Page 20 of Meant To Be

“Come on back and we’ll get the paperwork out of the way and then I’ll start on your training. Hopefully in a couple of weeks, you’ll have your own booth,” she responds as we make our way back into her office.

I spend the rest of the day working alongside Melinda. She’s a hoot and keeps up the camaraderie, and I almost, almost, forget that when I leave here and head home that Liam won’t be home.

When it’s the end of the day we say our goodbyes and I head for home. I’m dreading going home to an empty house, but I know I’ll keep myself as busy as possible until Liam returns. Maybe I’ll find the rest of the furniture for the house and get it all set up, so the house is completely finished, and it’ll be another thing off his to do list. Liam tried so hard to have absolutely everything done before he left, but furniture shopping wasn’t something that we could get done in one day.

I arrive home, instantly making sure everything is locked up behind me, and head for the master bedroom. I strip out of my clothes and go to Liam’s drawers and pull out of one his shirts. I pull it over my head, allowing his scent to mellow me out and climb into bed. I’m too tired, emotionally and physically, to even worry about dinner tonight. I fall asleep already wishing to be back in his arms.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Liam

It’s been a full week since I’ve been gone from Everly. We came over to this sandbox and hit the ground running. I’ve barely had enough time to shower, eat, and sleep before we’re back up and working again.

I’m thankful as fuck this is my last go around. Not being around Everly is one thing, but not being able to pick up the phone to hear her voice, it’s eating me up inside. I know one fucking thing, as soon as my shift is over, I don’t care if I have to go without a shower, I’m calling Everly.

“Yo, Liam. Judd wants to see you in his office,” Pete tells me as we head towards the mess hall. I veer off and head for Judd. Another fucking thing to stand in the way of me talking to my woman.

I knock on the make shift office door before I hear, “It’s open.”

“You wanted to see me Judd?” I ask him.

“Yeah, pack your shit. You’re headed home,” he grunts out.

“Not that I’m not happy as hell to get out of this sandbox, but why so soon?”

“Call came from up above, since this was your last contract and you weren’t re-upping they decided to let you go early, with pay. I wouldn’t fuck around if I were you. I’d pack my shit and head to the helicopter pad,” Judd says with a smirk.

“Fuck yeah, pleasure working for you and all that shit. If you are ever stateside and in Tennessee, let me know, we’ll go out for a beer,” I tell him as I walk out of his office door.

I have the biggest shit eating grin on my face as I get back to my sleeping quarters and immediately start packing. I don’t care that I’m filthy and could use a shower and a change of clothes. I’m getting the hell out of here and going home. Where I belong.

Pete walks in as I’m about to walk out with my bag tossed over my shoulder.

“What the hell, dude? You’re leaving?” he asks sarcastically.

“As if you couldn’t tell. Got the orders to head home, so I’m gone. Be careful out there, and I’ll see you when you’re stateside,” I say over my shoulder as I walk out.

“Yeah, yeah fucker,” he grumbles.

I get to the helicopter pad and sit down and wait. I pull out my phone and press Everly’s name and put my phone up to my ear.

“Hello,” she answers groggily.

“Baby,” I croon into the phone.

“Is that you Liam? I can’t hear you too well,” she says into the line.

“Yeah, Everly. It’s me. Wanted to call and tell you I’m on my way home, Baby,” I almost have to yell it into the phone as the helicopter blades are starting to whir.

“What? Oh my gosh! You are? I can’t wait to have you back home, Liam,” I can hear the excitement in her voice.

“I’ll be home soon. I have to go, we’re about to board. Love you, Baby,” I tell her.

“I love you too, Liam. So damn much,” she says and we disconnect. I have a flight to make and a woman to get home too.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Everly

I’m up before my alarm clock goes off to start getting ready for work. I thought Liam would be gone longer. This week I haven’t really done much around the house except keep it clean. Well, besides the boxes that are overtaking the living room. Apparently when you get home from work and you’re lonely, you shop online. I think I have the rest of the house outfitted in the furniture and décor department now. I was just waiting for the weekend to get here to unpack everything and get it set up, but it looks like he’ll be home sooner than later, and he can help me unpack things this weekend.

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