Saving Easton (Oakside Military Heroes Book 2)(5)

I don't miss the corner of his mouth tilt up. It's the closest I've gotten to a smile, so I’ll take it.

"Time to turn the tables, and Molly gets to be my support dog now. Mom hates that I insist on bringing her with me, because it means we can only eat at a certain place and only outside, but Molly is my best friend, and having to walk her is the perfect excuse to bow out early."

I stand and call Molly over to me, who reluctantly comes to my side.

"I’ll be back on Monday. Can I stop in and see you then?"

He nods, and I head out with Molly. Normally, I'd feel bad about not seeing any of the other patients, but none of the guys need as much help as Easton, and I really feel like I’m making progress.

I stop in to see Lexi and Noah before I leave.

"So, you didn't tell me Easton doesn't let anyone in his room," I say.

"We figured you would find out the way the rest of us have.” Lexi shrugs.

"Actually, no. He lets me in, and I sit on the couch, when we talk," I say.

They look at each other.

"He doesn't even let me in," Noah says.

"He explained a bit about it, and why he doesn't like people near him or touching him. I get it. I'm sorry I didn't get to any other patients today, but he was talking, and I just wanted to keep him talking, while I could."

"That's okay. You’re back Monday, right?" Lexi asks.

"Yes. Oh, is Easton on any special diet?"

"Nope, he's also not a picky eater from what we have seen. Why?" Noah asks.

I just smile and wink, "I'm late for a meeting with my mom. See you Monday!"

On the drive to the restaurant, I realize neither of us mentioned my brother. I decide not to tell my mom about Easton. I can refer to him as another nameless patient. I'm also not sure I want to tell my brother about him yet either. I’ll play that one by ear. Though, I like having my time with him where he’s opening up, I do know at some point I have to tell my brother.

"You're late. Which guy did Molly get attached to this time?" Mom asks, as she leans down to pet Molly, before we sit at the table.

"A new guy, actually. He was a POW and is struggling. She's been spending most of her time with him." I say honestly, just leaving out the name.

"Oh, poor thing. I've read some of the things they do to POWs overseas, and it’s just horrible. I don't blame the guy for having a hard time, but Molly seems to help?"

"Yeah. He doesn't like being touched, but he lets Molly climb in his lap, and he pets her and seems more at ease with her there. Like he knows she’ll guard him and let him know of any danger."

"That's good," she nods.

We have lunch, and the meal goes surprisingly well up until talk of my brother hits.

"So, I guess some of your brother's old school buddies are in town. They’re getting together at our house to have a pool party, and I think you should come. You might know some of them, and it would be good to catch up. You can even bring Molly, if it would make you feel better," Mom says.

"I guess I should just be happy the guys are my age this time," I say, and Mom doesn't even hide her smile.

"I’ll think about it. I want to try to work a few extra shifts at Oakside to help this guy out. I guess he's talking to me more than anyone else, and if I can be of some help, I want to be there."

My mom accepts that, and we wrap up lunch.

She walks me to my car and gives me a hug.

"Just think about coming. I think it will be a good thing for you. Even if it's just a few dates that don't go anywhere, just getting out will do you some good.”

"Thanks, Mom," I say, rolling my eyes.

For some reason, on the way home, the only person I can picture myself on a date with is Easton.





Chapter 4





Chapter 4


Easton





Gunfire. Always gunfire.

I can't get away from it. This time seems more intense than the last time, and it takes longer to pull up Paisley's face, but when I do, I start to relax.

Trying to shake off the remnants of the dream, I flip the lights on, go sit on the couch, and focus on the room. I'm not there. I'm here at Oakside in the room Noah designed for me. The room with a view and leather chairs and a sofa. The same sofa Paisley sits on, when she visits.

I'm beginning to calm down, where there’s a knock on my door. My head jerks up to find Noah.

"What are you doing here so late?" I ask, as I glance at the clock by my bed. It's two a.m.

"We got a new guy in yesterday, and he isn't doing well at night. I was here checking on him and saw your light on. Another nightmare?"

I just nod.

"Want some sleeping medicine?"

"No, I'm trying to get away from the pills. Even when I take them, I still have nightmares and feel more trapped, like I can't wake up. I don't like how I feel the next day."

"I get that. When I was in the hospital, I got off them, too. I didn't sleep much, but then one day, I drifted off with Lexi in my arms, and she kept the nightmares away. She still does."

"You got lucky."

"Yeah, I did. I thought my life was over. I mean, have you seen me?"