Page 36 of SEAL's Patience
He caught her nod and hoped that was the end of the questions. Finally, the parking lot was just ahead, and he hit the blinker to turn off for the Ready Room. The trip was faster since the roads were clear. Sunday afternoon lack of traffic helped, too.
Quinn pulled up in front of the bar and put the truck in park to help Patience.
“Don’t worry, big guy, I got this.” She unlocked her seatbelt and opened the door like she needed to escape. “I’ll see you inside. Should I get anything ready for you?”
“I see Doc’s truck. He might have ordered already since he knew what time I was bringing you in. I’ll let you know if we need anything.”
“Thank you, Quinn. I appreciate the ride and the scintillating conversation.” Before he could stop her or respond, she winked and jumped onto the cleared sidewalk. He half expected her to take a header, but she just pushed the door shut, waved, and disappeared inside the Ready Room.
Dammit. That girl had somehow gotten under his skin. He wasn’t sure how, but he had to put a stop to it for her own good. She’d end up hurt if he didn’t.
With a sigh, he found the closest parking spot and headed inside to find Doc. Patience was right about one thing. He needed to talk to someone. Fergus might come across as the life of the party. He fooled most people with his humorous antics. But Quinn knew better than anyone, since he was the king of buried feelings, that Doc was hiding something behind all the joking.
After waving hi to Pam, who was in her usual spot behind the polished bar, he made his way to the pool area. He needed a beer, to have a heart-to-heart with Doc, and to avoid Patience if possible.
Spotting Doc at the pool table in the back, he made his way over. His stomach churned as he worried about the reaction to what he was about to share. If anyone knew him, it was his team, and if they couldn’t accept his past, then he knew better than to try with Patience.
CHAPTER 20
PATIENCE
Pam looked up from behind the bar as Patience pulled open the heavy door.
“Sorry, I came in this way. Quinn gave me a ride and dropped me off out front.”
“No big deal. Use whichever door you want. The back entrance is just easier access to the break room and lockers. I’m just happy you’re here today. But how come you didn’t drive?”
“When I left yesterday, my car wouldn’t start. I didn’t look, but it’s probably buried in snow in the parking lot.”
“Wow. There were a few cars out there when I checked this morning. Yours is definitely not the only one. Do you need a mechanic?”
“Thank you, but Quinn said he had a friend. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s nothing major. It just needs to keep running for a few more months.”
“I totally get that. Sky has been going through the same thing with her car. Murphy keeps telling her to just buy a new one.”
“That’s my plan, but I wanted to wait until I got back from my summer with my parents.”
Pam nodded. “That makes sense. I’m going to miss you around here.”
“I’ll miss you too. This place is like a family. Hopefully, I’ll get a local residency so I can still visit.”
“That would be wonderful. I’m so proud of you and Livie for following your dreams.”
Patience felt her cheeks grow warm. “Aww, thank you! I should probably put my stuff away and get to work. Has it been quiet so far?” Patience had expected more people, but there were only a few, far less than the usual Sunday crowd.
“Very quiet. We’ll probably close early. No sense in staying open for a few stragglers. They’ll get over it.” Pam winked.
“Yeah, they will. Be right back to take care of those stragglers.” Patience grinned and then pushed through the swinging doors that led to the back of the restaurant and employee only area.
Charity was hanging her winter coat in her locker when Patience walked through the door into the break room. She hadn’t noticed her yet, and Patience saw how exhausted the recently divorced mom appeared. More than usual. Patience wished they were closer, so she’d feel comfortable sharing with her. She and Livie figured Charity could use some help, at least with free babysitting for her two little ones.
“Hey, Charity.” The poor woman jumped, then whipped around with her palms up before she realized it was Patience.
Realizing she’d triggered Charity, Patience stayed still, giving her a moment for her fear to recede. It was obvious Charity had been terrified for those brief moments before she realized who’d surprised her.
Her cheeks were bright pink, and she looked away, trying to cover herfaux pas, before answering. “Oh, hi, Patience. Some storm last night, right?”
“It was horrible. I can’t remember one being this bad around here. On top of it, my car wouldn’t start, so I had to get a ride home and to get to work today.”
