Charley nodded. “It is coming along. The contractors have done an amazing job, getting the building functional and ready to open, despite very little supervision to start out with. I just got out here about two weeks ago. All that is left are final inspections and moving equipment and furniture in. I’m confident that we’ll be ready.”
“That is great to hear. The foundation has been the talk of the community.”
“That’s awesome. The more people we can reach, the better.”
As their conversation continued, Charley found herself enjoying Jessica’s easygoing demeanor.
A few minutes later, both of their orders were called, and they picked them up.
As they walked out the door and were standing on the sidewalk, Jessica looked at Charley.
“Hey, we’re having a cookout at our place this weekend. Why don’t you come? It’ll mostly be Ray’s colleagues and theirfamilies, but we’d love to have you there as well. Most of them know Ace and Alex, too.”
Charley hesitated for a moment, knowing that she wasn’t the most outgoing person. But then again, she needed to build her confidence given her role now. It couldn’t hurt to attend the cookout. She didn’t know many people in town, and at least they weren’t total strangers. They knew Ace and Alex. It would be a good opportunity to meet some new people.
“Okay,” Charley said, smiling. “Thank you. Is there anything I can bring?”
Jessica shook her head. “Nope, just bring yourself. I’ll text you with the details and our address. What’s your number?”
They exchanged numbers, and then Jessica surprised Charley with a hug.
“I’m so glad that we ran into each other.”
“Same,” Charley replied.
After chatting a little longer, they said goodbye, and Jessica gave her a little wave before heading to her car, which was parked nearby.
As Charley started the walk back to the Foundation, she took a sip of her sweet, refreshing drink and started thinking about the upcoming weekend.
A cookout with new friends. Maybe settling back in San Diego wouldn’t be so bad after all.
As Charley turned the corner and approached the building, she noticed a guy standing on the sidewalk, staring at it. At first, she thought it might have been the cabinet guy, but since there was no vehicle in the parking lot, she wasn’t sure who the guy was.
He was dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt. He stood completely still, chin slightly lifted. His eyes, which she could barely see because of the ball cap he had pulled low, were fixed on the building’s upper floors as if he were studying the building.
Her stomach tightened. Still, he didn’t give off a threatening vibe—more like haunted.
She straightened her shoulders and approached with a cautious but warm smile.
“Hi there,” she said in a cheerful tone.
The man flinched—just a small jerk of the shoulders, but enough that she noticed. His dark, haunted eyes snapped toward her.
“Oh. Uh, sorry. I didn’t hear you walk up.” His voice carried a rough edge, like someone who didn’t talk much anymore. His gaze drifted to the “Grand Opening Soon” sign taped inside the window.
“What is this place?” he asked.
Charley sensed a bit of hesitation in his voice, a slight tension. She stepped closer, giving him her full attention. “It’s a foundation for military members, veterans, and their families,” Charley explained. “We provide a range of free services, like counseling, medical care, support groups, job placement assistance, and more. It’s all about helping those who serve or have served and their families, especially when the government can’t provide all the support they need.”
He didn’t say anything but nodded, still looking up at the building.
Charley studied him. He shifted from one foot to the other, like he was restless. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets. His eyes drifted from the building to the parking lot. His posture and actions told her that he was alert, as if waiting for something to happen. She’d seen the same actions in the people she had assisted back in Virginia Beach. And more painfully, in her brother when he came home from his last deployment, suffering from PTSD.
“Are you from the neighborhood?” she asked, gently testing the waters.
“No,” he said quickly. A little too quick at that.
Charley swallowed hard, her nerves starting to get the better of her. She couldn’t figure this guy out.
