Page 23 of Ripple Effect

I’m grateful she sees it that way. “A man I worked for suggested I go into the military. I was discharged on a medical disability…”

Her hand shoots across the table. “Oh Cal, I’m so sorry. When did this happen?” The worry in her eyes guts me. I’ve been telling this lie for so long, it’s become my life. But telling it to Libby is like cursing my own soul.

“Before I met you.” I shove the worry aside. “I could still serve in some capacity.”

Her hand slips away. “Yes. After you finished your last rotation is when you started working with Sam and Iris.”

I’ve been approved to tell her this truth. “Libby, I’ve always worked for Alliance, even when I met you…” Her head snaps up. I continue. “I was recruiting future employees while I was teaching, and I got called up.” The last part is a lie; Yarborough needed me on a top secret mission, but I can’t share that.

Her interest isn’t feigned. “What do you all do?”

I shake my head. “I can’t tell you a lot about it since the work we do is classified.”

Instead of being upset, she looks thoughtful. “I can appreciate that.”

I’m flabbergasted. “You can?”

She shrugs. “Sure. My grandfather, Nonna’s husband, was in the military. He took much of what he did to the grave. Can you answer general questions?”

If I ever thought Libby Akin was perfect for me before, now I know it for sure. “Some, yes.” I pick up my fork and begin eating.

She does as well. “Do you still work in recruiting?”

I shake my head. “I work more hands-on with our customers establishing projects. Some are quick turnaround; some are longer and take me away weeks at a time.”

She takes a drink of wine, swallows, before asking, “Are you able to have contact with people when you’re on a project?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Because if I’m going to consider getting involved with a man who’s potentially all over the US working on a contract…”

“The world,” I correct her.

She accepts my correction with a nod. “I’d like to know I have some way of contacting him. Otherwise I’m going to feel like I’m involved with some black-ops guy who might disappear one day and no one will ever tell me why.” Giving me a sharp look, she asks, “That’s not going to happen, is it?”

I reassure her, “You’d be told if something odd ever happened to me.” I make a mental note to have Libby’s name listed to the people who need be notified in the event of an unfortunate event. Right now, only Sam’s name is on that list, and I sure as hell don’t want him to be the one to ever have to give her that news.

Not that I plan on that occurring.

She nods. Forking another bite of cassoulet, she chews before grinning. “Must suck for y’all. The government is riddled with paperwork. I imagine all your forms have to be completed in triplicate.”

Suddenly, I’m the one laughing—something I haven’t done in years. And I’m doing it with the only woman who’s ever made me do it. “Yes. And let me assure you, it is a bitch.”

She makes a tsking sound that makes me want to pull her up for a long kiss, something I promise myself I’m going to taste before the night’s over.

Though I really don’t want this night to end since I’ve waited for it for so many years.

14

Elizabeth

Twelve Years Ago from Present Day

“You can take me back to Deja Vu,” I tell Cal once we’re back in the car.

He frowns. “It’s late, Libby. Let me just take you home and I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

I let out a low laugh. “Cal, Deja Vu is home.” At his confused expression, I explain. “I own the whole building. My apartment is upstairs.”