Page 50 of Aussie
A woman with dark, shoulder-length hair glanced up from behind the bar. She gave him a welcoming smile and walked over, her friendly expression easing his tension a bit.
“Hey there, can I help you with something?” she asked, her tone warm and welcoming.
Christian shifted his backpack, the ache in his ribs flaring up again. He winced involuntarily, and her gaze sharpened as she took in his discomfort.
“You okay?” she asked, concerned.
He swallowed, nodding slowly. “I was hoping to find someone I know. Or maybe someone who knows how to reach him.”
Her brow lifted with mild curiosity. “Well, I’m one of the owners here. Maybe I can help. Who are you looking for?”
Christian hesitated, glancing around and lowering his voice as he leaned in slightly. “I’m looking for a guy named Aussie. He’s a SEAL.”
She blinked, her expression shifting to something between surprise and recognition. He could tell instantly that she knew exactly who he was talking about, though she tried to keep her face neutral.
“How do you know Aussie?” she asked a hint of caution in her voice.
Christian’s shoulders relaxed a bit, and he offered a small, uneasy smile. “My foster mom, Ava. She knows Aussie, and I met him and his team at a college fair last month. I actually had his number, but my phone got broken earlier today at school. And it’s really important that I talk to him.”
The woman studied him for a moment before nodding. “Alright,” she said, her voice softer. “Follow me.”
She led him to a small two-seater table near the bar and gestured for him to sit. Her kindness helped settle some of his nerves as she smiled and offered, “Can I get you a soda or maybe something to eat?”
Christian’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I, uh, I don’t really have any money on me.”
She waved it off with an easy smile. “A friend of Aussie’s is a friend of mine. Don’t worry about it.”
Surprised, he couldn’t help but ask, “So, Aussie’s really your friend?”
Her smile widened. “Yes, he is.” There was a flicker of something cautious in her gaze, but she continued with the same kindness. Handing him a menu, she added, “Take a look, and I’ll go see if I can get in touch with him. Oh, and I’m Arianna, by the way.”
Christian glanced down at the menu but wasn’t sure he could actually eat. His stomach felt tight with worry. Still, he nodded as she left, returning a moment later with a glass of Coke.
She set it down in front of him, giving him an encouraging smile. “I couldn’t get a hold of Aussie directly, but I was able to reach someone who can.”
He looked up, relieved. “Should I wait here? Or should I go?”
“Stay put,” she said with a reassuring smile. “What would you like to eat?”
Even though hunger was the last thing on his mind, he could use some food in his stomach. “Um, maybe just a munchie basket? The one with fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and chicken tenders?”
“Coming right up,” she said, her friendly smile easing some of his worry.
Christian watched her walk away and then took a sip of the Coke, the cold fizz numbing some of the tension in his throat. He waited, tapping his fingers on the edge of the table.
A few minutes later, Arianna returned with his food, setting the basket in front of him with a gentle smile. She gave him a small nod and then moved back to the bar, keeping herself occupied while he picked at the food. It was the first thing he’d eaten since breakfast.
A little while later, the front door opened, and a man stepped in. He was dressed in a Navy working uniform. Christian’s breath caught as he watched the man scan the room, his gaze finally landing on Arianna. She shot him a knowing smile and pointed toward Christian’s table.
The man walked over, his face calm but focused. Christian felt a surge of both relief and nervousness as the man stopped at his table, offering a firm but kind smile.
“You must be Christian,” he said, his voice low and steady. “I’m Commander Derek Connors. I heard you were looking for Aussie.”
Christian nodded, his heart pounding. Here was his chance. This was someone who could help him, someone who might be able to protect Ava, too. And as he looked into Commander Connors’ steady gaze, he felt, for the first time since his encounter with Barrett and Chase, that maybe he wasn’t alone in this after all.
???
Derek parked his truck outside Bayside, turning off the engine as he mulled over Arianna’s unexpected call. It wasn’t often she reached out, and even less often to discuss anything urgent. But her voice had held a tone of quiet concern, and he hadn’t missed her hesitation as she explained that a young boy named Christian had come in looking for Aussie. The skittish part had thrown him a bit, though he supposed it wasn’t surprising given the rumors about what that kid had gone through.
