Page 49 of SEAL's Patience
Since Livie and Theo were together, that took some of the guilt Patience felt about leaving her behind. Every other year, Livie had gone home to Georgia, but since she’d stopped talking to her family, she was staying home. With Theo in her life, she’d never be alone between work and him. Their lives had changed so much this year. They’d both graduated from medical school at the top of their class and now were about to take the first step toward the rest of their lives. Livie had found love, too.
Patience hoped to see Quinn before she left, but she’d given up on that since they hadn’t returned yet. She knew he was okayfrom what Livie passed on from Theo, but she’d wanted to see it for herself.
When she saw the Red Falcon team at their usual table near the back of the barroom, her heart rate skyrocketed. Hurrying to the back to stow her backpack, she grabbed her apron and rushed out.
Waving at Tony as she raced by, she stopped as she pushed through the doors into the bar area so she wouldn’t crash into Livie. The look on her roommate’s face said everything. Her heart squeezed tight in her chest, making it difficult to breathe. Patience would bet that Livie could read all her thoughts. Disappointment, longing, and finally anger. Of course, he wasn’t there. For a SEAL, he sure was a chicken.
Livie grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Patience, the team’s here, but not Quinn. I asked Josh, and he said he couldn’t make it tonight.”
Taking a deep breath, she centered herself and squeezed Livie’s hand. It was okay. She’d be okay. Everything was okay. She’d known this was a possibility. In fact, if the entire team hadn’t gone, she’d have thought he’d asked for the long deployment to avoid her. Stubborn man.
Fine.If Quinn didn’t want to see her, that wasa himproblem, nota herproblem. Patience had a job to do, probably for the last time. She’d be darned sure to leave everyone with a smile on their face, even if hers was fake.
“Are you okay, Patience?” Pam’s gaze went from Patience to the table with the team. “I heard they had a successful deployment. No injuries this time, either. If that’s what’s worrying you.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m glad they are back. And nope, I guess I’m just a little sad tonight is my last. I was hoping to say goodbye to everyone. We’re busy. I’d better get my butt in gear.”
Before Livie or Pam could say anything else, Patience stopped to check on all her assigned tables. She’d get through tonight. If it stayed this busy, it would be an easier task.
She’d avoided the Red Falcons as long as possible, when Doc caught her eye. Pulling out her order pad, she approached them with a huge smile on her face.
“Welcome back. I hear you had a successful trip.”
Josh gave her one of his award-winning smiles. “We sure did. If we’re lucky, we’ll get a few weeks off.”
“That would be great. Can I get you anything? Refill the pitchers? More food?” Patience slid her gaze around the table. The team and their women looked exhausted, but happy. It had to be just as hard on Harmony, Tempest, and Grace with them away.
“Yeah, another round of everything, please,” Ry said.
Grace laughed as she patted Lucky on his flat stomach. “Yeah, these guys could probably eat everything you have in the kitchen after living on MREs for the last few months.”
Lucky leaned over and kissed his fiancée and then smiled at Patience. “She’s totally right, too. When we’re in the middle of butt-fuck nowhere, we always talk about the food back home. By the time we get here, we’re ravenous for it and a few other things.” He wiggled his eyebrows and chuckled.
“Shit, Lucky, don’t embarrass her,” Grace smacked him on the arm.
“Aww, I’m sorry if I did, Patience.”
“No problem. I get it. I’ll be right back with your order.” As Patience turned to walk away, Doc grabbed her arm.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” he asked.
“Sure. Here or…”
“Let’s go somewhere more private. If that’s okay?” Doc asked.
“Umm, yeah. Let me put the order in with Pam. Then we can go back to the pool room. I think it’s empty.”
Doc nodded. “I’ll be right back. Don’t eat all those chicken wings before I do.”
Josh shrugged. “Then don’t be gone long. You know we can’t be trusted around food.”
“Don’t I know it,” he said.
Patience laughed and headed to turn in the order to Tony. When she came back out, Doc was waiting for her. “I’m stepping away, but I’ll be back to grab the pitchers in a couple of minutes.”
Pam nodded. “No problem, honey. They can wait a few if need be.”
Doc followed her into the empty Pool Room. Patience rubbed her damp hands on the side of her jeans. What could he possibly have to say to her for him to need privacy? Was there something wrong with Quinn? Was he hurt? Surely Theo would have told her, right? A million things ran through her mind as she waited for Doc to speak.
