The guy nodded and helped them drag the loudmouth asses back into his room.
“PFC Welson, your best bet is to keep your mouthshut. Sgt. Grabowski will talk to you both in the morning.” Hewarned and left.
***
Fifteen minutes later he was standing outsidePhillip's front door. He didn't even get to knock before the doorwas thrown open.
A petite brunette grinned widely at him. “You'reRyan. God, you've grown up. Phillip pointed you out on GraduationDay.” She didn't even pause while she hugged him tight. “Come on.You can help me finish up. Phillip is with Katie. She's notcomfortable.”
He couldn't believe how easily Sandy had let himin. Hell, he was feeling like he fell into a rabbit hole.
She led him into the kitchen and pointed towardthe fridge. “Get the steak sauce out…and a few beers.”
Ryan did as she ordered and then smiled whenPhillip came into the kitchen.
“How did it go?” Phillip asked when he leanedagainst the counter.
“Not bad. I felt like knocking them out.”
“Why?”
“They pissed me off.”
“Really, how did they piss you off?”
“They interrupted our date.” Ryan grinned.
“Wait, you're not punching me out, right?” Sandylaughed.
As if. Ryan grinned at her. “No way. Phillip'smuch bigger than me.”
Sandy laughed harder and got out three plates.She placed large steak sandwiches on them and then put them on thetable. “I'm really sorry y'all's date got so screwed up.”
“No she's not. She's still carrying a torch forme,” Phillip said as he ripped into his sandwich.
“Please. Phillip, I love you. You know that, butsex and you...” Sandy curled up her nose.
“It's probably because you got girl parts,” Ryansaid, grinning.
She laughed and nodded. “I offered to get a fakeone. He got all bitchy about it. I think he was worried about thewhole size thing.”
***
They talked for another hour, with occasionalchecks on Katie’s condition. Sandy Grabowski was one of thefunniest women Ryan ever met. She told him all about Phillip andmuch to Phillip's dismay launched into a Halloween story that madeRyan feel for the guy.
“Okay, I think I can load her up and go home.She's acting normal,” Sandy finally declared.
A tall dark-haired girl came out with a brightneon-green cast. She looked pale and drowsy but otherwise sheseemed good. “Hey daddy, Love you,” she whispered. Phillip rose andwrapped his arms around her.
“Katie, I want you to meet Ryan. Hopefully oneday when you're not hurt you can hang out with him.”
Ryan waved to the girl who waved shyly back. “'ice to meet you, Ryan. G'night daddy.”
“Nice to meet you too, Katie.” Ryan smiledwarmly. Phillip had to be the luckiest man on the planet.
Sandy grinned and kissed Ryan's cheek, thenrepeated it with Phillip. “Alright, call if you need anything. I'mgonna go ahead and take her home.” Phillip helped them to the car,asking twice if Sandy didn't want to stay there and sleep inKatie's room. She begged off and winked at Ryan. “Don't do anythingI wouldn't.” The door slipped shut, leaving Ryan and Phillipalone.
“You have the coolest ex,” Ryan said with asmile.
