Page 226 of One More Kiss
Chapter3
Simon steppedoff the plane and took a deep breath. It was official. For the first time in ten years, he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted to. No set schedule, no 0400 wake up and mandatory PT. No guns going off or supply runs into hostile territory.
Shit, he could drive to a restaurant and order tacos at two in the morning if he wanted to. He really should have been elated about the freedom, but if he was honest with himself, it scared the hell out of him.
For the past ten years, the Army had designated nearly every move he made, and now it was all up to him.
“Simon!”
He turned to see Tucker walking toward him, and he smiled. Damn, he had missed his friend.
“Man, I’ve missed ya.” Tucker gave him a hug and slapped him on the back before releasing him.
“You too, man.”
“Wanna grab a beer?”
“Absolutely.” Simon hefted his duffle up higher onto his shoulder and followed Tucker through the airport.
“So, how was the flight?”
“Not bad.”
“You doing alright?”
“Yeah, just a different feeling, man. Being back and not having to report in anywhere.”
“I can imagine.”
Simon stared out at the familiar scenery that now seemed so alien to him. He’d been back a handful of times, but since both his parents moved out of state after he deployed the first time, Tucker was the closest thing to family he had locally. He had some money saved up though, enough to get him by until he figured out just what the hell he wanted to do now.
Damn, what was he going to do now? Other than the military and a few handy traits he’d picked up over the years, he had no marketable skills, no college degree.
“How’s Brooklyn?” he asked, wanting out of his own damn thoughts for five minutes.
Tucker grinned, and Simon felt a surge of happiness for his friend. After Tucker’s nasty divorce, it was about time he found a decent woman.
“She’s fantastic, man. We’re great.”
“Good, I’m glad.” Simon had met Brooklyn and her friends briefly when he’d been in town right after Easter to look for a place to live. They’d all been very welcoming, but he’d spent the most time with Brooklyn since she and Tucker were joined at the hip.
“You up for dinner with everyone later?”
“Honestly, I think I just want to get settled if that’s alright. I’m thinking I’ll order a pizza and unpack.”
“Totally get it, man. I took your tubs over to the apartment yesterday, so they’re waiting for you when you get there.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
Tucker shrugged. “I know. You talk to your parents?”
“Nah, they’re on a cruise.”
“Do they know you’re out?”
“Nope.”
“You gonna tell them?”
