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“Hmm. You are really taking this deployment thing hard.” Kari wiggled into the seat across from Skye’s desk. “He’s not gone yet.”
“I’m trying to be strong. I made a to-do list to keep me busy.”
“Of course you did.”
“But all I want to do is lock him in my room and throw myself on him and tell him he can’t leave.” She looked at her friend. “He can’t leave.”
“Aww, honey. He’ll be back before you know it. I promise to keep you very busy for the next six months.”
“Six fucking months.” Skye spit the words. “Do you know what’s going to happen over the next six months? My birthday, his birthday, the summer, the fall, Halloween—”
“You have to stop thinking like this. Have you talked to him about it?”’
Skye knew that was a legitimate question, but she was trying to stay light and positive around Ben. The last thing she wanted to do before he left was appear clingy. She was supposed to be the independent self-sufficient type. She couldn’t suddenly reveal to him that she thought she might actually stop breathing if he left San Diego. What would he think of her then?
She shook her head. “I can’t tell him all of this. I’m trying to be supportive, not stage-nine clinger material.”
“Maybe he’s going through the same thin
g. Talk to him.” Kari stood to leave. “It’s almost lunch time. Why don’t you see if he can meet you on his lunch break? Spend some time with him and I know you’ll feel better.”
Skye pulled out her phone. “Ok, I’ll call him right now. Thanks”
“No problem. Back to the Beer Fest campaign for me. See ya.”
As soon as Kari closed the door behind her, Skye dialed Ben’s number.
He answered on the first ring. “Hey gorgeous. How’s your day?”
The smile was involuntary every time. “Hey. I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch today. I know it’s last minute but…”
“Lunch today? Hmm...”
“I shouldn’t have asked. I know you’re busy getting ready to leave.” She almost choked on the words.
“Hold that thought a second. Can you help me with something?” he asked.
“Sure. What’s up?” She started fidgeting with the pens on her desk.
His voice deepened. “Is your office in suite 402?”
Skye stood from her desk and crossed the room. The back of her neck started to tingle. “Yes. Why?”
“Open the door, baby.”
Skye pulled on the handle. Ben stood holding two white paper bags. “Oh my God, what are you doing here?” She shuttled him into her office and closed the door despite the curious stare from the main-floor receptionist.
“Thought I’d bring you lunch. I know how you like surprises.” He held up the bags. “You like that little sandwich shop around the corner, right?”
Skye giggled. “Yes. But I can’t believe you came to my office. How did you get away from base?”
She was having a hard time concentrating with him standing in front of her. He was wearing his flight suit. There were patches on his sleeves and along his chest. She liked the one that read Bolt.
“I can’t tell you all my secrets.” He winked at her. “So this is where the magic happens?” He eyed her workspace.
“Yep. This is it. Not very big, but at least I have my own office. I do have windows that overlook the street.” She pointed to the two slim windows next to her desk. At least there was natural light in an otherwise sterile office building. Once a week she watered the indoor palm that grew in the corner.
“It’s nice.” Ben walked toward the door. “Does this lock work?” His eyebrows waggled.
