she asked. She gave him a big smile.
She was carrying groceries, so Jason scurried toward her, took the two brown bags from her arms and set them on the kitchen counter. Aimee thanked him and approached Andy.
“Who were you talking about, sweetheart?” she asked again.
“Cory. He’s stopping by later. He just called.” Andy embraced her. “And look who else I dug up!”
“I see,” she said. “Looks like my plans to finish painting the guest room are flying out the window.”
Jason began to chuckle. “Good job, Andy. Invite me over to keep from having to get your hands dirty.”
“Not true. I cry foul!” Andy protested.
Aimee tilted her forehead in Jason’s direction. “We’re delighted you stopped by. This sort of thing happens every day, so no worries. I’m more than used to it.”
“You’ve done a beautiful job, Aimee. It’s going to be magnificent.”
Jason could see she appreciated hearing that. She studied the beams above her head and the filtering light coming from clearstory windows placed around the perimeter of the upper ridge. The area reminded him of a crow’s nest.
“Some days, it almost feels like a church,” she answered. “So you’re still at Coronado, right?” Her lavender eyes sparkled in the late morning sun.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Jason came out to do Thomas’ honor flight. They were very close,” Andy added.
“Oh yes. That was awful. All the locals remember him. They’ve plastered pictures of him over several of the hangouts.” She examined her feet, and then flashed those lavender eyes at him again. “I’m so glad you could be there for him.”
The conversation came to an awkward close. Jason quickly added, “He’d have done the same for me. He didn’t have family.”
“We were his family,” added Andy.
“Indeed.” Jason held his beer up, toasting it in the air, an action Andy mirrored, just before they finished off their bottles.
Cory arrived just after they’d finished lunch. Jason hadn’t remembered him being such a clown. He teased and danced around Aimee, making her laugh. On several occasions she blushed. He was respectful, but Jason could tell Cory had stopped by to see Aimee, more than Andy.
His former team buddy pulled him aside.
“I should explain that Cory and Aimee have some history.” Jason could see pain in Andy’s eyes. “In fact, they were together when I met her.”
Jason shoved his eyebrows nearly to his hairline. “Whoa. That’s a bit awkward.”
“It’s cool. But I’m just explaining why I give him some liberties. He’s done a good job so far. If he crosses the line, I’ll put him in his place. But Aimee will always be a friend, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
“You’re a better man than me, Andy.”
“Nah, I just love her. That’s all.”
“So when’s the wedding?”
“Listen to you! We’ve been so busy getting this place ready. But I wouldn’t have put in for the transfer if we hadn’t talked about it and agreed. Probably next year.”
Jason knew why Andy didn’t have a date. Aimee hadn’t fully decided to marry him yet. But he was going to hold back on telling Andy and let him figure it out for himself.
“You’re a smart man, Andy. The woman always decides,” he said.
Andy sighed, watching the two friends laughing in the kitchen while Aimee was cleaning up. “Ain’t that the truth?” Then he asked, “What about you? Anyone you’ve got tucked away somewhere?”
“You know me. I’m a little slow when it comes to all that. But I have my eye out for something special.”
“As in here, in Florida or California?”
“None of your fuckin’ business, asshole,” Jason whispered.
They both laughed.
“You know, Damon’s out here. He and Martel are coming over Wednesday night for a little party. It will be a nice little reunion. If you dare bring that Something Special around, I’d like to meet her.”
“We’ll see. Way too premature at this point. But I’ll work on it.”
“You do that. You work on that hard.” He gave Jason a crazy grin. I’m counting on you. One by one we’re all dropping like flies. I think you’re next.”
“Don’t count your chickens. But, if I don’t come back tonight, don’t wait up for me, okay, sweetie?”
Andy punched him in the arm.
“Oh, so she lives at the beach.”
“I don’t know where she lives, but I’m going to find out.”
Jason didn’t want to answer any more questions, so he asked if Andy wanted to join him for a walk on the beach. He needed to get away from what was beginning to feel slightly restrictive.
“Go for it. I’m going to stay behind this time. It’s