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He looks at me for a moment.

"What?"

"Nothing. You look different."

"Older?"

"Meaner."

"Fuck off."

He laughs.

"There he is."

For a minute, it's like we're back in the Army, giving each other shit after a long day.

Then my phone buzzes.

Kierra.

Everything okay?

I type back.

Yeah. Heading home soon.

Three dots appear.

Should I prepare a formal report for your return, or will a verbal briefing suffice?

I grin.

"That a woman?" Mel asks.

I lock the screen.

"Yeah."

"Well, I'll be damned."

"Watch it."

He raises both hands.

"Didn't say a word."

"Didn't have to."

"She must be something."

I think of Kierra spread on my table this morning, looking at me like she wanted everything I was offering.

Then her smile afterward.

The way she wrapped her arms around me in the shower.

"She is."