a week before she runs.
Sullivan: I give her three days. The captain's a lot.
Santos: She held her own last night. She'll be fine.
Hayes: Captain, if you're reading this, she's great. Don't screw this up.
I laugh against Thatcher's shoulder. "Your guys are subtle."
"They've never been accused of subtlety." He types something back, then sets the phone down. "There. Told them to focus on their own lives."
"What did Sullivan say to that?"
"I'm not showing you. It's inappropriate even for him."
My stomach growls loudly.
He grins. "Coffee and breakfast?"
"Please."
We untangle ourselves and head to the kitchen. Thatcher moves with efficiency, pulling out eggs and bacon while I start the coffee maker. It's a domestic routine despite everything hanging over us.
"So, your team definitely knows," I say, watching him crack eggs into a bowl.
"They knew before we did. Hayes called it first." He pours eggs into a hot pan. "They’ve had a running bet about when we'd finally get together."
"Who won?"
"Garcia. He said within the week. Sullivan thought it would take longer."
"How much longer?"
"He's an optimist. He gave us two weeks."
I lean against the counter, coffee mug warming my hands. "Santos seems like the quiet observer type."
"He is. He sees everything, says little." Thatcher plates eggs and bacon, slides mine across the counter. "But when he talks, people listen."
"He told me you're a good team leader."
"Santos gives out compliments about as often as he smiles. So twice a year, maybe."
"Then I'm honored he spoke to me at all."
We eat standing at the counter, shoulders almost touching. The eggs are perfect, bacon crispy. Simple meal that tastes better because we're sharing it.
"Sullivan's prediction that I'll run in three days," I say after a few bites. "Is he always that optimistic about your relationships?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Thatcher takes a drink of coffee. "Though Garcia gave you a week, so that's progress."
"They think you're 'a lot.'"
"I am a lot."
"I noticed." I lean against the counter. "Past tense or present tense?"
