Page 7 of A Soldier's Temptation
“Okay, you’ve stalled long enough. What’s the deal with the plant? You called it what? Miss Jade? He named his plant? And since he’s away all the time, why get a plant anyway?”
“No, not exactly. I named her. And don’t give me that look, you know I always name everything. I figured if I was going to watch her she should have a name.”
“But it’s a plant. And that still doesn’t explain why someone who knows he’s going to be away more than at home would get a plant. I think he did it to meet you.”
“Oh my God, you’re such a brat. Do you hear yourself? He didn’t get the plant to meet me. And it’s not a big deal I talk to them. It helps them thrive. Don’t you talk to yours?”
“No. And why didn’t I know you do? You were never like this until you moved in with ‘he who must not be named.’ I blame him.”
Ari shrugged. She was right, she’d changed after the mess with Paul. She still had nightmares over what went down with the FBI. But at least they knew she wasn’t guilty of anything. After he was arrested, she’d moved into this apartment to get a new start. It was a nice place, but it was the first time she’d lived alone. Even after ten months, she still hadn’t gotten used to it, which is why she got Mr. Darcy. “Does it matter?”
“Are you losing your mind?”
“No, I’m as sane as you are.”
“Maybe.” But she softened her words with a grin. They’d been friends forever, and Ari knew Shira was right. Over the last year, she’d become a hermit, staying home and avoiding everyone. It’s no wonder she was worried about her.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s been weird. But after all the crap with you know who, I figured I’d give myself a chance to get over it. Lick my wounds. You know?”
“Girl, I do know. The rat bastard put you through hell. But you need to remember you’re not alone. I love you and worry about you. I want my old Ari back. You’ve changed so much. We used to share everything. Now I don’t even know that you talk to plants and have a super-hottie living down the hall. I guess I should be happy you told me you were adopting the four-legged gasbag before you did.”
“Yes, you should.” Shira was right, Ari hadn’t been as open with her. She was lucky she hadn’t given up on her. But until she was sure anyone around her wasn’t at risk, she had to keep them at a distance. Even though doing it made her feel sad and isolated. The only people she saw were at work, and even they kept their distance.
“You need to get out more. Being cooped up isn’t good for you.”
“I’m notcooped up. I still go to work.”
“That doesn’t count. I miss you. Having coffee once a month isn’t enough.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Then do something about it. You used to love dancing. I’m sure if you come out with us you’ll have a great time. Unless you’re secretly dating Mr. Hot Stuff?”
Ari rolled her eyes. Shira wasn’t going to let up on John no matter how much she wanted her to drop it. “I don’t like to leave Mr. Darcy. He’s alone all day while I’m at work.”
“You’ve only had the dog for about a month. What’s your excuse for the eight months before that?”
“You already know the reason. I don’t feel safe.”
“But you have those guys protecting you.”
“And if something happens then whoever I’m around is in danger too. It’s just easier to stay at home. Besides, think about all the questions I’d have to answer about why they’re following me. No thank you.”
The newspapers had covered her arrest and then Paul’s. She’d gone from an anonymous person who was living her best life, to front-page news and it had been horrible. She’d had to change her phone number and try to disguise herself when she went out to get groceries.
The first few months afterward were the worst and she wasn’t even allowed back to work. It took three months for her to get cleared to return to work. Even then her top secret projects were reassigned. It took another six months before she finally got her clearance back, but she still felt the stares at meetings.
“Come out with us tomorrow night. There’s a new band playing at the club.”
“Which club?
Shira rolled her eyes. “You know which one.”
“I told you I don’t want to hang around and be SEAL-bait.”
“Why don’t you bring John? No one would dream of hitting on you with that hunk hanging around.”
“And subject him to all of you? Are you crazy? He’d never talk to me again. Besides, we’re just friends actually more like acquaintances.”
