Safe Now by HMS Brown

Author:HMS Brown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781961411029
Publisher: Leaux Cay Press, LLC

Chapter 35

On Call

Mendota, Illinois - Early summer 2013

“WELCOME HOME, STEVE!”

Loud cheers and never-ending hugs and handshakes from everyone at Uncle Sam and Aunt Evie’s farm greeted Steve the moment he arrived back. No one looked any different. An extra wrinkle or two, perhaps a little more gray, but the same smiles and the same warm hugs.

He dropped his duffle at the door and shed a layer down to his Marine-issue green t-shirt to stay cool on the hot summer day.

Boone shook his hand and pulled him in for a hug. “Good to see you, Steve.” Boone noticed his new art. “You have some new tattoos, I see.

“Yeah.” Steve grinned. “I’ve added quite a few, actually.”

“No piercings though.”

“Oh no. I’ve got some of those. Just couldn’t wear them in uniform on the way home.”

A loud and happy squeal broke through the cacophony of noise from all the well-wishers inside the Sullivan farmhouse.

“Oh sweetie, I’m so glad you’re home for good,” Aunt Evie said with a hug. “I could just squeeze the pudding right out of you.”

Steve laughed. “It’s good to be home, Aunt Evie.”

Uncle Sam greeted him with a hearty handshake and a manly hug. “Good to have you home.”

Steve couldn’t remember such a happy homecoming. He scanned the room, accepting more welcomes from everyone, but couldn’t find his brother. “Where’s Nick?”

“He’s out with the horses.” Uncle Sam led him toward the back door. “Come on. I’ll walk out with you.”

“Is everything alright?”

They stepped outside when Uncle Sam stopped and sighed, taking a moment to find his words. “I don’t know, Steve. He’s become more withdrawn lately. Whenever he comes home, he goes straight to the animals. I think they help calm him.”

“Is he okay?”

Uncle Sam bobbed his head side to side before responding. “Yeah…I think so.”

When he hesitated, Steve asked, “What aren’t you telling me?”

“He’s been…” Uncle Sam shook his head. “How do I say this? He’s been really distant. And he comes around less and less often. Always cancels at the last minute because he’s called into work or something. It’s always work. He says he doesn’t have to work and will be here for dinner, so Evie fixes his favorite meal. Then the next thing you know, he calls or texts, usually texts, to say he’s been called in and has to work. A couple of times, he had something going on with his boyfriend that he forgot about.”

“Is he really that tight for money?” Steve asked. “Because I’ve been sending him some to make sure he’s okay. Chicago’s really expensive.”

“I know, but… he’s kind of cagey about his job. I know he works in a hotel, but don’t know much about his second job. I’m just…” he turned to meet Steve’s gaze. “I’m just worried about him is all.”

Uncle Sam put a smile on his face and clapped Steve on the back. “He’ll be happy to see you. That much I’m sure of.”

Steve nodded and made the rest of the way to the barn on his own.

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