All the Right Moves(62)

“This can’t be one of those kinds of lies, Lauren. Seriously. I can figure out another way.”

“Okay. You’re right. I miss you, and keeping up with your mail and your bills makes me feel like we’re connected, but mostly, it’s just another thing on my to-do list.”

“Thank you. For all of it. For taking care of me for so long. Why don’t you send me what you’ve got at your earliest convenience?”

“Can I ask what brought this on?”

“Someone suggested that I might have had some difficulties growing up.”

Her laugh was like a slice of home. “You have your moments, but by and large, you’re a fantastic man, John. It wouldn’t hurt for you to find the right woman. But I promised I wouldn’t press you on that.”

“And I’m grateful.”

“Listen, I’ve got to run. I’ll be home tomorrow, though, between noon and three if you want to talk some more. If you can. I have no clue what your schedule is, but the offer stands.”

“Good to know. I’ll call if I’m able. Say hey to everyone, and tell the boys to behave. All three of them.” He hung up, feeling better and worse. He missed his family a lot. He’d sure get to see them more often if he took Wagner’s job offer, but he imagined the conversations might not be so easy. They’d be disappointed in him. Deeply. His father. Man, the colonel would take it as a slap in the face. Would it even be possible to explain his reasoning?

Hell, how could he when John couldn’t understand it himself?

He hit speed-dial five, reasonably sure he’d get the answering machine, but lo and behold, his mother picked up.

“Sweetheart. I’m so delighted to hear from you. What’s the occasion?”

“Hey, I do not call you guys enough. No occasion, just wanted to say hi. Find out how you two are doing.”

“That’s wonderful. We’re doing fine. Your father’s on the nineteenth hole with his buddies, swapping stories and drinking beer. I’m going to an art opening tonight, downtown. It’s a fund-raiser for the Air Force Village.”

“When’s the last time you and Dad had a night out? Just the two of you?”

She hummed a little, the way she always did. He’d figured out years ago that she had no idea. When John had been in high school, it had driven him crazy. Now he liked it. A lot. “Not for a while,” she said. “I’ll have to do something about that. What an interesting question.”

“It’s no big deal,” he said, before he took a sip of his warming beer. “I know you guys love keeping busy.”

“We’re used to it, that’s for sure. Keeps us young, I think.”

“Probably.”

“What about you, John? Anything you want to tell me?”

“Nothing new. Sam seems to be adjusting well to his new orders.”

“That poor boy. I hope so. You watch him now. Keep calling him, because I’ve seen some things. It’s hard to stop being a warrior when that’s all you’ve ever been. Trust me. And every wife of a retired serviceman.”

“Words to live by, Mom. I will call him. I promise. And you, too. Give my best to Dad, okay?”

“I will, honey. We’d sure love to see you.”

“When I can, I will. Have fun tonight.” He hung up and put the phone down on the couch.

Would he be able to stand not being a warrior? Or would he be strong enough to carve out a new kind of life for himself?

Damn it. He wished things were better between him and Cassie. He could use some of her special brand of distraction tonight.

His cell rang, and for a second he grinned, thinking it was her, but it wasn’t. It was Rick. Probably wanting a wingman. What the hell. “Hey, Towlie.”

“Devil!” Rick said. Well, yelled. “Get your ass over here, my man. You’re on leave, for Christ’s sake. Which is why, when you get here, I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”

John was pretty sure he could, but at least he wouldn’t be sitting here moping. “Where are you, you sad son of a bitch?”

“Me and three ugly-ass pilots are at the Palms. We’re eating dinner in fifteen minutes, so move it. We’re not waiting on ya.”

“Fine. Drag me into sin.”

“Dudes,” Rick shouted, “Devil’s coming. You better pray he hooks up early or none of you are getting any tonight.” Then he hung up.