Don't Say Goodbye (Navy Book 2)

Chapter 8

When Charlie pulled up in front of Hilliard's house it was almost six. She had no clue why she had even come. She told herself that it was to talk to Devon, but in reality it was so that she wouldn't have to be alone. She froze on that thought. She had never considered herself lonely before. When she had gone away to school being alone meant being safe.

The front door opened and Devon was there waving at her. It was too late to turn around so she got out of her car and walked up the walk.

"Come in and meet my husband. We decided to grill out." Devon led the way to the back porch. It was odd to have someone playing hostess to her in Hilliard's house.

When they hit the backdoor the dogs were there to greet her. She gave them each pats and then directed her attention to the two men at the grill. They looked a lot alike and could almost pass for brothers. Hilliard was a little taller but not much and his hair was a shade darker, but the real difference were the eyes. Hilliard's were green and Josh's were grey and cold as they assessed her. There was something about him that made her uneasy and she was having a hard time putting her finger on it.

"Charlie, I'm sorry I don't know your last name," Devon said as she began the introductions.

"Temple."

"Charlie Temple, may I introduce my husband Josh McIntire. Josh this is Charlie." Charlie stayed on the other side of the porch not making a move to shake his hand. She just nodded a greeting.

If he thought it odd he didn't say anything as he nodded back.

"I'm having some wine Charlie, would you like a glass?"

"No thank you, I'll stick with water."

Devon excused herself to get the water, and Charlie took a seat at the table while Ares promptly sat on her feet.

"So Charlie tell me all about yourself," Devon said as she returned with their drinks.

"There's not much to tell." Charlie knew that Devon's line of questioning could lead nowhere good.

"Where are you from?"

"Here, Virginia." Charlie took a sip of water after clearing her throat uneasily.

"So are we, Josh and I. Where in Virginia?" Devon wasn't giving up, despite the cold shoulder Charlie was trying to throw her.

"The Arlington area."

"So are we!" Devon seemed excited, but all Charlie felt was sick. She should have gone far away to school and not stuck so close to home. She didn't know why she stayed. She had often wondered.

"Do you work?" Devon asked, providing Charlie with a chance to change the subject that she took quickly.

"No, but you do. Dr. Hilliard tells me you are a psychologist as well."

"Yes, I focus on body language."

Charlie was pleased that she had turned the conversation off of herself, but when Devon didn't elaborate Charlie had to think quick to keep the conversation off of herself. "How did meet your husband?" She looked over at the two men who were bent over the grill.

"We grew up together." Devon followed her gaze and smiled lovingly at her husband

"They look a lot alike. They could pass for brothers."

"Yes they could, they hear that a lot."

The two women were silent for a while as they watched the men grill, but Charlie did her best to keep her gaze from wandering over to Hilliard and focused on Ares who was still sitting on her feet.