Page 35 of Grunt: A Marine Romance

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BRET AND SELENAarrived back in Los Angeles three days before the first show. There was so much to do—Selena had begun the process of separating her businesses from Dima, as Bret was preparing for his time in the spotlight.

The truck pulled in front of Selena’s house. Bret scanned the driveway—no Lamborghini in sight. Dima must’ve been hiding out somewhere.

“You sure you want to go in by yourself? I can stay with you, just in case Dima comes back. I don’t have to head to the base until later tonight.”

Selena gave him a warm kiss. “No, babe. It’s okay. I doubt Dima will show up. He’s probably auditioning his next partner. I’ll be fine. Do what you have to do and I’ll see you tomorrow at the group pro hip-hop practice.”

Bret rolled his eyes. Ballroom was one thing. He didn’t have a clue about how to hip-hop. He wasn’t looking forward to humiliating himself any more than he had to on his first night of the show.

“Okay. But call me if Dima shows up. Or if you need anything. I’ll only be two hours away so I can come back if you need me to.”

Banjo licked Selena’s face and for once, she didn’t immediately wipe off his slobber. “I’ll miss you, too, Banjo. Call me when you get in, Bret. Love you.”

Bret headed down the hills. He hadn’t been away from Selena since they had been back together. He needed some time to process everything that had happened.

He pulled to the side of the road and made a call.

Ray picked up on the first ring. “Hey stranger. I thought you went UA. How’ve you been?”

“Good. You know there’s nothing unauthorized about this absence. Though I have considered taking off to Canada—to escape this show, not the Corps. But I’m back in southern California. Need to head down to base to pick up some things. What are you doing tonight? Can I buy you a beer?”

A baby cried in the background. “Man, Nia went to her sister’s house. I’m watching the kids. Tell you what, bring over some beer and pizza and we’ll catch the UFC match.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be over in about two hours.”

It sounded like the perfect night to Bret: his best friend, his dog, watching guys beat each other up, beer, pizza, and no cameras anywhere.

“UNCLE BRET, UNCLE Bret.” Ray’s three boys were waiting in the driveway when Bret parked.

“Is this your truck?” Jackson, Ray’s twelve-year-old, seemed hypnotized by the headlights.

“No, buddy. It’s just on loan. I have to give it back soon.”

Jackson’s shoulders slumped. “Man, that sucks.”

Bret doled out gifts to the boys. He’d bought them bars of Ghirardelli chocolates and toy cable cars.

Ray appeared at the doorway, holding his baby daughter. “Nice truck. Did congress give us a raise I don’t know about? I thought you were giving all the money on the show to Pierce’s family? Keep spending like that and you won’t have anything left.”

Bret grabbed the pizzas, beer, and sodas. “Haven’t touched the money. Ford gave me this truck for a promotion. I tried to refuse it but I’m stuck with it. I’ll sell it after the show.”

A crinkle crossed Ray’s face. “Seriously? They gave you this truck and you want to return it? Are you nuts? Give it to me. Man, you should get something for making a jerk out of yourself. I can’t wait to see you on television next week. I know you gonna get me some free tickets.”

“I get two free tickets to every show. You want to come?” Bret hadn’t planned on inviting Ray, mostly out of pure embarrassment.

“Hell yeah. We will be there. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. How about in three weeks—I have duty next week and that will give us time to find a babysitter.”

“Sure. I’ll put you on the list.”

Bret led Banjo to the backyard and let him run around. For base housing, this place was pretty nice. Four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, two-car garage, laundry room and a small yard. But no matter how hard Bret tried, he just couldn’t picture Selena ever living on base with him.

The boys each took a slice of pizza and a soda, and went out back to play fetch with Banjo. Ray placed the baby in her swing and settled into the sofa. Bret took a slice of pizza and sat in a chair, waiting for the UFC match to begin.

Ray eyed Bret. “So, how’s it been?”

Bret was relieved to have someone to talk to. “Not too bad. Do you know who Robyn Quintana is? She’s my partner.”