Page 50 of SEAL's Patience
“I can see you’re worried. That’s the last thing I want. But I need to talk to you about Quinn.”
“Is he all right? Did he get injured? Or…”
“No, it’s nothing like that. Let me just say, I think he’s being an ass.” Doc ran his hand through his hair, just like Quinn. God, how she missed him, but he was right even though she was shocked Doc would say so.
Patience’s jaw dropped. “You do?”
“Yeah, and I’m not the only one. The entire team feels the same. But I’m sure you know how stubborn he is.”
Patience nodded. Stubborn, pigheaded, cantankerous, she could make an entire list of things he was.
“He’s convinced that he’s not good enough for you.”
“What? Are you kidding me? How did he come up with that idea?”
“Well, it’s not my story to tell, but let’s just say he believes you deserve better. Someone closer to your age, who’s less, umm, let’s say battle worn.”
“That’s ridiculous. We’re not even that far apart in age. Ten years I think, if that. But why are you telling me this?”
“Because he cares about you.”
“He has a funny way of showing it,” Patience grumbled.
“That’s also true. I don’t think you should give up on him. He was miserable while we were gone. Not that he said why, but the only time he smiled was when Theo would text him with updates.”
“Really?” That small piece of hope she’d buried when he left flared to life like a burning flame in her heart. Could she make him see reason? Damn. She was leaving in two days. That didn’t leave her much time. “I’m leaving in a couple of days. I’ll be gone until late August. I don’t know what I can do.”
“I’m not sure you can do anything. But if you want to try, this is his address. He’s going to kill me when he finds out I gave it to you, but I’ll take that risk.” Doc handed her a cocktail napkin with an address.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Never more sure in my life. But you’re the one who needs to be sure. If you don’t care about him in that way, then leave him alone. He’s got enough issues. He doesn’t need you to break his heart, too.”
Patience shook her head. “I don’t know. Showing up at his house when he’s been avoiding me… It just seems wrong. I love him. More than I ever thought possible. But I don’t want to make things worse. I appreciate you giving me this and talking to me. Thank you.” She hugged Doc and then hurried out of the room. The last thing she wanted was for him to see the tears she couldn’t hold back.
Rushing into the Ladies Room, she locked herself in a stall and let herself have a few minutes to cry. All of this was so hard. Why couldn’t he see that just being around him made her happy? He saw her. Actually saw her. He treated her better than anyone ever had in her life. Well, until he realized he was being soft and turned into a bull-headed SEAL again.
Using toilet paper to wipe her eyes. She took a deep breath. No decision had to be made right then. There was a little time before she left, or she could text him. She’d held off because of the way he’d left it, but after what Doc said, maybe she needed to make the first move.
There was a knock on the door, and Livie called out, “Patience, are you okay? Pam said you’re crying.”
Ugh. So much for keeping her emotions in check at work. “Yeah, I’m fine or I will be. We can talk about it later. I just needed a couple of minutes to get a grip.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’ll be right out. Please tell Pam not to worry.”
“Will do. Love you, Patty.”
“Love you too, Livie. Thank you for always having my back.”
“Same as you have mine, girl. Never forget it.”
After the door clicked closed, Patience came out of the stall and stood at the sink. Her eyes were red rimmed from crying, and her skin was blotchy. Just freaking great. At least she hadn’t put on any makeup, so she didn’t have raccoon eyes. Splashing some water on her face, she sighed. “You’ve got this girl,” she said to her reflection. With a nod, she headed back to work.
CHAPTER 27
PATIENCE
