To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,24
my foot in my mouth around her? Before he had a chance to seek her out and apologize, the Chapter President called the meeting to order. As he made his way to a seat, he grimaced. Probably just as well… I’d only fuck things up again.
Ginny McFarlane opened the meeting, rapping the gavel on the podium. Jason, the Sergeant at Arms, marched forward with Colt bearing the colors. Everyone stood, and then the Lutheran minister offered the prayer. The Empty Chair held everyone’s attention for a moment as the POW/MIA flag was placed in the chair. The Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the AL Constitution were spoken in unison, then the President rapped the gavel once more.
He admired the way Ginny, one of the Baytown police officers, efficiently ran the meeting and inwardly winced again. He hadn’t seen Samantha at the few previous meetings he’d attended, and it never dawned on him that she’d been in the military. Veteran… Veterinarian… vet… and now, she thinks I’m an idiot as well as sexist.
Various reports were given, duties were assigned, and new projects outlined. Just when he thought the meeting was almost over, Ginny surprised him by asking Samantha to come forward. His gaze followed her every move from the time she stood, slipped out of the aisle she had been sitting in, and made her way to the podium. His lips curved slightly as he watched her bend the microphone down to her level even though Ginny was not very tall.
“As many of you already know…” she began, her gaze finding his, “I served with the Army Veterinary Corps, including a year’s tour in Afghanistan. The dogs I took care of were IED-trained.”
His breath caught in his throat at the idea that she’d spent a year in a war zone. Her voice was steady, her face calm, and yet he noticed her white-knuckled grip on the edge of the podium.
“The first thing I want to mention is that I now volunteer some of my time with the Save-A-Vet Organization. This organization is run through Lackland Air Force Base and is a wonderful program to help our military war dogs be adopted out to loving families. I’m not here to plea for money or for any support other than to let you know about this organization. If there’s anyone here who is interested or knows of someone who would like to apply to adopt a former military dog, I have the information. Plus, you can always ask me questions here or stop by my Hoof and Paws Veterinary Clinic.
“I have also been asked to approach the Service Committee about a fundraiser for our local animal shelter. I provide services to their worthwhile organization and they’re always in need of assistance. I’ll be working with the committee to brainstorm ways the AL can help. If you have any ideas, please contact me or one of the members.”
She released her grip on the podium and made her way back to her seat. Joseph's breath left his lungs, and he realized he’d been tense the entire time she was speaking. He wasn’t sure if she hated speaking in public or it was the subject. Afghanistan. Worked with IED-trained dogs. What did she see and do over there? There was a lot more to the beautiful veterinarian than what he’d assumed. He winced again and wondered if that was going to be a typical reaction when it came to fucking things up when talking to Samantha.
The last item of the meeting that Ginny reviewed was the upcoming elections. “We have a lot of new blood that has come into our area and would love to see you take a leadership role. It doesn’t have to be as one of the main officers, but there are plenty of ways to serve with our AL chapter. If interested, let me or one of the other officers know.”
Once they were dismissed, he looked for Samantha, determined to make amends. But as he moved closer, he could see she was surrounded with others asking questions about the dog program. A clap on his shoulder had him swing around, his gaze landing on Luke, the new medic at the county jail.
“Joseph, I’d like to get some new ink. I know the shop isn’t open all the time, and my work schedule is pretty screwy.”
“Don’t worry about it, man. You let me know when you’re available, and I’ll make the time for you.” The two men shook hands and walked out