“Well maybe not that. Music of some sort.”
He nodded pensively. “Some of the guys liked to muck around with rap lyrics, so that could work. It’s big among street kids.”
“As is street dance. I think this could work. I’m also thinking of getting them to grow things.”
His brow creased. “Like gardening?”
I smiled at his surprised tone. “Mm… organic veggies.”
He nodded slowly. “That might work. Beats teaching them how to fire rifles and play video games.”
I sniffed. “That would be counterproductive.”
Savanah strutted by the window. Noticing me, she waved, and next minute, my glammed-up sister entered the pub.
Looking incongruous, in that rundown pub, Savanah wore a short dress that looked painted on. As her older brother, I didn’t approve of my sister’s femme fatale ways, but she was twenty-seven, despite always being that little sister to me.
Carson’s eyes landed on my sister as she swanned over, gliding along effortlessly on shoes that made her stand close to six foot.
“Starting a bit early, aren’t we?” She pointed at my barely touched beer.
She was right. I wasn’t much of a drinker. But I had the odd one socially.
“This is Carson, a mate from the army.”
“Oh, you’re in the SAS?” She looked impressed, which was mysterious given her dismissive attitude to my involvement in that elite squadron.
“Was,” he replied in that deep voice that reminded me of aged whisky and cigarettes.
“This is Savanah, my younger sister.”
Carson extended his big hand and took my sister’s pale, manicured hand. Her smooth, white skin looked out of place against his large calloused hand.
She checked him out longer than she should have. My sister had a thing for brawny guys. Normally creeps that I had, on occasions, saved her from.
“Can I offer you a drink?” Carson stood up with his empty glass. That was him, a considerate giant. Even little details like taking his glass back to the bar.
That’s why he was an important friend. Apart from sharing in the horrors of back-to-back campaigns, he was always there for everyone. Never too tired to help. A team player.
She looked at me as though seeking my approval. “Um… I’d love to, but I’ve got an appointment.”
He lumbered off, and Savanah turned her attention to me.
“He’s cute.”
“Cute’s not how I’d describe Carson. But sure, he’s popular with the girls.”
“Whatever. I don’t date them unless they have at least seven zeroes in their bank accounts.”
I shrugged. “And that’s landed you well, so far.”
“Stop being all protective big brother. I can look after myself,” she said, as her eyes followed my friend standing at the bar.
“Look, Savvie, believe it or not, Carson’s deep. So no fucking around with his head.”
“Hey, chill. One can look, can’t they?” She kept her eyes on Carson as he strode back. “Is he part of this boot camp that’s got Mummy frothing at the mouth?”
“Would you be more approving if he was?”