Grace sat on the floor near Lily's kennel and pulled her out. She showed him the commands Lily had already learned, and they talked about how cute she was for a while. Then Lily curled up in her lap and fell asleep.
"Turn the camera around and let me see your face, beautiful."
Grace loved it when he called her that. Warmth flooded her cheeks as she flipped the camera back to face her.
"I miss you, Grace." He sighed as he said the words.
"I miss you too." She blinked to quell the tears that threatened.
Grace tucked Lily back into her kennel and snuggled into the corner of the couch to continue to talk to Damon. He often told her stories of the crazy things he and his guard buddy did to entertain themselves during their long shifts; everything from playing cards to taking turns making up ridiculous lyrics of popular songs.
Two nights ago, they played an extreme version of Would You Rather where Damon decided he’d rather fight a horse-sized duck once than an angry racoon every night for a month. They hadn’t done it yet this deployment, but at least once while on duty they made mini bottle rockets with gun powder.
The fact that he didn’t have any stories this time meant that last night was busier than usual.
Her first day back at work was not very eventful either, and before long, they were both yawning. However, neither wanted to say goodbye.
Finally, Grace said, "Get some breakfast then get some sleep."
"You too." Then he chuckled. "The sleep part, not the breakfast part. I mean you can have breakfast after you sleep." Then he laughed again. "I guess you can have breakfast whenever you want. Even at midnight."
"You're so tired, you're rambling."
"I am, aren't I." He let out a little sigh. "Good night, Gracie. I love you."
"Good night." Grace bit her lip to keep from telling him she loved him too.
She didn't miss the flash of disappointment on his face before she ended the call. She wasn't sure why she was having such a hard time telling him she loved him but saying it when they were both so tired and needed sleep didn't seem like the right time.
She sighed as he pushed up off the couch. She really needed to stop being a coward. It wasn't fair to Damon.
And what will your excuse be next time?
From: Grace Rivera
To: Damon Knight
Date: November 25
Subject: You should know...
Dear Damon,
There's something I need to tell you that I couldn't make myself tell you in person. Mostly because I don't want to see the shock or disappointment on your face when you learn what I've been keeping from you. I will understand if, after reading this, you no longer want anything to do with me. Just don't keep me wondering, please. Simply respond to this email and tell me we're done.
On my Dumb Things I've Done list, I would have to add:
1. Go to a party I shouldn't have been at.
2. Get drunk.
3. Make out with a senior—the star quarterback.
4. Get raped.
5. Become pregnant.
6. Give my baby up for adopt?—
