6
JOHN
I’m drinking a beer while watching TV that evening, when I hear a quiet knock on the front door. I’m surprised to find Mia standing on my front porch, her hand on her hip. She’s wearing jeans and a dark green tank top, and I can’t help but wonder if she was always this stunning. She is effortlessly beautiful every time I see her.
“So I was wondering if I have your permission to go into town for dinner tonight? Am I allowed to do that?” She looks up at me with her eyebrows raised and lips pressed together.
Is she being sarcastic?
“I just thought I would make sure that was okay with you, given that I’m just a weak little woman who shouldn’t be on her own.” She gives me a little scowl that tells me she’s annoyed. She looks so damn adorable, and I can’t help but be amused, since she’s failing miserably at looking menacing. I surprise both of us when the corner of my lip curves upward.
“Um, I actually wanted to talk to you about that. I’m sorry for last night,” I say in a low voice.
Her expression shifts from annoyed to surprised.
“You are?”
“Yeah, it's not my place to tell you what to do.”
“Oh…well, you’re right. Thank you for your apology.” She gives me a smug smile. I can’t pinpoint it, but there is something about her that intrigues me. Something that draws me in. I don’t usually interact at all with my renters, but I can’t seem to help myself with her. It isn't just that she’s stunning—Hawaii isn’t exactly short on beautiful, half-naked women. It’s something else pulling me to her. It’s like my brain is consumed with an overwhelming cloud filled with memories and painful experiences of combat, but here Mia is, unknowingly making a valiant effort to push her way into that cloud.
“Well, sorry to interrupt your exciting evening,” she says, peering past me at the TV before slowly backing down the porch steps. “Unless… unless you wanted to come with me?”
I must look surprised because she quickly pushes on.
“I mean, not as my bodyguard, of course. I don’t need you to come with me. I was just being nice, as it seems you’re not doing anything fun. Anyway, never mind, I should stop talking. I’ll see you later!” She gives me a wave and turns around.
“Wait!” a voice that sounds like mine says.
There seems to be this thing that keeps happening when I’m around Mia, where my body responds to her before my brain does. That same thing happens now, when the words “I’ll come” fly out of my mouth with zero consultation from my head.
“Oh, great!” Her surprised face relaxes into a smile.
“I’ll grab my keys.” I turn the TV off and grab my wallet off the counter, all the while wondering what I just got myself into.
* * *
Pulling out Mia’s chair, I scoot it back in once she sits down. We came back to The Toasted Crab. Not only are they known for their tropical drinks, but they also have killer seafood. It has the best food on the island, in my opinion, and tourists seem to love it, too. I used to come here a few nights a week, and it was the place I missed the most when I was overseas. Besides last night, I haven’t been here in about a month. I tried to come meet Matt for a drink, but the crowds and noise just got too overwhelming, and I left before he could even bring me a beer. Hopefully, tonight will go better.
Once I’m in my seat, nerves creep up, and my heart starts slowly racing. I’m uncomfortable being out in a restaurant full of people, even though it’s something I did regularly before my tour. It’s all different now, and I feel out of place, like I don't belong.
Why did I agree to come? She doesn’t think this is a date, does she?
Shit, who was I kidding, thinking I would be able to talk to her for a whole meal? Panic rises in my chest. Luckily, the waitress is by our side and reading off the specials before the silence becomes too awkward. Mia orders a glass of chardonnay. I ask for whatever beer’s on tap. The waitress disappears into the back, and I don’t see Matt behind the bar, so he must have the night off.
“Good news, I don’t see any drunk men around tonight, so my honor should remain intact,” she jokes with a small smile.
My lips push together in a tight smile, and I clear my throat, reminding myself to not be an asshole tonight. I am capable of having a normal conversation. “Your Airbnb contract said you’re from Minnesota?”
“Yup! I love it there… I could do without the harsh winters sometimes, though. I’m happy to be here.”
“Why are you here by yourself?” I force myself to ask her the question I’ve wondered since her booking request came through.
“To be completely honest, my boyfriend and I broke up a few weeks ago, and I just needed some space. I wanted to get away to clear my head,” she says softly. “Luckily, I have an amazing boss and can do my job from just about anywhere. I’m an editor for a weekly newspaper back home.”
I zero in on the fact that she doesn’t have a boyfriend, at the same time wondering why I care. I’m not looking for a relationship. I can’t imagine letting someone into the fucked-up mess that is my brain. There’s no way that would go well. Who would want to, anyway?
“Are you close with your family?”
“My parents died when I was in high school in a car crash. My younger sister, Quinn, and I used to be close growing up, but she had a really hard time after our parents passed away. She left for college and hasn’t been back since. We talk every so often, but it’s not the same. My aunt and uncle became our official guardians, and I still keep in touch with them. The house and cottage were theirs. They moved to California before I got back.” I notice that it feels good to open up and tell her that, even though it’s just a small piece of who I am. Losing my parents was devastating, and it was a rough couple of years after they died. Then it was a rough couple of years in Iraq. I wonder if I’ll ever not have a rough couple of years, at this point.
“I’m so sorry about your parents.”
I catch her eyes and give her a hint of a smile. It really is the best that I can do. My shoulders feel tight, and I start to shift in my seat, nervous energy rising within me. My thoughts are all jumbled, and it’s hard to cut through them to form a complete sentence. At least I’m trying here, right?
Our waitress brings our drinks, and we both order the Ahi Tuna off the menu. As Mia’s ordering, I allow myself to study her a moment. Her hair is pulled back in a braid, and I notice how the dark green tank top she’s wearing compliments her eyes. Passing off our menus, Mia’s eyes shift to mine. I quickly look away and clear my throat.
“So… Matt mentioned you were in the Army?” she asks hesitantly.
My shoulders tense at the question. Most people know not to ask me about my time in the Army; it never goes well.
“Yup.”
“For how long?”
After basic training and some time in advanced training, I was deployed overseas to a base in Germany. From there, we were dispatched to Iraq. After twelve months there, I was promoted to private 1st class and extended my tour for another six months. After those six months, I couldn’t bring myself to extend again, not after what had happened. I just couldn’t do it. I was honorably discharged and came back home six months ago.
“About a year and a half.” That’s all I can give her. I’m not interested in opening that can of worms. “What are you planning to do while you’re here?” I ask, needing to change the subject.
“Well, work, obviously, but I hope to squeeze in some fun as well. I love the beach. Running in the mornings has been one of my favorite things to do so far. I hope to lounge on the beach some more. I love to read and watch the sunset. I’d also like to go snorkeling at some point too. Oh—and Julie says I definitely need to go hiking. She gave me the name of a few trails.”
It seems fitting that she’s on a first-name basis with Julie. Something tells me she likes to be social and make friends. Pretty much the polar opposite of how I usually am. How is it that I ended up here with her again?
Our food arrives, and we spend a few silent moments eating. “Wow, this is really amazing!” She says. “The only thing that would make this better would be a side of papaya. That stuff is so good.”
I chuckle, enjoying the fact that she loves a small piece of Hawaii that much.
“Do you have any recommendations for things to do while I’m here?”
I shrug and tell her about a few typical touristy things to do. When the waitress comes by, I order another beer before she can give us the tab. For some reason, I’m starting to feel more comfortable talking to Mia. That hasn't happened with a single person since I've been back, and I’m not ready for it to end yet.