Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(16)

Mom has asked me not to bring Molly, but I told her Molly is part of the family, unlike Bimbo Barbie. Her real name is Barbie, and that got me a glare when I asked her if that was her stripper name. Maybe, that’s where we started off on the wrong foot? I have no idea.

But here I sit in my parents’ living room with Molly at my feet, and I can feel her vibrating growl against my leg, even though no one can hear it. Barbie flips her pin straight, bleached blonde hair, and Molly finches, like she does, when I bring out her favorite toy and wants to play, but she knows she can't.

I stand up. "I'm going to go help Mom in the kitchen.”

"Oh, I'll go help, too," Barbie says, standing.

So, I sit back down. "Then, I guess I'm staying here." I cross my arms and pout, like a five-year-old.

Barbie shoots me a mean look, before going to help Mom in the kitchen, and I know what's coming next.

"You could be a bit nicer," Leeland says.

"Or you can date someone who actually gets along with your family. Dogs are the best judge of character, and Molly has been one wrong move from attacking her all night," I say.

"Then don't bring the dog."

"Don't bring the girlfriend, and I won't bring the dog." I glare at him.

Just like that, we’re locked in a staring contest that ends, when my phone goes off.



Unknown: Hey, it's Easton.



Despite everything, I smile at that, and then I save his number.



Me: When did you get the phone?

Easton: Today from Noah.

Me: That's why he asked if it was okay to give you my number.

Easton: I know you’re with family, but I just wanted to give you my number.

Me: Actually, you just saved me from a huge fight with my brother.

Easton: About what?

Me: His girlfriend, what else?

Easton: What did you use to ask your mom for? An SOS call?

Me: YES! To get out of dates that were duds.

Easton: Do you need an SOS call? Just give me the word.



I laugh at that and look up to find both my brother and my dad, staring at me.

"I like you smiling like that. Do I get to meet who is making you so happy?" My brother asks.

"Maybe, but it's too soon," I say, and he nods.



Me: Not yet, but the night is still young. How's your book?



Just like that, Easton and I talk, and it seems like it's easier to get to know him this way. He isn't actually having to talk out loud. It's only a few minutes later, when my mom pokes her head out of the kitchen.

"Dinner's ready," she says.

We all make our way to the kitchen to help carry something to the table, and then we take our seats. Molly sits down right next to me, knowing I’ll feed her some food, especially the Brussels sprouts. I hate Brussels sprouts, even the ones drenched in butter my mom makes, and that Molly eats for me. My mom and dad pretend not to notice I do it, so it's all good.

"Why is the mutt at the table?" Barbie asks.

"I don't know, Leeland. Why is your mutt at the table?" I sass back, knowing my mom is going to call a truce.

"Okay, enough. It's time to eat and be polite." Mom says in her stern don't mess with me voice.

"So, what's new at Oakside?" Mom asks. It's how we start every dinner.

"Not much. Molly has made friends with some of the men. They meet on the back porch to throw a ball with her. She's favoring one guy, who was a prisoner of war, and she seems to really be helping him."

Dinner continues with a little light chitchat, and they ask about my brother, and how things are going at work for him. He does something financial with one of the historical homes in Savannah. I can never quite grasp it, because he can't explain it without using all technical terms.

When there’s a lull in the conversation, I decide to go for it.

"Hey, Lee. You remember Easton?"

"Of course, we were best friends. Haven't seen him in a long time."

"What happened with you two?"

"Well, he enlisted after school, and it wasn't long after that he got stationed, and then he was shipped out on his first deployment. I was a freshman in college, and though we exchanged a few letters, they got fewer and fewer, but then just stopped. I checked in with his mom before she passed to make sure he was okay. She said he was, and that was the last I really heard of him."

Wanting some clarification, I ask, "So, you were best friends, and you just what, drifted apart?"

My brother cringes, "Yeah, I was young and stupid, and by the time I pulled my head out of my ass, I had no clue how to reach him. His mom had moved and retired to Florida and has since passed away, and that's all I was able to find out. I think he's still in the military, but I can't find him on social media, so I don’t know. Why?"

"There's a guy at Oakside that reminds me of him is all, and it got me to wondering." I brush it off.

After dinner, as I'm helping Mom clean the dishes, I shoot Easton a quick text.



Me: Barely survived the meal. Now, I want to try to get my dad alone to talk. Wish me luck.

Easton: Talk about what?

Me: Honestly? You.



I wait and don't get an answer, so I tuck my phone away and go to the living room.