Page 2 of SEAL's Sky
“Of course. You’re an asshole, but we still love you, bro,” Rafe answered for all of them.
“Glad to hear it,” he said with his perpetual smirk. Happy he hadn’t pushed them too far. As they crossed the airstrip, he inhaled the distinct scent of the ocean overlaying the stench of jet fuel and hot tarmac. It was just what he needed to shake off the darkness that hung over his head since they’d left on the mission.
* * *
Post briefing and fresh from the shower, Murph was the first to arrive at the bar. He and Ryan used to compete about getting first, but since Chrissy came on the scene, the old game was no longer a priority.
The bet he’d made last year was a sure thing for him. No way would he be serving drinks to the Team in a pink tutu. So why was he being such a jackass? On some level, maybe he did wish for what they had. But finding women who were as special as Miranda, Meghan, and Chrissy wasn’t easy. Most of the females he met were after one thing—nailing a SEAL.
Pam smiled when he came in.
“Hey Pam, how are things?”
“Great. Everyone get back okay?”
They’d been hanging out at the Ready Room since they’d been stationed in Norfolk and Pam had always been there and knew all of the teams.
“Yup. They’ll be here any minute now.”
“The usual?”
Murph couldn’t help but smile. He was always impressed by how she could keep track of what each team ordered. “Please.”
Grabbing their table at the back of the bar, he pulled over the extra chairs they’d need. From his seat, he could see the front door and the doorway that led to the kitchen, restrooms, and rear exit. Murph surveilled the space and wondered what bug had crawled up his ass. Settling down was never his thing, he’d known that for as long as he’d been dating. Growing up with his parents’ constant arguing had soured him on relationships. Seeing Rafe settle down with Meghan, and then Cam and Ryan finding love, made him dig in his heels.
As he waited for Pam to bring the beer, he watched her working behind the bar. She’d seemed fine when he came in, but now that she was on the phone she looked upset or worried, he couldn’t tell from the table. It piqued Murphy’s interest even though he knew it was none of his business. But being nosy was part of his DNA and he’d known her for almost ten years but didn’tactuallyknow anything about her.
Unable to restrain himself, he walked up to the jukebox and looked for a song. From there he could hear some of what she was saying, enough to know she was worried about someone. Upset enough that the color drained from her face. Not knowing what to do, he selected a song.
“Sorry about the wait.”
“No worries. It gave me time to put on some music,” he answered with a smile, hoping to make her smile in return. “Are you okay?”
“Of course. I’ll be right back with some pretzels. Do you want me to get anything else?” The wobble in her voice belied her words.
Murph debated about asking her what was wrong but didn’t think she’d appreciate him prying. So he resorted to his usual snark. “Not sure, we’ll have to wait until everyone gets here. I’m sure they’ll have worked up their appetites after riding the bony express.”
“Oh my God, Murph.” Pam burst out laughing. “Do you ever run out of those?”
“I haven’t yet,” Murph replied with a big smile. He was happy he’d been able to distract her for at least a moment or two.
“I hope I’m still here when you do.”
“I dunno if you really want to do that. I have a very long list.”
“Why am I not surprised? I bet you look for every chance to use them too,” Pam said, shaking her head.
“I can neither confirm nor deny that statement.”
This time Pam’s smile reached her eyes and she looked more like herself. “You’re a good man, Murph. I wish…”
He wasn’t sure if she’d have finished what she was going to say or not, but they were interrupted when the rest of the Black Eagle Team filed through the front door. As usual, Halo accompanied Cam and Miranda. It was another thing they appreciated about the Ready Room, no one objected to the K-9s hanging out with the teams.
“Hey Pam, how’s it going?” The guys asked as they saw her.
“Great, thanks. I’ll be right back to check on you and bring Halo’s water.”
“Thanks,” Cam answered as he and Miranda sat down. Halo took his usual position between their chairs.
