Raven:
Ditto.
Lizzy:
Same… Look, I’ve done my due diligence—y’all have been warned not to go over unannounced. If you walk in on anything like what I did, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Riggs:
This is taking longer than expected. We’ll finish tomorrow at 0700. I’ve rebooked the hotel. There’s a room reserved in your name.
Seconds later, a confirmation link comes through.
Well, shit, I was hoping we’d fly out tonight.
Me:
Roger that. Need a ride?
I’ve got our rental car since Riggs has been in meetings at the Pentagon most of the day. I have to say, it’s weird sitting idle. For years, I was seated at the table where decisions are made. Now, I’m stuck in limbo, twiddling my thumbs and waiting on others for orders to come through.
Usually, I have no problem staying busy. But this time, I’m not sure what to do with myself. I’ve done my best to stay occupied while remaining close, in case Riggs makes the call to leave. It’s both a blessing and a curse to be demoted to transport detail, but such is life.
Riggs:
No need. Just enjoy a free evening in DC. I’ll text you when I have an update.
Me:
You know where to find me.
I’ve already spent most of my day doing mundane tasks. I’ve worked out, researched some potential clients for Riggs, and checked in with my family throughout the day. Being three hours ahead of Faye, I know better than to call and be a distraction. When we spoke this morning, she mentioned she’d be working on a big project and would text when her day is done.
She’s on a tight deadline and needs to ensure her new program works before launching it with her latest client. Even though my brain knows this, my fingers itch to put through a call, simply so I can hear her voice.
Gah, I’m a selfish bastard.
I miss her like crazy.
If I go to my hotel room, my willpower will wane.
Think—there’s gotta be something I can do to distract myself.
What’s gotten into me? Why do I feel like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rockers? It’s like Faye’s put a spell on me, and I can barely go five minutes without thinking of her.
For Christ’s sake, I’ve spent the better part of my adult life being single. I know how to be alone. I’ve never been one to let a woman distract me like this. So, why do I feel like a fish out of water now that I get an impromptu paid vacation?
Hell, I should be living it up.
DC was my stomping ground for nearly a year when I did a short tour at Andrews Air Force Base. I love this town. So, why can’t I just relax and enjoy this time away?
It shouldn’t be this hard.
Food is the last thing on my mind, since I ate a late lunch, thinking I’d be flying most of the evening. Our rental is already parked in a garage nearby, and I’d rather not fight traffic at this hour. Maybe I can quickly head to my hotel and check in, then go out on foot and see what there is to do here in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
An hour later, I’m strolling down 20th Street, making my way to Dupont Circle. The sidewalk is crowded. Some are dodging one another as they hurry to get home after a long day’s work, while others are linked arm in arm with their significant other, enjoying this warm summer afternoon in DC without a care in the world. Those who are holding hands stop and window shop on their way to their next destination.
When a jogger shouts, “On your left,” from behind, I dodge right to avoid a couple stopping to look at something on their phone in front of me.
