Page 23 of Protecting Clove
“I can run to the grocery store for you.”
“There’s no need.”
Her lips pressed together. “I guess you will be at my place in the morning. I have eggs and other stuff for breakfast.”
He didn’t want to argue with her about that, so he nodded, knowing he would need to buy her some food because he ate much more than she did.
“Text me when you’re headed over. I’ll be at the door waiting.”
“Sure.”
He stepped into his place, taking stock of the area. No dust had gathered on the surfaces, and the place smelled like cleaner had been used recently. She’d cleaned his house for him. He needed to make her understand she didn’t need to do that, but he appreciated the effort. Usually, he spent a few hours cleaningafter coming back from a mission. He was glad he didn’t have to dust or clean the toilet.
After putting away his things and making sure he didn’t need to do laundry, he gathered his toothbrush, a few clothes, and some reading material before texting Clove that he was heading to her place.
She opened the door as he approached and let him in. He didn’t want to act weird, so he set his bag down in the corner and joined Neo at the kitchen table. She was on her mother’s tablet, looking at information on war injuries that required prosthetic limbs. It was a little gruesome, but Clove could see what Neo was looking up and didn’t tell her not to look at the information.
“Do you know anyone other than Thario who was injured?”
Bud nodded. “I’ve been in the Navy for a while, so yes. I know guys who were injured.”
“Do all of them have dogs like Frog?”
He shook his head. “No, Frog is special.”
“Why is the dog named Frog? He’s a dog, not a frog.”
“I think it’s because the dog was supposed to be a military dog.”
Neo’s face scrunched up. “How does that make sense?”
“Sometimes military guys like myself and other special forces guys are called frogmen.”
“Oh, so Frog would be a part of the group.”
“Yes. Frog is a great name for a military dog.”
“Well, I think Frog is happier being with Thario.”
“I’m sure he is.”
“Hey, bug, go get ready for your shower. I’ll come up in just a few.”
“Awe, Mom. Do I have to?”
“Yes, love. You didn’t shower last night or the night before. You need to get clean. Go up and get ready, please. Then we can read a few stories before bed.”
Neo huffed but headed up, dragging her heels the whole way. He fought that urge to laugh out loud. Neo was smart, but she was still a kid who didn’t want to do what she was told. He understood her desire to sit down here with him. He was the novelty, and if he was her, he would do everything he could to stay downstairs with the adults.
“I need to get her ready for bed. It will take about an hour, maybe more time because you’re here, but please make yourself at home. I’ve thrown some spaghetti bake into the oven, and it will be done when the timer rings. If I’m not down here when it rings, would you turn off the oven?”
“Sure. I’ll turn it off. Do you need anything else?”
She flashed a smile. “Oh, I just remembered that you had a baguette that I cut up and put butter and garlic on and wrapped in foil. If you could pull it from the freezer and pop it in the oven for the last ten minutes of the spaghetti bake, that would be great. It looks like there are thirty minutes left on the oven right now.”
“Got it. That sounds great. I’ll set a reminder to get it into the oven.”
“Thank you.”
