The Veteran Who Shouldn't Want Me

Elaine leads Alina by the arm into a warm hallway toward the set dining table.

Elaine took the dish and then took my arm, like I might change my mind and run.

The dining room smelled like roast chicken and lemon, and the table was set with cloth napkins.

Elaine

Drew said you'd come. I set you a place.

The Veteran Who Shouldn't Want Me

Chapter 5 of 21

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Synopsis

I have a plan. Keep the boatyard running. Keep my hands steady. Keep Drew looking at me like I'm the best thing in his life. His family treats me like I belong, and I need that more than I say. Drew is warm. He forgets things. He says sorry with a kiss, then leaves me alone when his friends laugh. I tell myself his family's kindness is enough. Then his older brother comes home from the Navy. Callum is cold, quiet, and hard to look at. He acts like I'm a stain on the family dock. I want to hate him. I don't trust her. I don't want to notice her. But I do. He watches me when Drew doesn't. When I'm at my lowest, his contempt cracks, and I see something that scares me. I think he wants me too. I can't want him back.