Tag: Navy Orders

A Purr-fect Book Signing

Posted: July 30, 2013 at 1:43 pm by Geri Krotow · View all 2 comments

It wasn't just me signing on Saturday — It wasn’t just me signing on Saturday

Before I ever sold one book I dreamt of how it “would be” once I’d published. I’d make the NYT bestseller list within a few months, be on Oprah (dating myself, I know), be interviewed by Charlie Rose as I’d seen him interview Robert McKee about his book STORY. And the book signings…I’d walk into independent bookstore after independent bookstore, booksellers so pleased to see me and my avid readers lined up around all of the quirky bookshelves. I’d be dressed like Meg Ryan in “You’ve Got Mail,” a tweed skirt with cute tights.

cupboardmakerrhonda — Me with Ronda–Michelle is Camera-Shy

Enter reality–it took far longer to sell and publish than I ever thought it would. The Information Age bloomed into the Digital Revolution. Print runs are down, there are too few books and too short a time for bookseller to order my novels. That’s if said bookseller will even consider hosting a genre author. You don’t want to know the mental revenge one-liners I’ve practiced after being told “we don’t carry your kind of book.” My kind? Oops, that’s another post, or better, an op-ed like Eloisa James did.

Then enter Michelle Mioff-Haring, owner of Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, PA. A dedicated professional who is passionate about books and the romance genre, she garnered the Romantic Times (RT) bookseller of the year award in Kansas City this past May. This is where Michelle and I met. I know, I had to travel far away to find the treasure right in my own backyard. Kind of cool, though, that I met her in the Land of Oz…

Ronda, Michelle’s assistant, contacted me and we set up a date for me to sign my latest, NAVY ORDERS. Could I please bring copies of NAVY RULES with me, as they were only able to get NAVY ORDERS? I tingled with glee–they had done their homework and knew what I wrote. Then, when I arrived, Michelle told me she’d read my book and enjoyed it. If you’re a writer you know how rare this is. In our age of information and entertainment inundation, it’s totally understood that a bookseller doesn’t have time to read all of the authors she hosts for signings. But Michelle makes the time, as does Ronda.

I don't care if the author is allergic, I want to come out! — I don’t care if the author is allergic, I want to come out!

But wait–the best part of all of this is the bookstore! As soon as you open the door, the serenity-infused aroma of paperback and hardback books assaults you and leaves you in a warm state of reader bliss. Row upon row of neatly arranged books, by genre and author, await. Clean, neat, organized, welcoming. The shelving goes up to the ceiling…well, almost. The shelves actually go up to where there are wooden plank walk-ways for the rescue cats that reside at Cupboard Maker Books. Safe, sterile cages house the newly rescued, who graduate to wandering the tomes at will, serving sentry over centuries of story.

Back to the signing–I confess, I brought me knitting with me. But it never left the car–I was talking and selling books for the entire two hours, all to new readers who loved romance and many who had an affinity or bona fide connection to the U.S. Military. I spoke with a US Marine Corp vet who’d taken photos of the USS Pueblo (no link–if you don’t know, it’s worth looking up, like when your teacher told you to look up the word in the dictionary yourself). I spoke at length with an Army spouse whose husband was now retired from the military, like mine. I talked with a high school senior who is a writer and had the best questions of all–when did I know I was a writer? What keeps me going?

Back home I have rolled my writing sleeves back up so that I’ll have two Whidbey Island books for you in 2014. True confession: hoping to sign at Cupboard Maker Books again is a big incentive.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Twenty

Posted: July 12, 2013 at 8:32 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Twenty

“To bring a soldier back from the brink of insanity, like we do with the newly returning vets, is one thing,” he began. “It’s rare that I get to see what kind of success I’ve had—the soldiers go through treatment with the goal of being released to a local program, in their hometown or wherever their unit’s stationed, if they’re going back to active duty.” He turned to face her, Val and put both arms around her. She laid her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat underneath her cheek while he spoke, his chin on her head.

“Here, these folks don’t have the burden of wondering if they’re going to make it. They have made it, through tremendous grief and loss. The choice they have at BTS is whether they’re going to simply keep surviving, or try to go beyond that. To thrive.”

His hands were massaging her back, exactly where the strain of the day had pooled.

“To see such courage, Val, and to know they let me in, let me be part of their decisions, is the most moving therapy I’ve participated in.” He leaned back and raised her chin so she could see his unshed tears. “What you’re doing here is vital. You understand that, don’t you?”

“Yes.” She swallowed. “It means the world to me that you think so, too.”

He stared at her and she couldn’t break the connection between them.

“Why didn’t you ever try to find me after college?” she asked. She didn’t want to sound needy but at this moment she couldn’t grasp how they’d lived apart from each other for so long.

“You already know, Val. The same reason you didn’t look for me. We moved on.” He stroked the side of her cheek. “And I didn’t think I deserved you after leaving the way I did.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” God, he’d been helping his family.

“No, but it wasn’t yours, either.”

“That was then.” She smiled and turned her lips into his palm.

“Can you let go of our past, Val?” he whispered.

She lifted her head. “I already have. You must know that.”

He touched her lips with his tongue, a warm caress, and then he moved his hand to her nape and kissed her.

Val met him with no restrictions. No hurt, no questions, no resentment from the break-up of long ago.

Lucas pulled back. “I’m staying, Val. We’re going to make this work.”

“What do you mean by this?“

“I mean BTS, if you’ll let me sign on as a full-time team member.” He traced her lips with his fingers.

“Oh.”

“And I mean— us. You’ve become my best friend, Val. But I’d like to make it more—a lot more.”

He kissed her again and she accepted everything he had to give.

“Do you think you can live on an island forever, Lucas?”

He laughed. “With you, my dear Valentina, I could even live on a ferry.”

THE END

NAVY HOPE Chapter Nineteen

Posted: July 11, 2013 at 9:21 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Nineteen

Pepe gave his mother a curt nod and lowered his hands to his sides. “Okay.”

He stepped off the board and fell into the water, hardly making a splash as Lucas caught him under the arms. Val liked how Lucas let Pepe go under for a bit, just to have the feel of the jump, before he helped the boy reorient himself.

The small crowd broke into huge applause and whooped for Pepe.

Pepe swam to the side of the pool and hauled himself out. Serena was on her knees to catch him as he threw his soaking wet self at her.

Lucas watched from the deep end as he continued to tread water.

“Nice job, Dr. Lucas.” Tanya’s quiet compliment said it all.

Val wiped her tears away.

“Anyone else want to jump?” Lucas smiled, his teeth white against his skin, the sun and water reflecting his joy.

“Does this mean we’re done for the afternoon, doc?” Todd, one of the few single family members who’d come for the week, took off his T-shirt and dove into the deep end. Val thought that was what the past year must have felt like for him, after his wife died in Afghanistan. He’d told her at dinner last night that he was finally giving himself permission to start a new life. Her heart pounded as she wondered if Todd was aware of the metaphor in what he’d done, diving into the deep end in one bold leap.

Lucas climbed out of the pool and his chinos clung to every muscle on his runner’s legs. Val wished she had sunglasses on so that she could get a better look at him—all of him.

“You deserve to go after your own happiness, Val,” Tanya said quietly.

Val smiled at her observation. No doubt she’d watched Val ogle Lucas.

“It’s not that easy, Tanya. He goes back next week.”

“Only if he wants to.”

An hour later, Val found Lucas sitting in the cushioned cedar swing she’d hung within a week of moving into BTS. It was in a secluded part of the small garden but the swing allowed glimpses of the surrounding islands when the weather was clear.

“Mind if I join you?”

Lucas looked up from the client folder he studied and turned his intensity on her. She felt caressed by his gaze as he took her in from head to toe, lingering on her breasts and hips.

How had she kept him at arm’s length for the past six months, especially when she knew how well he kissed?

“Here.” He patted the cushion beside him. As she sank into the soft pillow, his arm went around her and they sat that way for what felt like hours, content with each other’s company.

“Have you gained what you expected from BTS?” She broke their comfortable silence.

“I honestly didn’t have any expectations, except for getting a break from the insane pressure cooker I’ve lived in for the past few years in D.C.” He used his leg to keep them swinging, just a bit, and Val relished how her body leaned into his with each sway.

His fingers were on the back of her neck, drawing delicious little swirls over her skin.

“I figured anything that happened here would be tame compared to what I was used to. I didn’t realize how much impact the families would have on me.”

“In what way?” She thought she knew, understood what he meant, but she wanted to hear it from him.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Eighteen

Posted: July 10, 2013 at 8:58 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Eighteen

“Val, you need to get over to the pool area.”

The tone of Maggie’s voice sent fear coursing through Val.

“What’s going on?”

“Just go. I’ll be right behind you.”

Val made it out of the office, around the lodgings and through the pool fence in under two minutes.

Pepe, the six-year-old son of a U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant who’d died in battle two years ago, was the child she’d told Lucas about during their last briefing. He stood atop the pool’s small diving board, hands clasped in front of his little chest, his hair wet, his eyes screwed shut.

Lucas was treading water under the diving board, fully clothed. His voice was low and steady as he spoke to Pepe, but Val was too far away to make out his words.

Serena, Pepe’s mother, was on the concrete deck with the other group members, two of whom held their arms around her. Val wondered if it was for support or to keep Serena from lunging after her son. Gold Star families tended to be more reliant on each other than other families, but Val had noticed that Serena was especially protective of Pepe. And why wouldn’t she be? He’d been barely five when his father was taken from him.

Val saw Tanya and walked over to her. “What’s the deal?”

“Lucas asked everyone what they were most afraid of. Pepe said he was scared of heights. So he wants to jump off the diving board—to prove he can do it.”

“The pool’s supposed to be a backdrop for the sessions, not part of them!”

“Pepe was wearing his swim trunks. He and Serena have gone in the pool each day after the workshops.”

“But Lucas wasn’t dressed to swim.”

“No, he wasn’t, but he took his phone out of his pocket before he got in and told Pepe to get up on the board.”

“If that kid doesn’t jump, Tanya…”

“He will jump, Val. If he doesn’t, he’s not ready yet, and that’s a good lesson, too.” Tanya’s expression remained neutral, but Val caught the innuendo that was aimed at her.

“I’m not afraid to jump.”

“Hmm.” Tanya gave the uniform counselor’s reply.

Val kept her gaze on Pepe and the swimmer below him. Pepe’s eyes had opened. The air was still and Lucas had raised his voice.

“Everyone’s afraid to make the first jump, Pepe. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a buddy. I’m your jump buddy for this one. Your mom can be your buddy, too. You can ask anyone you want. Remember, if you jump, you won’t be alone.”

“If I don’t like it, I’m not doing it again.”

“You don’t have to, Pepe. You can even decide not to jump this time. Whatever you decide is okay.”

Pepe looked up, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears as he searched out his mom.

Serena smiled at her son, her lower lip trembling. Tears spilled from under her sunglasses.

“Go for it, mi hijo.“

NAVY HOPE Chapter Seventeen

Posted: July 9, 2013 at 6:35 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Seventeen

June

“I’m going to miss working with you.” Lucas looked at her over his cup of tea. Their morning briefings usually included Tanya, but she was off-island for the day.

“I’ll miss you, too.” Val was grateful her voice didn’t crack. Their professional-only relationship would never be enough for her.

She took a sip from her mug before she opened the case folder in front of her. She perused it, then slid it across her desk toward Lucas.

“It’s a family of two—a mom and her young son. He hasn’t been able to trust another adult besides his mom, and they’ve had some issues with him in kindergarten. His dad died two years ago.”

“Most of the families we’ve worked with come here sooner after their loss.”

“Our clients come when they’re ready to come.”

His gaze lingered a beat longer than necessary on her face.

Damn. Her distress at his leaving, their undeniable attraction for one another, her frustration at not being able to expect more from him, was coming out sideways.

“I sound like a complete bitch. I’m sorry. I’m not being fair. You’ve seen as much as anyone here. You’re right. This family waited a long while. “

He smiled and she forgot what they were talking about it.

“It’s not just you, Val,” he said. She wanted to grasp a deeper meaning in his words but didn’t dare.

Lucas sighed. “I’ve spent the last three years dealing one-on-one with returning vets who’ve suffered unimaginable losses and traumas. I’m used to getting in and treating the mental damage as fast as possible, before it has a chance to become debilitating. It’s still hard to shake my urge to lean toward going for the ‘quick fix,’ even after several months at BTS.”

“You’ve done wonderfully. It’s almost as if you were meant to be here.”

Her words seemed to hang there, and she blushed.

“I’m not saying—”

“Don’t explain, Val. I understand.” He stood up. “Mind if I take this and study it for the next half hour before we meet with them?”

“Of course not. That’s why I pulled it. Here are the three additional families we’ll be welcoming this week, two tomorrow and one on Wednesday.”

“You said the pace would stay fast and furious when I arrived six months ago. It’s only increased over the spring.” There was that maddening smile again.

“Good thing you love what you do.”

“You’ve got me there.”

Lucas turned and left the office, and Val let her attention drift down to his backside.

Two more weeks.

She’d be able to relax again, not constantly on vigil against her feelings for Lucas.

Of course, he’d be gone then, possibly forever. There’d been no talk of any future together and realistically, they faced too many obstacles. She knew all that. And yet…

“Crap.”

She spoke to the empty office; Maggie was out of sight. San Juan Island in the twenty-first century wasn’t Regency England, but she needed a chaperone. Only two weeks until Lucas’s contract was fulfilled. She suspected he’d be gone as fast as the weather changed on the island. At least she’d be able to breathe again. Staying professional while fighting her attraction to Lucas had become too difficult.

NAVY HOPE Chapter 16

Posted: July 8, 2013 at 9:13 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Sixteen

April

Winter melted into spring, and Val relished the long season. Her daffodils and tulips came up magnificently in the front beds. She liked to think they greeted each guest at the resort. As she walked by the large ceramic pot she kept at the entrance, spots of bright pink caught her eye. She stopped and took a moment to finger her fuchsia blooms. It never ceased to delight her that a flower that was an annual in so many other parts of the country grew perennially on San Juan Island.

“The garden here is beautiful. I see you out in it a lot. Are you the only one who tends it?”

Lucas stood next to her and she straightened. He wore the BTS polo shirt, embroidered with their logo, and a pair of jeans that made her wonder why she’d never paid particular attention to men in jeans before.

“Yes, but I’m more of a maintenance gardener. The work was done before I purchased the place. The buildings were in disrepair and the main hotel needed some renovations, but the widow who sold it to me had kept the garden up for the twenty years after her husband died.”

“It shows.” He gazed around at the various blooms and she took the chance to look at him. She didn’t often get the chance to really study him without his knowing she was doing just that.

She didn’t want to scare him off.

You’re the one who’s afraid.

Agreeing to stay away from each other romantically had opened the door to a friendship they’d never had in college. She was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed working with him, whether it was listening to his concerns over a family member or gathering the supplies needed for an impromptu arts and crafts session.

“Are you still enjoying the pace here?” Restricting their conversation to work was far less taxing as far as her heart was concerned.

Lucas grinned. “Too much. I love the routine, the early-to-bed, the free time between workshops.” His eyes narrowed as he watched two eagles circling above them.

“I knew I was making a difference at Walter Reed, at least in the short run. Here, I know I can help surviving families go on to productive, enjoyable lives.” He turned his gaze back on her. “They’ve already done the hard grieving. My work is easy.”

“Are you kidding yourself with that kind of talk? Because you’re not kidding me. The clients across the board have commented positively on your input. You’re very talented at what you do, Lucas, and this place is just as important as a wounded vet center.”

“I didn’t mean to imply it’s not. Quite the opposite.” He placed his hand on her arm.

She relished the warmth—and accompanying spark.

“I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “It’s changing how I view my profession, how I want to go on after my time here is over.”

The desire his touch stirred sobered into regret.

“Well, you only have a couple more months. I’m sure you’ll make the most of it.” She gathered up her gardening tools and put them in her bucket, hoisting it onto her arm. Stepping away from him, she said, “See you back at the office.”

She walked off, unable to look at him. She didn’t want him to see how sad the thought of his leaving made her.

Much as she hoped for something beyond friendship, she couldn’t count on it. He hadn’t made any promises—or even hinted at a future.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fifteen

Posted: July 5, 2013 at 10:01 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Fifteen

“You’re obviously good at what you do, Lucas. Thanks for listening.” Val offered him a brave smile.

“I wasn’t listening as a shrink.” She raised her brows in query.

“We’re old friends, Val. That’s enough for both of us, don’t you think?” It’ll have to be, she told herself.

But all she said was “Hmm.”

Lucas was the kind of man a woman wanted to make a life with, and Val didn’t deny her attraction to him. What healthy woman wouldn’t be enthralled by all that lean muscle, those good looks, the brains behind the brawn? She hadn’t expected to be so intrigued by him—his thoughts, his manner, his kindness. In some ways, it was as if the years since she’d been with him didn’t exist. He’d made clear he wanted to keep their relationship friendly but professional. She had to agree.

And yet…Her disappointment crushed her. At least she was admitting it to herself.

He’s your employee.

That kiss had been damn hot.

She squeezed her nylon net shower puff and hung it on the door handle before she stepped out of the steaming stall and dried off.

A morning run and a cup of coffee made with island roasted beans were her staples and all she needed to get a good start to her day.

Now she had a kiss to forget about.

She wiped away the condensation from her mirror and looked at the reflection of her flushed face and wild hair. Her routine had been shot to hell with one devastating kiss.

It’d been two years since she’d broken up with Bob. Longer still since she’d been this attracted to anyone. Perhaps never had a man’s kiss been so exciting, except for those early kisses in her late teens, when everything was new and hormone-charged.

Lucas.

This morning, when he’d put his mouth on hers, she’d felt nineteen again. Better.

As she towel-dried her hair, she remembered Chet and Erin’s wedding. Even if they’d known it would end in the horrific tragedy of Chet’s death in a war halfway around the globe, she knew that both of them would do it again in a heartbeat.

Life was short.

Instant connections were rare, deeper connections often once-in-a-lifetime.

She owed it to herself not to give up. She’d just have to be patient and wait out his time as her employee.

Patience had never been one of her virtues.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fourteen

Posted: July 4, 2013 at 9:58 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Fourteen

Val chose her words carefully. “Kind of—I mean, yes, you were. I dated other boys, went on with my life. But I always wondered…”

“I’m sorry for any hurt I caused you. I wasn’t worthy of you back then, Val.”

“We were both so young.”

She started to walk down the trail, away from where they’d embraced.

“Let’s head back. There’s a lot that needs to be done before our first session at ten.” Professional Val, fearless team leader of BTS, was in charge again.

As they ran down the hill, Val explained that she’d decided to keep the schedule on a timetable more akin to that of a resort or cruise, so the vacation ambience permeated the family’s stay.

“What if they don’t come up with a plan for when they leave?” So far each family he’d worked with had, but he didn’t assume that was always the case.

“That’s okay, too. The point is, we gave them an opportunity to think about their lives away from the identity of being a Gold Star Family. Not to invalidate it in any way, but we try to help them form their own dreams and aspirations.”

“Has it ever been hard for you to let them go at the end of their week?”

“Truly? No. I don’t get as close to them as you and the other counselors do. BTS is set up so that I’m the go-to person for anything they need to facilitate their time here. But I made a point of putting all the right experts in place to handle the various aspects of the retreat. Life-mapping, journaling, motivational speakers, resumes—there are folks more trained in these things than I’ll ever be.” She slowed to a walk in front of the office. The sun was beginning to send a few rays up over the horizon, dissipating the fog they’d left in.

“As I’m sure you’ve already observed, I’m the back-up. If one of the counselors gets sick or takes vacation time, I can step in. But it’s essential that I remain a bit more detached, so that I can support the counseling team.”

“Don’t you miss using your social work skills?”

“Sometimes, but not as much as I thought I would.” A shadow crossed her face. He wanted to whisk it away and bring the sparkle back to her green eyes.

“It was a long haul, losing Chet. Not as hard as it was for Erin or my nephews, of course.” She pursed her lips. “I was burned out from social work when I went to help Erin and the boys. The wall of grief that we all had to push through—watching them go on, day after day— well, let’s just say it was enough to last me a lifetime.”

He was quiet, humbled that she’d shared so much with him, so soon.

You kissed her too soon.

NAVY HOPE Chapter Thirteen

Posted: July 3, 2013 at 9:37 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Thirteen

When Val’s fingers touched his lips, Lucas’s brain did its best to shut off all reasoning. Getting Val into his bed was suddenly necessary, vital, the most important mission of his life.

“Lucas?”

Her eyes reflected the desire that overwhelmed him—along with a measure of real concern.

“Shit.” He pulled back. The simultaneous rejection and mistrust that crossed her face cut him to the quick.

You’ve done it again. Way to go, Einstein.

“I’m sorry, Val. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

“And I shouldn’t have kissed you back.”

They stared at each other for a long moment before they both looked away.

Lucas focused on the shadow of British Columbia, where Val had pointed out Victoria.

“I’ve done this before,” he admitted. “Gotten involved with my boss. It doesn’t work out in the end.”

“I agree that this isn’t a good idea, Lucas, not with the two of us working together.”

She rubbed her gloved hands. “Yes, I’m tempted, and it’s not like this is a government organization. It’s for military families, but it’s a completely civilian operation. Still—”

“So was the hospital I worked in when I…had a relationship with my Chief Resident.

“Oh.”

“Oh is right.” He wanted to swear a blue streak.

“What happened?” Val had told him about Bob. Now it was his turn to spill.

“Betsy and I lasted for more than a year after my program ended. We didn’t talk about a serious commitment until I’d completed my residency. But she wanted more and ultimately decided I was too young for her.”

“How much older was she?”

“Ten years.”

“Wow. Impressive.”

“For me or her?”

“Both of you.” Val’s mouth tilted in the lopsided smile he was getting to like, too much.

He grabbed her hand. “Despite what I said, I’m not sorry I kissed you, Val. I am sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m wondering if I should fire you just so we can kiss again.”

She shrugged as she pulled her hand from his.

He didn’t respond, didn’t know quite what to say.

“But you’re right, Lucas,” she went on. “It’s not possible for us to be more than colleagues—professionals—just now. It’s not fair to either of us. Let’s be adults and just call it a draw for now, okay?”

“Can’t blame a guy for trying, Val.”

“I don’t.” She paused. “I have to ask. Why did you leave so abruptly fifteen years ago?”

Her expression was earnest but he saw the shadow flicker across her eyes. He could tell that she thought it was her fault.

“My mother had a nervous breakdown,” he said bluntly. “My father had been an alcoholic his entire life, and when she was institutionalized it practically killed him. He did die about two years later, after I graduated from Temple.” He looked at her.

“My little sister needed me. She had high school to get through, and I’d be damned if I was going to see her suffer any more because of our screwed up family.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me this? You knew about my family.”

“Precisely. And I knew you’d been through your own hell. You didn’t need to hear about mine. I was also ashamed, Val. I was young and I thought the family problems were mine, that they somehow reflected on me. But by the time I grew up enough to realize none of it was my fault, it was too late. I figured you’d already moved on. Was I right?”

NAVY HOPE Chapter Nine

Posted: June 27, 2013 at 9:25 am by Geri Krotow · Comments Off

Navy Hope

By Geri Krotow

Chapter Nine

“I’m Tanya, and I’ve been at BTS for almost two years. I’m a certified social worker and family counselor. My specialty was addiction therapy, but I got a bit burned out on it, so I came here, intending to stay for only a few months….” Tanya Ripley twisted a long, curly lock of hair around her finger.

“You mean like me?” Lucas teased, prompting a loud chuckle around the table. They were taking turns introducing themselves.

Val noticed that Lucas fit in with the group and wasn’t surprised. She saw Miles Mikowski nod at him.

“Hey, Lucas, I’m Miles. I’m still on active duty, stationed on Whidbey. I come over to San Juan to talk to the families about how I put my life together after I lost my leg.”

“I’m guessing that helps you as well as them.”

“Absolutely. Nothing like seeing a spark of hope in a kid’s or widow’s eye, hope that maybe they’ll be able to move on. I know this guy—” he playfully punched the man to his left “—because he’s put me through so much torture in his clinic.”

“I’m Drew, and I’m not usually here, since I run my own physical therapy clinic on Whidbey Island. I decided to get away overnight, and this is heaven because no one on this island knows me.”

To Val, Drew hardly resembled the handsome man he’d been when he’d first offered BTS free passes to use his clinic.

“How are you holding up, Drew?” She didn’t want him to feel he had to share more than he wanted, but except for Lucas, everyone at the table knew his story.

“I’m okay.” Drew shot a look at Lucas. “Since you’re not from here, you probably don’t know that my wife was lost at sea almost a month ago. She’s a Navy pilot.”

“I’m so sorry.” Lucas’s expression remained neutral, open.

Drew shrugged. “We weren’t doing well before she left, and I feel something of a fraud playing the tortured husband.”

Val noted that he didn’t say “grieving.”

“Have you heard any more about the accident?” Lucas posed the question no one else asked.

“She’s still alive. No evidence of that, but I know it.” Drew spoke with a conviction that stopped everyone from eating, sipping, chatting.

“Trust your gut, Drew.” Maggie spoke up. “I knew my husband was gone before the Navy knocked at my door. I felt it in my bones. If you don’t feel that, then she’s still here.”

Drew nodded, his eyes downcast.

“Where did you study physical therapy?” Lucas guided the conversation to less emotional territory.

Drew told him. Her team chimed in and the low din of their chatter resumed.

Val soaked up the camaraderie she’d only dreamed of cultivating a couple of years ago. The concept of working with a team, the sense of belonging at BTS, were as important as the families they served.

“So, you’ve signed a six-month contract, right, Lucas?” Winnie Ford sipped her water. She brought Sam, her therapy dog, to BTS once a month, and this was her week. She didn’t usually stay overnight but her husband was home with their daughters. There were five apartments at the resort reserved for counselors, and two for transient support staff like Winnie.

“Yes.”

“Well, if you change your mind, I’m sure Val would entertain an extension.” Winnie winked at Lucas.

This drew another laugh. Yes, Lucas was going to fit in without a problem.

“Don’t scare him, Winnie. Have you seen the pile of case files on my desk?” Val emphasized her point with her fork midair. When Lucas’s grin turned into a smirk, she looked at her fork. It had a noodle hanging from it.

The team broke into more laughter.

“Okay, I deserved that.” Val hid her embarrassment by focusing on her dinner.

“Get used to this, Lucas. We don’t keep the kid gloves on for anyone.” Maggie beamed at him as if he were her own son. Val stifled a groan.

“I knew it was going to be an interesting job when I was on the ferry over.” Lucas paused, making eye contact with everyone around the table before he went on. “I almost tossed my cookies in the storm!”

“Storm?” Winnie looked puzzled. “Didn’t you come over today?”

“Yes.”

Val cleared her throat. “That wasn’t a storm, Lucas. That’s Puget Sound in the winter.”

At the group’s sympathetic “awws” Val rolled her eyes. Leave it to the good-looking doctor to turn her team of hard-charging gals into mush.

It was going to be a long six months.

Page 1 of 212

Tag: Navy Orders

A Purr-fect Book Signing

NAVY HOPE Chapter Twenty

NAVY HOPE Chapter Nineteen

NAVY HOPE Chapter Eighteen

NAVY HOPE Chapter Seventeen

NAVY HOPE Chapter 16

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fifteen

NAVY HOPE Chapter Fourteen

NAVY HOPE Chapter Thirteen

NAVY HOPE Chapter Nine

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