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He sighs, and it sounds like he’s given up on getting a workout in while I’m on the phone. “We’re only supposed to be over there for three months.”
In my head, I picture him there with me, sitting on the edge of the bed while we talk. The same way he used to back when we were kids.
There must be something I missed from his side of the conversation because the next thing I know, he is laughing.
“Hey. Airhead. Go take a shower, have a drink, and then get to it. The sooner you get everything packed up, the sooner you’re going to be home. Back with your books and Kennedy.”
“You’re right.” I sigh, regretting all the alcohol from last night. “I already had to push her out of the way to come down here at all. She was talking about cashing in all her vacation time just to get it done.”
My only other sister is a dispatcher, just like our mom. She has to work twelve-hour shifts overnight, and taking any time off means that she has to trade vacation. None of that made sense, especially when I had the entire summer to plan my classes and could do it from literally anywhere with an internet connection.
“I love you, Casper. Be careful out there.”
“I love you too, Remy.”
The silence on the other end tells me that he hung up. It is a good thing since somehow the phone has drifted far enough away that I can’t reach it from where I’m currently lying.
I’m just about to move, too, when there is a knock on the wall next to my head.
Just three small raps, but I know it’s Cole. Something in my chest loosens. A knot that I hadn’t even realized was there. Before I can think too deeply into it, I raise my fist and knock back.
It’s a reminder that I’m not alone.
For the first time in two weeks, I get out of bed with a smile on my face. The only thing left is to get rid of the massive hangover that I’m suffering through.
4
COLE
“Okay, Mr. Morgan. I hope that after today, you can breathe a little easier about returning to your unit.”
What I really want to do is snort and laugh my ass off at the older man, but that isn’t about to happen.
Not when the doctor currently staring at my chart holds my future in his hands.
He’s former military, too, which makes it almost impossible to bullshit him. On the first appointment after the accident, I found out that he served in the Navy, and we’ve been ribbing each other about the differences between the branches. It’s been the highlight of the appointments, that I’ve been getting to report to him for evaluations. He may be on the other side of fifty, but he’s been able to keep up with me and give as good as he gets.
“I’m not seeing any lingering signs of the head trauma from your accident on any of your scans. But you’re still not able to remember anything from that night?”
The doctor waits, expecting an answer that I can’t give him. For a second I think about lying. Telling him that I remember everything, but I can’t. If I did, and something happened as a result of that lie, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself.
“No, sir.” Looking him directly in the eyes, I go on. “I got the call from my CO telling me that I was issued my orders and that I had two days to report to my new duty station. That’s it. I don’t remember even hanging up the phone. All there is, is a flash. Then nothing. And when I try to remember, I get a migraine that feels like it’s threatening to split my head wide open.”
I don’t lie about the migraines, either. But the panic attacks I’ve been struggling with? Those I keep to myself. No one needs to know about that. If the doc finds out about them, he may keep me from going back to active duty. Andthatwould only happen over my dead body.
“You’re physically fine, Cole. Perfectly healthy and absolutely ready to report for duty.” He flips a page in the chart and taps the pen in his other hand on the back of the file. “Technically, I could clear you now, send you back to active duty. But my gut tells me that wouldn’t be the right call. And it’s never been wrong. Take the rest of the month, like we originally planned. Then I’ll clear you.”
Doc knows his shit. Even though I want to complain and ask him to clear me now, I don’t say a word.
With a nod, I take the order for just that, then pull out my phone to send my CO a message about the update.
He’s almost out the door when he turns back and his eyes lock on mine. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
I don’t bother getting off the exam table, at least not until I hit send on that message and decide to shoot my brother a text. Not Miles, I’m still pissed at him and taking full advantage of the fact that he expects me to act like a child by ignoring his existence. Instead, I send one to Sean. My other brother, the proverbial middle child.
Another month. Then I’m free.
Sean doesn’t respond back immediately, which is probably for the best. Chances are that I am going to get kicked out of the exam room soon, and I really should have pants on when that happens. Luckily no one interrupts, at least until I am fully clothed. Even then, it is just a phone call from Emmett.
