Don't Say Goodbye (Navy Book 2)

Chapter 22 (The End)

A month passed and Devon never once mentioned Kellan or even Josh for that matter. Their relationship was strained but she got the feeling that it was from outside sources. She didn't doubt that Kellan and Josh both told her to butt out and she was doing just that.

The Dinner parties continued and Kayla still gushed about her man.

December rolled around and that meant the annual awards banquet. Charlie had no plans to go but Devon said she was presenting and needed all of the support she could get. When Hank told her it was mandatory she groaned and bought a dress.

They were psychologists, why did they need awards? She had said as much to Hank and he had simply said that every other occupation had awards, so why not theirs?

Charlie arrived late and sat at a table near the door. The awards were just starting when she arrived so she was able to slip in unnoticed. She looked over the room and spotted Devon's red hair easily enough, she was sitting with two men in uniform and her heart stopped at the realization that it was Kellan and Josh. Next to Kellan sat Kayla looking like the preverbal cat that got the cream.

It was painful to watch as Kayla kept leaning over to him, whispering things in his ear, her long nailed fingers curling around his arm like talons. No longer able to take the view; she about to leave when there was applause as Devon approached the stage.

Charlie realized that she couldn't leave until Devon had finished so she focused all of her attention on her.

"This award is one we give out every year to the therapist that has made the most difference. They are nominated by their patients and co-workers. This year we had an unheard of three nominations for the same person..."

Charlie tuned her out, and she was thinking about her best exit strategy when she heard her name called.

"Charlie come on up here." Hank leaned over speaking into the microphone. She felt one of the people at her table pat her on the back in encouragement. Not knowing what to do she rose and moved to the front of the banquet room. Devon and Hank came around the podium and they each hugged and kissed her as they handed her the award.

"Are you surprised Charlie?" Hank asked, grinning down at her as he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"Yes."

Someone told them to look at a camera and their picture was taken. Devon excused herself and then her picture was taken with Hank before she started back towards the table she had been sitting at. She had to pass Devon's table and as she passed a hand shot out grabbing her arm.

"Join us," Kellan insisted, pulling her down into the chair next to him.

Not having a choice she sat her award on the table with a shaking hand. "My purse..."

"I'll go get it," Devon offered, leaving the table.

"It's good to see you again Charlie," Josh said as he sipped his wine.

"You too Josh, it's been awhile."

"Congratulations on your award," Kellan said as he finally released her arm.

"You look lovely tonight," Devon said as she handed her purse to her.

"Thanks." Charlie was wearing a red strapless dress that fell just below her knees. It was a simple cut that had boning in the top to hold it in place and she had wound her hair up into a chignon on the back of her head which allowed her bare shoulders and neck to be shown to their full advantage.

Kayla remained silent, shooting her petulant looks.

"Would you all excuse me for a moment," Kellan said, rising from his seat and leaving the banquet hall. The awards continued and Charlie sat quietly, trying to focus on her award and not the way Kellan had looked in his uniform.