Page 7 of Welcome Home, Cowboy
“Where’s Sabrina?” he asked as he worked. His four-year-old niece occupied a huge part of his heart. She was another distraction from his daily stressors.
“Napping for once.” Beth held up the baby monitor.
“You sure that thing will pick up from way out here?” he asked, glancing back again.
“My ever protective brother.” Beth laughed. “You’re supposed to be at work today. But you’re here. So I’m guessing this has to do with—”
“What part of ‘I don’t want to talk about it’ don’t you understand?” Lawson set his shovel against the wall and blew out a breath. “I’m sorry. Just a rough morning.” He met his sister’s worried gaze. “Nothing to concern you with. I’ll be fine.”
“Of course you will.” She nodded.
“Thought you had a babysitter lined up for Sabrina this week,” he said, changing the subject.
“I did.” Shrugging her shoulders, Beth shook her head. “And I don’t want to talk about that.”
Lawson frowned. His niece was an angel in his opinion, but in the presence of others she had a less than angelic side. “The horse show’s in a couple weeks. You and the horses need to train.”
“What part of ‘I don’t want to talk about it’ don’t you understand?” Beth said, tossing his own words back at him with a smile. She stood. “Since neither of us are in the mood to talk, I’m going to go check on the child in question, just to soothe your mind that this monitor is working. Then I’m going to make lunch. Can you stay?” she asked, starting for the barn door.
“Sure. I’ll be in in a bit.” After he’d sufficiently cleaned both stalls and worked off his frustration.
His cellphone rang as he reached for a new bale of hay. Pulling it to his ear, he answered.
“Captain Phillips?”
Straightening, the stress that Lawson had just worked off came back in full force. “Yes, sir?”
“This is Commander Oakes. How are you?”
Lawson hesitated. Commanding officers didn’t usually call when you were sick. He’d no doubt heard about what happened at the Air Station yesterday. Lawson had had every intention of going back this morning, but then he’d woken in a cold sweat. “I’m well, sir. Just a little under the weather.” Which wasn’t exactly a lie.
“I see. Captain, you have an appointment at zero nine hundred tomorrow at the Naval Hospital. Dr. Pierce will be expecting you.”
“An appointment, sir?” Lawson rubbed his hand over the senior mare’s snout. “I’m sure I’ll be feeling better by that time.” Commanding officers didn’t usually make doctor appointments for their guys, either.
“It’s with Naval Mental Health. Dr. Pierce is a psychologist there.”
Lawson froze. “Sir, with all due respect, I really don’t think that’s necessary. Like I said, I’m just under the weather and—”
“Zero nine hundred, Captain Phillips. I strongly suggest you be there on time.” A dial tone replaced the commander’s voice.
Fuck.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
He kicked the bale of hay next to him and stormed out of the barn. He’d text Beth and tell her lunch wasn’t happening. In his state, she’d just ask more questions. And Sabrina definitely didn’t need to witness his current mood.
Talking was not his forte, which is exactly why seeing a psychologist was the very last thing he needed. What he needed was something,or someone,to take his mind off his stressors.
Chapter 3
The next morning Julie entered the Seaside Café, collected a cup of coffee and a bagel, and sat in the back corner. She had a newspaper laid out in front of her and opened to theHELP WANTEDsection.
She doubted there’d be anything new from yesterday, but she could hope. Or people watch. She looked up, scanning the customers seated around her. It was early morning, so most of them were likely headed to a job after leaving here. Lucky ducks. Since arriving home in the fall, Julie had only managed to get seasonal and odd jobs. She bit into a sesame seed bagel and discreetly turned her focus to the young couple to her far left.
The woman was pretty with dark hair and milky white skin. She was tall, slender. Her boyfriend was taller and built like an ox. A frown was firmly set on his jaw as he leaned forward and talked to the woman.
Julie tried not to stare. She sipped her coffee and continued to peruse the ads.
