The gentle oceanic breeze blew against Brandi's cheek, making her hair fly into her eyes. She brushed the strands behind her ear, gaze never breaking away from the title lapping the shore. The sun was disappearing over the horizon, and she found herself wishing for a true sunset.
The young woman had thought that after she left her cheating ex, something as trivial as Rooster showing up again wouldn't matter. She was wrong. It mattered so much that hr sight was hindered by tears threatening to fall. Was this all some sick joke? After almost a decade of radio silence, Bradley decided to show up. Sure, it was only because of a mission, but that piece of it made it worse. For Bradley Bradshaw, the Navy was and will always be placed first.
"Hey, Hooker," called Hangman. He joined her side and held a beer to her. "You left this."
Brandi huffed. "Thanks, Jake. You know, you may be the definition of an ass, but at least you're a gentleman."
"Thank you, I think."
Brandi pushed his shoulder with hers, standing on her toes to reach, but even then she was still short. "I mean it, Jake, you've been through hell for me. "You treat not just me, but every woman with decency. Hell, you've even managed to get Theo and Evelyn to warm up to you."
Hangman chuckled, thinking about how cold Brandi's older sister was when they first met. The humor in his gaze disappointed at the thought of Allen, the cheating asshat that hanged Brandi. A part of her was missing, she didn't joke as often and when she did they were sarcastic remarks. And to rub salt into the wound, her dad had been diagnosed with cancer just days before.
"That reminds me," he thought aloud. "How's your dad?"
The tears she was trying to will away poured down her face and Hangman took her in his arms without hesitation. "It's not looking good, Jake. I'm terrified, I don't know what to do - I don't know if I can do anything." What was wrong with her? How come she couldn't tell Mav the truth? Had she truly become that cold and isolated? Seems the vow she made all those years ago had finally come through.
"Only thing to do is hope and pray, and make memories while you can. You can get through this, we didn't name you Right Hook for nothin', darlin'."
Brandi huffed out a laugh and pulled the sleeve of her sweater over her hand, wiping the streaks of tears.
