Staying on Course (23 page)

A few minutes later, they return, and Bryce gives me a small smile.

“Is he okay?” I whisper.

“Yes, I’ll go talk to him when we get back. He’s doing great. Sounds like he wants to give me his appreciation, which is totally unnecessary.”

“He wants to show you his gratitude. Let him do that.”

His kisses me briefly then goes back to eating. Liza doesn’t say anything but continues to stand behind me. I close my eyes and swallow hard then turn to her with a smile.

“Liza, I don’t know all the details, but Bryce shared with me what y’all did for Shawn. He’s lucky to have you on his side,” I say quiet enough for no one but her and Bryce to hear.

Her face twists, and she looks between me and the back of Bryce’s head. He doesn’t turn but places a hand on my thigh and squeezes, showing me support.

“It’s what we do. We stick together, watch out for each other.”

“Yes, but it sounds like you went beyond the call of duty in breaking through to him. For that, surely, he’s grateful.”

“We’ll be there for the long haul. We all want to see him succeed and get back on his feet. He’s not alone.”

“No, I suspect not. And from what Bryce tells me, his wife will be by his side the whole time. It’s amazing what support and love can get us through.”

She visibly pales and looks sick that I know about the wife returning. Bryce told me she’s torn up the separation papers and wants to save her marriage. Once Shawn found out why she left, he vowed to prove how much he loved her and their life together.

Her eyes narrow for a split second, and she gives me an arrogant grin. “Like I said, he has us at his back, no matter what.”

Her implication is clear; she doesn’t believe the wife is reliable.

“Never underestimate the bond of love. It’s a powerful emotion.”

I don’t give her a chance to respond before turning back to the table and pretending to focus on what the girls are saying. In my mind, I hope I got my point across. But something tells me she still has an agenda that includes Bryce.

I stare at the little Christmas tree with a goofy grin. Similar to last year, Bryce bought me a tree this morning and set it up in the corner of my parents’ living room. It’s much smaller than last year, and it didn’t come decorated, so he also bought bags of decorations. It’s a dwarf compared to my parents’ much larger, elaborately decorated tree, but to me, it’s the cutest thing in the world.

Mom’s face lit up when he explained he wanted to start this as a tradition. My heart threatened to burst while Nate and dad shook their heads. Bryce didn’t seem to care when they questioned his manhood. We decorated in our pajamas while my mom made breakfast.

When I went to shower, he slipped a few presents under it only for me. I did the same when he wasn’t looking. Mid-afternoon, Quinn and her parents dropped in, and she immediately started in on him. He took it easily, mentioning that she needed to take note because, if he was gone next year, she was responsible for getting me a tree. At the mention of his deployment, she shut up and promised. In turn, she made him promise that he’d stop doing what she refers to as ‘cheesy shit’. He refused, which spurred more teasing from her.

After the Jacksons left, we had the traditional Christmas dinner with the Randolphs and then opened gifts. One thing about Aspen is we did minimal presents because of the travel. This year, we made up for it.

Even though Bryce and I promised to go small, he lied and gave me a stunning pair of diamond earrings along with a few more charms for my bracelet. My present wasn’t nearly as elaborate, but he seemed to love the set of signed posters from both the University of Tennessee and University of Virginia football roster.

I twist the new diamond earrings in my ears and watch my brother quiz Bryce on the different settings on the watch my parents gave him. It is the same one I gave Bryce for his birthday. Both of them act like super geeks about the features on the watch, and I zoned out a while ago.

I get up to help my mom clean the mess, and Sheila trails us to the kitchen.

“Let me see your pictures. Karen did a terrible job of describing your dress, and I’ve been dying,” she begs.

I flip through and give her the phone to look. The instant she sees the picture of me walking out of the dressing room, she gasps. Tears pool in her eyes, which is exactly the reaction I hoped for.

“It’s so beautiful and elegant. Tell me more.”

I scroll through the pictures and try my best to describe it. “It’s basically an A-line, strapless, tea-length dress. What makes it so elegant is the lace embellishment over the satin.” I point out the intricate beading and details. “The back has crystal buttons to match the lace.”

“What did Quinn decide on?”

“She’s wearing a tea-length, black satin, strapless dress.”

Mom pours us a glass of wine, and we continue talking about the wedding details until Bryce and Nate walk in.

“We’re going out back to get some more firewood.” He kisses my forehead, laying his phone next to me. “There’s a good chance some of the guys may call. Will you answer my phone?”

“Sure.”

They walk out the back door, and my dad and Dave walk in smirking.

“What’s so funny?”

“Those boys will need to chop some wood. I used most of the cut wood this afternoon.”

“Dad! It’s freezing outside!”

He shrugs, clearly not caring, and I go to the hall closet to get some heavy jackets to carry outside. I’m digging through the hats when Bryce’s phone rings on the counter.

“Sheila, can you grab that?” I yell, backing out with my arms full.

The second I hit the kitchen and hear her greeting, I stop dead in my tracks.

“Liza, honey, how are you?” Sheila gushes.

Pause.

“Well, Merry Christmas to you, too. Are you with family or did you have to work?”

Pause.

“That’s great. I know they’re glad to have you home. It sure has been nice to have Bryce and Nate here. I wish they had longer, but we understand about work.”

Pause.

“Oh, yes, it’s been a wonderful day. How about yours?”

Why the hell is Sheila talking to her like they’re best friends?

“We don’t have any plans right now, but I suspect we’re going to try to get up there sometime during the first of February. We’d like to see Devon’s exhibit, and since it’s so close to Norfolk, we’ll drive over.”

Pause.

“Of course, I’ll tell Bryce to let you know. We have to eat at that diner that has the delicious pancakes, and I’d love to go shopping again. That boutique was adorable. They may even carry a dress appropriate for the wedding.”

Shopping? Boutique? What the fuck? At least she mentioned my wedding.

“Actually, dear, he’s out back chopping wood. Devon’s here. Would you like to talk to her?”

Pause.

“Alright, then. I’ll tell him you called and you’re at home. We’ll let you know our plans. I think Dave and I deserve a rematch in poker. I was having an off-night.”

Hell no! Why the fuck were my future in-laws playing cards with Liza? Better yet, why didn’t I know?

My blood boils so hot there’s a buzzing in my ears. I know without looking that my face is red. Mom notices and shoots me a worried expression. She opens her mouth, but I drop my head, and she stays quiet.

“Okay, Merry Christmas again. Goodbye.” Sheila hangs up and then looks around for me. Her eyes grow wide when they land on mine. “Devon? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” I rush past them and bolt out the door, making a beeline to Bryce.

He and Nate are both chopping wood, and when he sees me, his face lights up then immediately darkens.

I shove the coats at them and try to control the rage simmering inside but fail.

“Dev? What’s wrong?” Bryce reaches for me, but I step away.

“What’s wrong? WHAT’S WRONG?” I shout. “I’ll tell you what’s wrong. Sheila and Liza just had a lovely conversation about Christmas. Then they reminisced about their shopping experience and the little boutique your mom loved. The conversation ended with the promise for a rematch in cards the next time they visit.”

Nate blows out a loud breath and sets down his ax. He gives me an irritated glance then walks into the house.

“Babe.”

“Don’t you dare fucking babe me! When did she go shopping with Sheila, and when the fuck did she play poker with your parents?”

He steps back and runs his hands down his face and up through his hair. “You knew she went out with Nicole for an afternoon when she and Dad visited. I also told you about everyone coming over for dinner. Liza was with them.”

“You didn’t think that was something you should mention?”

“Why would I mention it? I didn’t think twice about it.”

I blow out a frustrated breath then hang my head in shame. I’m being entirely immature and irrational. “She called you on Christmas. Why won’t she go away?”

This time, I don’t slink away when he reaches for me, tugging me into his chest. “Devon, I can’t understand why you see red when it comes to her. There’s nothing between us but a professional relationship. She most likely called everyone to wish them a Merry Christmas.”

“She’d like more from you, Bryce, and she’s doing everything she can to get it.”

“We’re peers. She’s been a friend of Tommy’s for a long time. She, Dani, Rick, and Tommy met after boot camp. She’s worked really hard to get where she is. To be honest, she’s excellent at her job, but she’s having a hard time getting respect from some of her team, so we try to support her as a group. That’s it.”

“It sounds like you’re defending her.”

“I’m not defending her. I’m defending me. You came out here with fire in your eyes, furious about something that meant nothing. So what if she went shopping with Mom and beat her in poker? Who the fuck cares?”

“I fucking care! She’s trying to take you away from me! Now she’s trying to be best friends with my future mother-in-law!” I screech and then realize I sound like a madwoman.

Bryce’s body goes solid, and he growls, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“No, I’m not kidding.”

“Are you seriously questioning my commitment to us because of a phone call from a co-worker?”

My earlier rage is replaced with embarrassment, and I hide my face in his shirt. “I don’t know why I care, but she gets to me. And hearing Sheila laugh with her and promise to let her know when she’ll be back in town set me over the edge.”

“Mom was probably being nice. I doubt she meant it.”

“Yes! She did. She even mentioned the diner and their pancakes and finding a dress for the wedding at this boutique.”

I look up in time to see him fighting a smile. He fails when his lips curl and his eyes start to shine. “Let me get this straight. Mom told her about finding a dress for our wedding at some boutique, and you still came out here mad as a wildcat? Don’t you see the irony?”

“Don’t you dare laugh at me, Bryce!”

“Why not? It’s funny.”

“It is not!”

He cradles my face in his hands and rubs his nose against mine slowly. “What’s not funny is your constant jealousy of Liza. Tell me you know she means nothing to me.”

“This is it, Bryce. I’m serious. I’ve tried to tell myself she’s a co-worker, she’s a peer, and she’s a member of your Norfolk crew, but I’m drawing the line. I’m suspicious of her motives, and you need to
respect
that.” I emphasize the word.

“If something like this ever happens again, I expect you to tell me about it. In a way, you’re sending her mixed messages by letting her into your personal life. I don’t care who she’s hanging out with.”

The words leave my mouth, and I instantly wonder why the fuck Nicole would include her in a girl’s day after knowing how I feel about her. Dread and apprehension start to build in my gut.

“After today, there will be nothing to tell. I obviously haven’t paid close attention to the way she gets under your skin. For that, I apologize. Do you forgive me?”

I nod my acceptance and then remember the look of Sheila’s face.

“I owe your mom an explanation and an apology.”

“Pretty sure she understood your body language.”

I groan and move my head, banging it on his chest. “Not my shining moment.”

“Don’t be so tough on yourself. I have my own jealous streak. That’s why I’ve given Jeremy strict instructions to be by your side before, during, and after the bowl game. And if you go out, Dean knows to step in if anyone gets too close.”

Now, it’s my turn to giggle. “You’re absolutely ridiculous.”

“I’ll own that, but since I can’t be here, I’ll rely on them. And I know Dean has his hands full with Quinn, but he understands where I’m coming from, so he’s agreed.”

“How do you do that?”

“Do what?” His tongue sweeps along my jaw, causing me to shiver.

“You make jealousy look sexy. I’m pretty sure I make it look insane.”

“Actually, you make everything look sexy,” he hums against my skin.

“Stop! I’m serious.”

“I am too.”

“She over her snit?” Nate yells, interrupting us.

“Yep. We’ll be right in.” Bryce answers him then leans down and kisses my earlobe. “Change of plans. Tonight, we stay at my parents’ house. I need to show you how sexy you are.”

“I like that plan,” I agree and snuggle into his arms.

Maybe my jealousy isn’t such a bad thing after all.

*****

Bryce and Nate get an email about an unexpected training exercise at sea for two weeks in January. This causes them to cut their holiday leave early by a day, which makes Bryce very unhappy. He also seems curious as to why I’m not more upset. I try to act like I’m torn up, but really, I’m excited about surprising him on New Year’s Eve.

The morning they leave, I don’t have to fake the few tears that fall, but that’s because I do hate it every time we say goodbye. Bryce promises to call when he can, but his schedule will be unknown until he gets to base and sees the list of things that need to be done before they leave. The fact that Liza may also be working long hours lingers in my head, but I don’t say anything. We haven’t spoken about her since Christmas Day.

Sheila asked me privately if she did something wrong that day on the phone, and I had to explain my issues with Liza. Instead of making me feel silly, Sheila and my mom understood the signals she seemed to be sending. After listening to their advice, I erased all insecurities about her out of my mind.