“Ready to kick me out of Eagle Tactical?” I asked, mildly joking with him. Jaxson, one of our other special force’s brothers, kept insisting I join the guys. We were all military brothers and had served together.
On occasion, I had helped them out when they needed an extra set of hands for a case or an assignment in the field.
“No, you’re staying. I just want to get back in the field with you again.”
The truth was that I loved the restaurant that I’d worked hard to make a success, but getting back to work would still be a few months.
The restaurant needed a lot of repairs. The dining room had been trashed by the dozens of bullets that had rained down on the interior. I had an insurance agent working with me for the repairs, but it would take time.
I brought two glasses of water to the table for Hazel and Mason. I filled the third glass and set that down in front of my plate, taking a seat at the kitchen table.
“You look like you’re doing better,” I said. Being shot took time to heal, physical therapy to get a range of motion back, among other things.
Hazel remained quiet as she dished out her lunch on the plate in front of her.
Mason grunted. “I’m ready to get out of this house. No offense to Hazel,” he said and glanced at her. “You’ve done a wonderful job taking care of me. I’m just not used to having someone look after me.”
Hazel smiled and patted his good arm. “No offense taken, and I understand. I’d love to go out and get a drink, socialize.”
He’d always been independent, even with the ladies. I couldn’t remember Mason ever having a girlfriend live with him. He’d kept his relationships pretty quiet, though I’d seen him take a woman home once or twice from the bar.
“We should do that tonight,” Mason said.
“You’re not supposed to be drinking,” Hazel reminded.
He grumbled under his breath.
“She’s right,” I said, stepping in to defend Hazel. “We all just want what’s best for you. If you’re on painkillers, you can’t be drinking.”
I took a sip of water and placed the glass back on the wooden table. “If you want to come out tonight for an hour, just to get out of the house, I can drive you home.”
The bar wasn’t that far from Mason’s place. It was too long a distance for him to walk after his injuries, but it wouldn’t take long for me to drop him off if he wanted to see the guys for an hour.
Anything longer, and I worried that he’d overdo it and tax himself. Mason wasn’t good at asking for help.
Mason took a bite of lunch, his gaze on the food in front of him.
I couldn’t tell if he was pleased with my suggestion or was going to ask me to leave.
“An hour’s better than nothing.”
“How about we all meet after dinner but a little on the early side?” Hazel asked. “That way the bar won’t be as crowded.”
Her gaze met mine, and she didn’t have to say the real reason she wanted to meet earlier.
I sensed it already.
Mason would be too exhausted later in the evening.
He had dark circles under his eyes. His hair was messy, but that was probably more because he hadn’t showered today.
“That sounds good, and I’m sure the others will be on board with that too. I’ll text them and let them know to meet us at the bar at seven tonight,” I said.
I finished the last of my lunch.
Mason looked beat, and I didn’t want him to feel that he had to entertain me or be kept awake.
“Take a nap. I’ll see you tonight,” I said. I helped Hazel put the rest of the food away and into the fridge.