Chapters (27)
“No, never has been,” Birdie said.
“Was he hurt bad?” Linda asked.
Birdie shrugged. “He doesn’t talk about it, but I’d say yes. His gunner was killed. He survived. And when he comes back to the table, no more questions about war, okay?”
They nodded, embarrassed that they’d been thoughtless enough to do it in the first place.
Hunt came back with their drinks and knew by the awkward silence around the table that Birdie must have called them out about their curiosity. He owed her one for that.
It was almost an hour later before he and Birdie were alone again. Before he knew it, the man who’d been sitting with Emma was coming toward their table.
“Who’s that?” he asked.
Birdie smiled. “Oh, that’s Gordon Lee, Emma’s husband. He’s really nice.”
Hunt stood as Gordon arrived.
“Hunt, I just wanted to come introduce myself. I’m Gordon Lee, Emma’s husband.”
Hunt shook the hand Gordon offered. “Nice to meet you,” he said.
“I work in a sporting goods store in Savannah six days a week, but I’m home every evening around six. If you need help at Marjorie’s house, don’t hesitate to give me a call. I’d be happy to lend a hand.” He handed Hunt his card and then winked at Birdie.
She smiled.
“Thanks,” Hunt said. “I appreciate that.”
Gordon nodded. “Sure thing,” he said, and then went back to where the others were sitting.
Hunt could tell Emma was uncomfortable that he’d done that, but obviously Gordon Lee was a man with his own mind, and that was never a bad thing. Then he glanced down at Birdie.
“I think I’m going to slip out of here,” Hunt said. “Are you going to be okay?”
Birdie stood up and hugged him. “Yes. I’ll be talking to you again in a day or two.”
“I think I can handle that,” he said. “Thanks for the moral support,” he added.
“That goes both ways,” Birdie said. “Love you, Hunt. I’m sorry Mama had to die to get you home, but I’m so glad to see you again.”
“Love you too, kid. It’s good to see what an amazing woman you grew up to be,” Hunt said, and then slipped out of a side door and left.
Birdie saw the others still talking to friends and decided to go home, too. She put on her coat and left through the same door, grateful that this was finally behind them.