Page 11 of Until Joy

“So, how serious are you about her?” Wes asked.

“She’s the first woman who’s really turned my head in years,” I admitted. “But I shouldn’t let her. She’s too nice.”

“What’s wrong with nice? July’s nice.”

I squeezed the bridge of my nose. Then opened my eyes and looked directly at the man I respected and trusted more than any other. “You know my story. Do you really think I deserve a July? A Joy?”

“Yes. Yes, I really do.” Wes sighed. “We’ve all been where you’re at. If you need us, talk to us. We’re here for you.”

“You don’t get it.”

“Don’t I? I was a SEAL team leader, too, remember? We all have ghosts. But you’re acting like you were the only man to lose people over there.” Wes’s eyes seemed to see into my soul. But still…

“They trusted me.”

“Yeah, and they died doing what they signed up to do. Are you honoring them by shutting down? By pushing people away? Cause that’s what you’re doing.”

“Sometimes I don’t know how to live with it.”

“Then learn. Learn with her. In the meantime, I’ll find out what I can about her.”

I shook my head. The man was unrelenting.

“Are you hearing me, Wallace? Are you catching on?”

“Yes,” I sighed.

“Anyway, you’re fucked.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“I see the signs.” Wes’ grin was evil. “You’ve been knocked on your ass.”

“So?”

“I’m not just saying that. You’ve been boomed.”

My eyes widened. “That’s just a bunch of bullshit you guys made up. I’ve heard the stories, and you just tell that to dick with all the other brothers around here. I’ve watched you and Z do it. It’s funny shit, but it’s a fairytale.”

“Oh really. So, tell me. How did you feel the first time you met the woman? Did you feel like picking her up and throwing her over your shoulder and taking her home? Did you know she was yours?”

I could feel the heat creeping up my neck as I remembered thinking that she was mine. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied.

“Sure, you don’t,” Wes drawled. “How many times a week have you been over to Miss Laverne’s since Joy started living there?”

“Not too often,” I lied again.

“Uh-huh,” Wes grinned knowingly. “It’s the boom all right. Join the club, Graham. Joy reminds me of July. I think you’re going to need all the help you can get.”

“She’s not, though,” I said slowly. “There’s something about her that’s a little off. Most of the time, she’s sunny and cheerful. But Wes, occasionally, she jumps at the smallest sound. They trigger her. It has me worried.”

“What are you saying? Like some of our guys who came back from the service… Like you were?”

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. “Yeah.”

Wes clapped my shoulder. “Then she couldn’t be in better hands, my friend.”

Chapter 3