He warmed up with some scales and such, but in a moment he was playing classic rock and roll melodies that had everyone in the cafeteria bobbing their heads and humming along to the music.
It was loud and prevented any real conversation, but it amazed Jana to hear him play. The energy rose, and everyone there seemed a little happier.
The energy remained high for the evening, and even as everyone left and cleanup was being done, Jana felt better.
Lighter.
While she enjoyed her day job well enough, it wasn’t the same satisfaction as doing a service at St. Anthony’s.
It was just after ten when she walked out with Dyana. An off-duty police officer sat in the corner of the volunteer parking lot, watching everyone get in their cars.
“They probably don’t need to do that,” Jana said, gesturing to the police car. “We’re fine. It’s a separate lot from the main lot, and it’s practically fenced in back here.”
“That’s exactly why they do it,” Dyana said. “You know a lot of them don’t have cars. They could just walk back here and steal our wallets or worse.”
Jana shook her head. “That wouldn’t happen.”
Dyana raised her eyebrow again. “Girl, you are far too trusting. There are plenty of those homeless people in there who wouldn’t hurt a fly, but they wouldn’t have to have the police car back here if there hadn’t been a problem before.”
Jana nodded. “One bad apple…”
“And I don’t feel like giving another bad apple a chance.”
They reached Jana’s car.
“And by the way, speaking of bad apples…”
“Oh, here we go,” Jana said.
“Yes, I’m going. Because I don’t know who your friends are outside of here, and why they haven’t said this to you, but I’m going to, because I do consider you my friend.”
Jana sighed. She knew where this was going.
“This boyfriend of yours. No man I know would be traveling as much as he does, and not at least reach out and say ‘hey’ every day. There’s something wrong with that, girl.”
“He’s just busy.” Jana crossed her arms. “You wouldn’t expect a soldier to be able to reach out every day when he’s on duty.”
“No, but your boyfriend isn’t a soldier. I can’t think of a job that would keep him from contacting his woman every day, at least a text, girl. A text.”
Jana sighed. “Listen, you’re seeing things that aren’t there.”
“Or are you just refusing to see them?” Dyana asked.
“I’m not seeing anything,” she said.
Dyana huffed as she got into her car.
3
“Mine 342 is having stability issues,” Phares ran down the list of locations that needed attention for the day. The units were gearing up and waiting for the morning debrief regarding stations and necessities.
“I’ll take it,” Shoval said. “I knowI’llget it fixed. I’m healthy.”
Phares glared.
His parental was still at his games. But at least Shoval had the wrong idea about his regular visits to Medical. If he thought Phares was being treated for an injury or weakness, he was wrong.
Which was fine by him.
