Page 11 of A SEAL’s Vigilant Heart

Chapter Four

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“So what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong?” Mason was thoroughly sick of this line of questioning. Drake had been at it for ten minutes, and he could have stopped eight minutes ago as far as he was concerned.

“Would you back off already?” Clint bent to pick up one of the basketballs and place it on the rack at the side of the court. “Let the man be, he just got his stitches out and finally got to really exercise. Maybe he’s feeling his age.”

“No, that’s not it,” Drake said eyeing Mason thoughtfully. “He’s been off for a week now. He hasn’t acted all commander-ish.”

“Well, I am now Avery. Shut the fuck up. There is nothing wrong.” Mason winced. He didn’t sound authoritative, he sounded desperate.

“Ah-Ha. I knew it. Spill it.”

“Maybe I’m just upset Finn missed the last basket,” Mason said glancing over at his teammate. Finn shook his head.

“Don’t try and blame me. I’m with Drake. I wasn’t going to call you on it. But now you’re dragging my name through the mud...”

“Okay, it’s the girl’s bachelorette party,” Mason lied. “I’m worried. Lydia was supposed to be the one planning it since she’s the maid of honor, but Ashley has taken over, and she’s scary.”

Darius did a double take.

“Ashley? And Sophia is going for it?”

“I actually think Sophia is kind of excited. Even when she went to the community college, she was kind of sheltered because she had to go home most nights to take care of her mother.”

“Lord save us,” Drake said. They headed out of the gymnasium into the bright California sunshine. “Why isn’t she doing like you are and having a PG bachelorette party since Rebecca is one of the bridesmaids.”

“Because they’re having a bridal shower and that will include Rebecca. The bachelorette party is for the adults, and like I said, Ashley took over,” Mason groaned. The more he talked about it, the more he realized he was concerned. But not as concerned as he was about Sophia’s trouble sleeping. Still, this wasn’t something he felt comfortable talking about with the guys.

“I think I have an idea,” Drake said.

“God save us,” Darius groaned.

“Seriously, Drake, you don’t need to help,” Mason backpedaled. The last thing he needed was Drake Avery to insert himself.

“No seriously, it’s a good plan.”

“Okay, tell us,” Finn prodded.

“It’s still in its infancy. Let me do a little bit more planning.”

“Oh God, save us,” Finn groaned.

“Here, here,” Darius seconded. Mason clasped his head in his hands. This did not bode well.

***

Sophia, Beth, and Lydia were still slightly stunned as they sat in Ashley’s bedroom. She had moved out of the home she had shared with Sophia’s father. Now she was living in a gated community in a ritzy suburb of San Diego not far from her parent’s home. What had the three women so amazed was the built-in lit make-up area that looked like something you would see backstage in a theater dressing room. Currently, Ashley was applying her make-up.

“Close your mouths, girls. Beth, you’re next.”

“I couldn’t possibly.”

“Not only am I doing your make-up but I've also picked outfits for each of you.”

“I’m happy with what I’m wearing,” Lydia said decisively. “And there isn’t a chance in hell you’re doing my make-up.”