Page 19 of Grunt: A Marine Romance

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ONCE THEY FINALLY hit theroad, Bret couldn’t relax. He hated uncertainty. In the Marine Corps, his life was regulated. He knew what time he had to wake up every morning, what time he was supposed to work out, when each meal would be, and exactly what was planned for work. As he drove up the I-5 freeway, his eyes dulled by the endless views of dirt and cow pastures, Bret had no idea how this day, or any after it, would unfold. And he hated it.

Selena looked out the window. Surprisingly, she had been mostly silent for the past three hours of the trip.

“So, Sel, what normally happens on the first day? We just have to meet them today, right? No dancing?”

Selena turned to him, smiling. “Yeah, pretty much. The cameramen are there when you meet your stars. But sometimes it takes a few shots before they get it right, so you have to keep looking surprised every time they open the door. It isn’t too bad.”

Might not be too bad for Selena—she had always been good at hiding her feelings. Bret was no actor, though, and wasn’t looking forward to faking it for the cameras. “Well, I hope they get my shot on the first try.”

“You’ll be fine. I wonder who our celebrities are? Any ideas?”

Bret couldn’t care less who his partner was. He just wanted to get through this season without embarrassing himself, his friend’s family, and the Corps. “Hell if I know, Sel. I don’t follow all that celebrity stuff. Probably just some washed-up stars like the usual losers that go on this show.”

Selena scowled at him. “I’m excited. Only cool reclusive celebrities live in Marin. I’m sure they’re awesome.”

“I’m sure they are just as spoiled as the Los Angeles celebrities. I’ve met some overseas through the USO. Some turned into jerks the second the cameras weren’t on them.”

“That’s too bad. But by living up here, they are probably more down to earth. Don’t you think?”

Bret decided to stop talking. He had almost forgotten that there was a camera in the back of this truck recording their every word. In five weeks, nineteen million people would be watching he and Selena bicker in his truck.

THREE HOURS LATER, Bret and Selena finally arrived in Marin. It was two in the afternoon, and they had to meet their celebrities at five. Bret exited on Tiburon Blvd, and headed to the Tiburon Lodge where they were set to meet their hair and makeup staff.

Driving down the winding road, Bret took in the beauty of the San Francisco Bay. He loved it here—the green grass and walking trails of Blackie’s pasture, the view of the towering Golden Gate Bridge. At least he would be spending a few months in this paradise, and since he had used all his vacation time coming on this show, he figured he’d better enjoy it. Ray was right—this definitely beat dodging landmines in Iraq.

They pulled up to the hotel and Bret parked in the lot. He didn’t want a valet to touch his truck.

“Sel, we have two hours before we have to meet production. I’m gonna take Banjo on a walk through Blackie’s Pasture before I have to drop him at my dad’s houseboat.” He looked up, and her eyes seemed hopeful. Bret really wanted to be alone, but he didn’t want to strand Selena. “Do you want to come with us or stay here?”

Her face brightened. “I’d love to take a walk. I’ll just change into my running shoes.”

She walked around to the bed of the truck, and Bret pulled her luggage down. He grabbed a tennis ball, some treats, and doggie bags.

She rummaged through her bag, found her shoes, and tossed her flip-flops back in. Bret placed her bag in the backseat of the truck. “Let’s go.”

They crossed the street and walked toward the path. Bret loved the salty smell of the bay. He really needed this break from the Marine Corps, even if he was still working.

“It’s so nice,” Selena said. “In Los Angeles, there’s so much smog and it’s never clear. I miss it here. Do you ever want to move back?”

“It’s beautiful but I will never be able to afford it. And it’s too liberal for my taste. Anyway, there are more jobs for former military down in San Diego. You?”

Selena sighed. “I’d love to, but Dima and I own a studio in L.A. But I think Marin would be a great place to settle down and raise kids.”

They came across the off-leash dog park. Bret released Banjo, who scampered with a Goldendoodle and a Sheltie.

“When’s that going to happen? Settling down, I mean. Are you dating anyone?”

She turned away from him and looked across the bay. “No. I have no time, with the show and competing.” Her voice dropped. “And I don’t ever meet anyone who understands my lifestyle.”

Bret knew it wasn’t his place to say anything but he couldn’t resist. “It’s your life. Do whatever makes you happy. But a title from Blackpool isn’t going to keep you warm at night or take care of you when you’re sick.”

Selena was still turned away from him, and he couldn’t see her face. He knew he had upset her. She’d been back in his life for three days and that picture-perfect world of hers started to look chipped and cracked the closer he got to it.

“I need to get back to the hotel to get ready,” she said, her voice cracking. “I’ll just start walking back. You and Banjo enjoy the view.”

“You sure? I can walk you back.” Bret knew he struck a cord with her.