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"Deal," Austin said.
As we all reconvened downtown at our normal breakfast place, I could tell the boys were concerned about what I was going to say. We placed our orders, got our coffees, and settled in.
Logan kicked us off. "So, Dom. What's on your mind?"
It's now or never.
"Well, I wanted to talk to you guys about Somalia."
Hugo leaned in. "How's that going?"
"It's going well. Real well. In fact, everything has been accelerated. The government wants us there, so Dr. Al-Sawi says I could go there in a few weeks."
"A few weeks?" Austin yelled in disbelief. "This was supposed to happen within the coming year! How are you feeling about it?"
"I'm feeling okay about it. I want to make sure our logistics team can react to ensure the necessary supplies will be there. Coordinate with the people in Somalia, and then I can't see why I wouldn't go."
Seth asked what I was hoping he wouldn't ask. "And what about your safety? I'm not feeling great about what I'm reading."
I wasn't sure how to answer this. But I knew I had to be truthful with these guys. They were my brothers, my family.
"That's the thing." I traced an imaginary line on the table with my finger. "It's possibly dangerous. It's unpredictable. My safety is not guaranteed."
I seemed to have thrown a wet blanket on the group.
I looked at each of them directly in the eye. "But I know I have to go. This is something that I have to do. I have never felt stronger about this."
Austin leaned back, cradling the back of his head in his hands, as he let out a big sigh. "Well, Harrington, this isn't totally unexpected. It's like you get something in that Spock-brain of yours and there's no changing your mind." He rocked forward and put his hand on mine. "I'm here for you, Dom. I might not like this. I might even hate that you're putting yourself in harm's way, but there's not an atom in me that can't say I'm fucking proud of you."
One by one, the bastards put their hands in the middle, covering mine and Austin's.
My brothers.
"But," Austin continued, "if you don't come back to us, we are going to fucking break your balls, in a figurative sense."
"Deal," I said, with tears in my eyes. "Thank you for your support. I needed it."
They all murmured their, "of course"s. Those close to me gave me a slap on the shoulder. I knew they weren't happy with my decision, but I knew they supported me in whatever I wanted to do.
Just then, as if with perfect timing, our breakfasts started coming out. When we were all settled, I shared a little more with them.
"When I'm gone, Calla can fully update the financials for the clinic, the investment fund and the foundation. She's been really great and can hold her own when it comes to all of that."
Hugo motioned at me with his fork. "What about Calla, anyway? Have you told her about this Somalia development?"
I looked down at my plate. "No, I haven't. I don't want to worry her. I also want you guys to keep this information between us. I don't want any of the staff to find out. I mean about the safety part. They will have to know all the other stuff."
Logan sat back. "I don't know whether I can do that, buddy. Calla cares about you. You know that, right?"
"I know, but… maybe she shouldn't. Maybe she needs to move on."
Austin dangled his fork in front of my eyes. "Earth to Spock! People don't do that to people who they love and who love them."
"Maybe it's for the better in this case."
Austin collapsed in his chair in frustration. "Fuck, Dominic! You can't control how people feel about you. Do you not get that in that analytical maze in your gray matter?"
Logan nodded. "Dom, don't make any harsh moves when it comes to Calla. Please."
