Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(34)

"Because I told her not, too. She does work here, so she couldn't say anything." I remind him, trying to keep Paisley out of trouble.

"Why did you tell her not, too?"

This is a fair question, but I don't know how to explain to him that the last time he saw me, I was a different person. But the biggest reason is Paisley. I wanted more time with her. The moment we’re friends again, then the don't date my younger sister rule goes back into effect. But I know I can't stay away from her now, so this is going to cause problems.

"When I first got here, I was spaced out. I sat in the chair there by the window and just enjoyed the sun on my face. I didn't let anyone in my room, and I couldn't stand to be touched. To have people in here and touching me is still hard for me to tolerate, but thanks to Paisley and Allie here it's getting easier." I say, petting Allie and slipping her a piece of bread.

"It was you who saved Paisley from that kitchen guy, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, it was the first time I didn't care that I was touching anyone, when I laid into him. Walking in and seeing her pinned to the wall? Something shifted. When I wrapped her in my arms, making sure she was okay, and she hugged me back? My skin didn't crawl. Ever since that day, I've been able to tolerate my nurses and doctors more easily. I've been able to go outside. Even more so, since she brought me Allie." I stop, worried I might have said too much.

For a guy who didn't talk at anyone a few months ago, when it comes to Paisley, I can't seem to stop singing her praises.

"Thank you for having her back," he says.

"Always."

"So, your time as a POW?"

"I don't talk about it.”

"To Paisley?"

"To anyone."

"Not even your doctor?"

I just shake my head.

He sighs, "I'm not an expert, but even I know it's not good to hold it in."

"I know, and I'm working on it."

"So, you were working outside in long sleeves and pants?"

I look at him, because he hasn't put the pieces together. I clench my teeth, pulling up my sleeve. He looks at it a moment, and then looks back at me.

"You know scars are nothing to hide."

"Says the guy whose only scars are from doing stupid shit as a kid.”

He growls, "Your scars have been hard earned. They show you survived, and you’re here today, because you were stronger than them. Be proud of those scars."

"Easier said than done."

"Always is."

"So, fill me in on your college time," I say, trying to change the subject.

"I joined a fraternity."

"I can't picture you as a frat boy. You’re not pretty enough."

"Fuck you, man. I did rush week and everything."

"What did you have to do to pledge?"

"I was designated driver for a month, which was easy, because I was underage and couldn’t drink."

"Like it would have stopped you."

He smirks, "I also had to clean the frat house after each party for a few months and wear a dress to all my classes for a week."

"You got off easy," I say.

"I got lucky my fraternity didn't believe in hazing. They had a guy die from it back in 2001, so they stopped it after that. It's one of the reasons I choose them."

"You’re still happy you joined?"

"Yeah. I'm still friends with the guys."

Then, the pool party flashes to my mind, and what his friends did to Paisley.

"These the same guys you let harass Paisley at the pool party?"

He looks down at the ground.

"I was drunk, and it got out of hand."

"She's your sister, and you used to kick guys’ assess just for cursing around her. God forbid anyone asked her out, you’d kicked their ass to the curb. People had to choose being friends with you or having a chance to date Paisley. Good guys too that weren't there to take advantage of her, but genuinely liked her." I snap.

"It wasn't my finest moment. I'm surprised she told you about that."

"We talk, and she tells me a lot. I tell her what I can."

"What else has she told you?" He says with a smile on his face.

"That your girlfriend treats her like crap, but you still keep her around, too," I say.”

Leeland's face gets serious then, but he doesn't say anything, as my phone goes off.



Paisley: Everything going okay?

Me: Yeah, we have things to hash out, but it's going as good as expected.

Paisley: I'm going to head to my parents for a bit. I’ll be over, when he's gone.

Me: Okay, enjoy your time.



Leeland is just watching me, so I set the phone down.

"I know it's been a few years, but you’ve changed," I say.

"And you don't think it's in a good way."

"What makes you think that?"

"Everything about our conversation so far."

"It's just not the Leeland I used to know."

"Well, you don't know me like you used, too."

"You're right, and we are both to blame for that. We didn't fight hard enough for our friendship," I say.