Page 2 of A Very Grumpy Marine

“How boring.”

“I know, right? You’ll have to move here so that I can get my Hawaiian pizza fix more often.”

“It’s tempting,” I tell her honestly.

It would be nice to hang out with Lilou more often and to put down roots somewhere. Maybe even settle down with someone.

“Tell me about Milo!” I say. “How are things between you two?”

“Going great. He’s so perfect, Lymric,” she says with a dreamy sigh.

It’s great seeing my friend so happy and in love. She deserves it, and it sounds like Milo is the perfect man for her.

I wish I had someone,I think as the waiter comes back over with our drinks.

“How’s your grandpa?” I ask her as I take a sip of my Coke.

Her grandpa suffered a heart attack a few weeks ago, and we’ve both been worried about him. Growing up, he was like my grandpa too. I’ve called him a few times, but it’s not the same as seeing him in person. He’s assured me that he’s fine, but I’d like to see that for myself. I’ve already booked myself a ticket to go visit him after I leave Wolf Valley.

“He’s doing better. We’re looking into assisted living communities up here so that we can be closer together.”

“Do you need any help with that? I can do some research or help you tour them,” I offer.

“We’ve got it narrowed down to a few. It’s going to be more about which one has availability now.”

“It will be great for him to be closer to you.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait,” she says excitedly.

“How’s your mom?” I ask carefully, and Lilou frowns.

“Wouldn’t know. Haven’t talked to her since she called to tell me about my grandpa being in the hospital.”

“That’s probably for the best,” I sigh, and she nods.

“Definitely.”

Our pizza is brought over, and we both dig in. Lilou asks me about where I’ve been to recently, and I tell her about scouting a new location for a reality survival show in South America.

“I ate tacos like every day, and they were so good,” I tell her with a laugh as we finish up the pizza.

“My treat,” Lilou insists as she grabs the bill.

“I’ll get breakfast tomorrow.”

“I actually have to work for a few hours tomorrow morning. I should be back before lunch, though, so we can go out then.”

“Sounds good. I’ll have to explore the town a bit. Or maybe sleep in.”

“I vote sleep in!” Lilou says with a laugh as we stand and head out.

“That does sound nice,” I sigh.

“Milo’s place isn’t that far from here. Are you sure that you’re okay to stay there by yourself?” She asks as we pull out of the Mancini parking lot.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’ve seen your apartment, and I’m surprised that you and Milo can both fit in it,” I tease her.

“It’s not that small!” She protests, and I snicker.

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