Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(18)

Me: Good. I guess he didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. I can tell you about it, and the shit show that is Leland’s girlfriend tomorrow when I visit.

Easton: Deal.





Chapter 12





Chapter 12


Easton





When there’s a knock on the door, I think maybe Paisley got here early, but I don't expect it to be Paisley's dad.

"Mr. Sutton," I say, suddenly on edge.

He stays in the doorway, and I know I should ask him to come in and sit down, but I just can't.

"I'm sorry for the surprise visit, but I had a talk with Paisley, and it's been weighing on my mind that other than Paisley, you don't have anyone to come visit you."

He's right. My mom was a single mom, and growing up, I became closer to Leeland and his family, and spent a lot of time there, while my mom worked. But my mom passed away a few years ago. Honestly, I'm glad she wasn't around to worry about me, during my POW time. That alone would have killed her.

"Thank you," I say, trying to think of what to say next.

"Listen, I'm not telling Leeland anything. I'm on Paisley's side. That girl of his is... she’ll make someone a great trophy wife, but she isn't for him. I'm hoping it's a phase he needs to get out of his system. Between you and me, I can’t bite my tongue much longer, when she insults Paisley over and over in my house."

"Umm, you can..." I take a deep breath, thinking of Paisley, and she calms me without even being here. "You can sit on the couch," I say a bit hesitantly.

He nods and moves slowly to the couch. Maybe, Paisley is on to something with having a dog of my own, because this is easier when Molly is here.

"I'm sure you don't want to talk about it, but if you ever do, I'm here, Easton. We've always been here for you and always will be. You’ve been family, and that hasn't stopped."

"Thank you."

He starts talking about all the things I missed, updating me on neighbors and friends. The more he talks, the more it feels like old times, and the more I relax.

"Well, I should be going. I know Paisley will be by soon." He leans down and grabs the pen and paper on the coffee table. "Here's my number. Call or text anytime. Just to talk, or if you need anything. I do mean anything, okay?"

"Yes, sir."

"I think you've more than earned the right to call me Al."

I nod.

"I'll come back around this weekend, if that's okay?"

I nod again. He smiles and heads out. Taking a deep breath, I take the paper with his number and add it to my phone. I debate texting Paisley, but decide not, too. Instead, I bring up Paisley’s account on social media and find that she posts about the dogs she trains.

I find the photo I like most of her and Molly on the beach with Tybee Island lighthouse in the background. She looks so happy with the sun on her face, and the wind in her hair.

I'm lost in the photo, and before I know it, Molly is right in front of me.

"Hey there, girl," I say and put my phone away. "Want to go for a walk?" I ask her, and she does a little dance from side-to-side.

I look up and find Paisley, leaning against my door frame with a smile on her face. She is so beautiful. I don't know how she gets more beautiful every time I see her, but she does. I need to push myself some more today. For her, I can do this.

***

Paisley

"Ready to go?" I ask him.

He nods, and Molly follows him to the door. His eyes are on me the whole way. Almost like I'm the distraction that helps him push through. Though, maybe that's wishful thinking.

I step out into the hallway, and he meets me there.

"Tell me about your dinner last night," he says.

I notice he likes me talking on our walks. I guess it's something for him to focus on.

So, I tell him about the dinner, Barbie's comments, and Molly's reactions to her.

"My mom doesn't want me bringing Molly over, but I refuse to not have her around the girlfriend. Molly can't stand her, and I trust Molly. I know Molly has my back, unlike Leeland." I grumble.

"In school, someone would say something bad about you, and they'd get a black eye. I don't know why he's letting her insult you."

"It's simple. He's getting laid, and as long as he keeps her happy, he keeps getting sex. He's missed the bros before hoes memo, though I don't qualify as a bro."

Easton looks over and glares at me, like how dare I cuss like that.

"Don't look at me like that. I'm an adult, and I've been around the block, Easton." I wink at him, and his lips twitch before he takes a deep breath.

"Let's check out the courtyard," he says.

My smile takes over my face. He's pushing himself again, even more outside his comfort zone, and I'm so damn proud of him. I turn to the courtyard closest to his room.

"No, the other one." He says, nodding to the courtyard on the other side of the lobby.

"Lead the way," I say, as Molly and I follow him.

I look over my shoulder to see Lexi at the desk, smiling and winking at me.

"At least I found out that my dad doesn't like her either. So, I know he won't let her stick around on a permanent basis. I did tell my dad that I'm about at my limit with her. Too many family dinners with her, and I’ll come on a different night just to avoid her. My dad had this twinkle in his eye. I wouldn't be surprised if some work emergency comes up, where he can't be around for a dinner or maybe ten."