He felt embarrassed by what had happened last night. If they were going to have a relationship, he needed to see about getting some help. That task moved up to the top of his to-do list today. He’d see what VA services were available, and he’d make an appointment. He shuddered at the thought of delving into the things he’d seen and done, and all the loss. War sucked, as did PTSD, but he’d do what was necessary. He needed to become whole again.
“Okay. I’ll see you tonight.” MJ didn’t seem thrilled. He leaned in to kiss her, but she moved out of the way and turned to leave. Oh, boy, he’d messed this up.
After the car backed out of the driveway, he searched his phone to find the location of the nearest VA facility. Nothing in Ridgeview or nearby Green Oak. Knoxville had an outpatient office, and the nearest VA hospital was over a hundred miles away. He’d try the outpatient center. He jotted down the number. They wouldn’t be open now. He’d have time to do PT at the park with Maverick.
He hooked Maverick to the leash and off they went. He jogged slowly to warm up, and then after the first five minutes, they increased their pace. He kept his eye on the dog’s gait as they ran, ready to cut back if he saw any sign Maverick was limping. So far so good for both of them. Once they reached the park, they slowed to a walk, and he caught his breath. “Maverick, sit,” he commanded and dropped the leash so he could stretch out his leg and massage his knee. He leaned over, bracing himself as he stretched his back and hips. He was coming along.
A police car cruised by, circled the park, and then pulled up to the curb nearby. A familiar figure got out.
“Hey, Sheriff Daniels,” he called.
The sheriff held out his hand. “Michelini.”
Rob grabbed it and shook. “Any luck figuring out who burned down the apartment?”
“Nick told me about your run-ins with Kent Barnard. I went to talk with him, and although he denied it, he had nothing good to say about you and your dog. He blames you for interfering with his relationship with his ex-wife and kid. You’d better watch your back. You need to make sure he doesn’t know where you’ve moved, although it’s a tall order to keep that a secret in a small town like Ridgeview.”
“Yeah. I don’t want to put MJ at any risk. Is his denial enough to get him off the hook?”
“Nah. We’ll watch him. Let me know directly if you see anything that concerns you, and especially if you have another run-in with him.” He rattled off his cell number, and Rob grabbed the phone from his pocket and recorded it.
“Thanks, Sheriff. I’ll let you know.”
The man patted Maverick on the head, eliciting a doggy smile. Rob watched as he went back to the squad car and drove away.
Hell. Maybe he should find another place to stay. He didn’t want to put MJ in danger, but he also didn’t want to leave. Staying there had brought them closer, and he wanted that. The more time he spent with her, the more he wanted.
“C’mon, boy. I need to get an appointment with a shrink.” Yeah, he needed to have his head examined.
***
MJ drove toward Mom’s, trying not to feel hurt by Rob’s refusal to join their dinner. She wanted her family to accept him. If they dated and had a relationship, she wanted him to fit in. Didn’t he feel comfortable around her brother and mom? She thought they liked him. Nick had thawed, and Mom was supportive, as always.
She put her feelings aside and wondered how to explain why Rob hadn’t come with her. As she let herself in through the back door, she forced a smile.
“Hi, Mom! What’s for dinner?” she called as soon as she entered the kitchen.
Mom stood over the stove, tongs in hand, and chicken frying in the skillet. “Guess.” She laughed.
“Oh, fabulous. We haven’t had fried chicken for a long time. Want me to set the table?”
“No, I’ve already done it. Sit down and keep me company while I cook.” Mom shot a look in her direction. “What’s wrong? You look upset.”
Jeez, she should have known. The woman had an uncanny ability to read her kids’ emotions.
“Where’s Rob? I thought he’d be with you. Did you have a fight?” Mom wiped her hands on her apron.
“Not really. I invited him, but he didn’t want to interfere with our family time. A lame excuse, I thought.”
“Now, MJ, remember, he’s not used to being around families. His own family is gone and being around ours may be a painful reminder.”
Mom always gave people the benefit of the doubt. “Maybe. It hurt my feelings, though.”
“Honey, Rob is a grown man, and he may need some space now and then.”
“I know, but I’m worried he’s pulling away from me. We’ve been getting closer since he and Maverick moved in. We’ve decided to date.” Should she tell Mom the rest? She took a deep breath, and dove in. “Last night I found out he has PTSD. He had a nightmare, and when I tried to wake him up…well, he sort of reacted and pinned me down before he was awake.”
“Oh, honey. That must have been scary. He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
“Not really. I got mad at him for not telling me, though.” No way was she admitting they’d slept in the same bed. Mom wasn’t likely to take that news very well.
“Sounds like Rob has to work out some things. You need to give him the space
