Page 6 of Spring UnVeiled
“If you leave right now, you and Shannon can be in Big Bear before dark.”There was that smile of hers again.
“How did you—” Teddy started to ask.
“I know everything.”Marta Merkel sat back down and began typing.She glanced up when Vice Admiral Maddox didn’t stop staring at her.
“Were you listening in on our conversation?”He accused.
She rolled her pretty hazel eyes then stood and moved close to him.“I’ve been sitting in this office for almost thirty years.I’ve been in this desk for nearly fifteen.No.I most certainly didn’t listen to the conversation.Nor can I read your mind, but I know what kind of commanding officer you are even though you’ve only been here a few weeks.I knew you would extend Chief Roosevelt’s leave.It was the right thing to do.You lead by example.”
She handed him a folder.“Now, you’re expected over at the base commander’s headquarters in fifteen minutes for the budget meeting.Please push really hard for the pool repairs.They don’t understand how much use—and what I really mean is abuse—that ancient hole in the ground gets.It’s been too many years since it was resurfaced last.”
“What would I do without you?”He picked up the file.
“Lucky for you, you’ll never have to find out.”She smiled up at him and Evan noticed the little glint in her eye.Did the two of them have something going on?
Then she added, “I’m retiring the same day as you are.I couldn’t stand to break in another admiral.”
“Captain Hubbard, I’m Lieutenant Commander Harrison.Let me show you to your office.”
Chapter3
Genevieve Hubbard wavedgoodbye as the last bus pulled away from the elementary school where she’d taught for nearly two decades.She returned to her fourth-grade classroom, picked up a few items she’d used throughout the day, and put them in their proper places, readying her room for the next day.
“Hey, Gen, my ex has the kids this weekend so I’m free.I was thinking about going to the Saturday Market.You interested?”Valerie Limburg taught in the classroom next to hers.Ten years younger with ten times the energy, the perky brunette shared custody of their three children with her husband, an active-duty SEAL.When she’d caught the lieutenant commander fucking one of the civilian women from his office on his desk shortly after working hours, he’d yelled at her for intruding.
On Genevieve’s suggestion, Valerie had immediately filed divorce papers that included fifty-fifty custody to be sure he shared the responsibility of their children.She’d also reported the activity to the Inspector General.He’d almost lost his security clearance and his job.He’d literally fucked up, but Captain Desmond had saved his ass.
Gen had watched military men walk away, carefree, from their families too many times.If she could stop it, even once, she would.Over the nineteen years she’d worked in schools on Coronado, she’d seen dozens of military wives get screwed by their husbands during divorce.
Thank God Evan hadn’t been like that.He hadn’t cheated.His mistress had been the Navy.The SEALs were the brotherhood that was more important than she was.He’d rather hang out on weekends with his bachelor brothers than spend time with her and their daughter.
She’d known from the beginning what she was getting herself into as far as deployments were concerned.What she hadn’t expected was the loneliness even though he crawled in bed next to her every night.
BUD/S had changed him.
Their baby had changed her.
If needed, Gen was happy to share her knowledge with other military wives.
“No hot dates this weekend?”Gen teased.
“I’d rather spend time with you than get to know another asshole.”Her gaze drifted in the direction of the base.“I swear, there aren’t any good men over there.All the ones I’ve met are conceited, self-centered jerks that even if you gave them a map and a compass, they still couldn’t find a woman’s clitoris.”
Gen giggled.“Oh, they could find it.They just don’t care if you get off.You’re supposed to be thankful that they have deemed you worthy of their cock.”
Both women burst out laughing.
“Saturday Market sounds like a lot of fun.”Getting out of the house and away from Kylie’s silent treatment sounded wonderful.Gen and Valerie decided to go shortly after sunrise yoga, which took place on the beach across from Gen’s house.
Grabbing the papers she needed to correct that night, she headed for her car.She’d planned to swing by the Commissary and do some grocery shopping before heading home.
When the phone rang, she was surprised that it was Kylie.Gen accepted the call through the car speakers.“Did you think of something more you want me to pick up at the Commissary?”
Kylie didn’t respond.Gen swore she heard her daughter crying.“What’s the matter?Are you hurt?”
“Mom, can you come right home?”Her daughter was breathing heavily.“It hurts.Really bad.”
Pulling out of the parking lot, Gen headed the few blocks to her home.“I’m on my way.I’ll be right there.”She hoped her daughter had read the books that she bought for her.She’d managed to get Kylie to three of the birthing classes, but after watching a video of a C-section, Kylie swore she’d never go back.Gen was quite sure that her daughter didn’t want the baby.
