He’d called to video chat just as she picked up her phone to see if Riley wanted to hang out.
“That depends. If you want to move home for the exciting night life, then yes, you’re crazy.”
Paige snorted. “What night life?”
“Exactly.” Damon laughed. “Now, if there was a man in Providence that you’ve fallen for, then I’d think you’re only mildly crazy.” He pointed at his phone before she could speak. “And I’m not talking about Zack Hastings. I hope you’re smarter than that after all these years.”
“Zack Hastings?” Paige scowled. “Why would you bring him up?”
“You crushed on him all through high school, and I heard he recently got divorced.”
“Eew. No.” Paige made a face. “I stopped liking him my senior year when I realized what a womanizer he was.” She’d seen Zack’s true colors easily enough, so why hadn’t she seen through Phillip’s deceptions?
“There must be a man though. Why else would you want to move back home?”
Paige’s mind jumped to her handsome physical therapist and their near kiss at the pool last week.
Nope, not going there.
She shrugged then picked up her phone and started to pace her room. She was tempted to tell Damon the truth about what happened with Phillip and her fear of running into him if she returned to Seattle, but she didn’t want her cousin to think she was an idiot for letting herself be duped for so long.
“I miss being around family. Ben’s kids are growing up so fast, and I feel like I’ve missed so much.”
“Tell me about it. I hardly recognized my nieces and nephews when I came home for Riley and Daniel’s wedding.”
“Do you plan to settle down?” Paige asked. “Will you ever come back to Providence for good?”
“Whoa! Those are heavy questions.” Damon’s face turned thoughtful. “Settle down? Yes, someday, but not while I’m still enlisted.”
“Why not?”
“Two reasons.” He held up a finger. “One, I don’t want to have to worry about leaving a possibly pregnant wife behind when I deploy, and she shouldn’t have to worry about whether I’ll come back in one piece.” He held up a second finger. “And I don’t want the distraction of wondering if she’ll stay faithful while I’m deployed.”
Paige figured he probably had plenty of buddies who had been in each of those situations. “Those are valid reasons, but how much longer do you plan to stay in the military? You want to have a family, don’t you?”
“Yes, I want a family.” He shook his head. “I don’t know how much longer I’ll stay in. Some days, I love that the military is my life.”
“And other days?”
“Other days, I miss my family and long for the slower pace and simpler, safer life of a small town like Providence.”
“So, are you thinking about getting out soon?”
“I’m not sure I’m ready to get out just yet. I’m due to re-up nextspring though.” He grinned as he shrugged one shoulder. “So, unless I meet a woman who changes my mind between now and then, I’ll probably re-enlist for another three to five years.”
“I hope you meet someone,” Paige said, giving him an intense look. “Wives aren’t the only ones who worry when their loved ones are deployed.”
“Yeah, my mom keeps reminding me of that.” Damon shifted to lay back on his bunk. “Are you serious about moving home then?”
“I am, if I can find a job.” They spent several minutes discussing the lack of teaching positions in southeastern Washington until Paige’s phone signaled an incoming call from Riley. “Hey Damon, I gotta go. Riley’s calling me.”
“Okay. Take care. Tell Riley I said hi.”
“Will do. Love you, bye.” Paige ended her video call with Damon and held the phone to her ear. “Hi, Riley.”
“Why didn't you tell me how good looking the new physical therapist is?" Riley’s voice sounded like she’d just found out a juicy secret.
“Hello to you too.”
