Chapter Ten
Tanner returned after a couple of hours. He didn’t apologize for his behavior or say where he had been or what he’d done. When Oakley cautiously approached him, he watched her skeptically until she started a conversation, not once mentioning his outburst and behavior that morning. Only then did he ease back, perhaps trying too hard and feigning amusement.
At least he consented to join her for lunch with her former boss. It took some pleading, but she stubbornly refused to give up, encouraging and virtually dragging him to the restaurant with her.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Tanner complained as they walked into the spacious dining room of a local restaurant.
Oakley glanced across the room until she spied Dr Miller. “It’s just lunch. Besides, he’s my old boss. Last I knew he doesn’t bite, he bathes daily, brushes his teeth, and knows better than to pass gas in mixed company.”
Tanner’s lips twitched. Counting that for a tiny victory, Oakley led the way.
Dr Miller climbed out of the booth, stood, then waited for Oakley to do the introductions. His silver hair shone in the bright light, the only indicator of his advancing age while his strong arms and shoulders filled out the Oxford shirt while his pants accented a strong torso and legs. He definitely stayed in shape.
“Dr Miller, this is Tanner. Tanner, Dr Miller.”
Both men shook hands, intently staring at one another for a long moment before Dr Miller indicated they should sit.
Oakley slid in first, scooching over so Tanner had plenty of room.
Dr Miller sat opposite them. “Nice to meet you, Tanner. Oakley’s told me very little about you, I’m afraid.” He grinned, winking at Oakley.
Tanner glanced at her before refocusing his attention back on the new arrival, tilting his head this way and that before speaking. “Military?”
If the question surprised Dr Miller, he didn’t show it. “Marine. Ages ago.”
“What unit?” Tanner pressed.
“Ninth Marine, Vietnam.”
Tanner whistled low, leaning back in his seat. “Hamburger Hill. Damn.”
The older man nodded. “Not my fondest memories.”
“I bet. Talk about FUBAR.”
Dr Miller grinned. “You can say that again.”
“So, what do you do now?” Tanner asked.
“Teach at the university, which is where I met your lovely neighbor.” He grinned at Oakley.
She smiled back, watching each man as they continued to talk. Tanner appeared to relax once he’d determined Dr Miller’s past experience. Almost like a mutual comradeship clicked, respect included. But when Dr Miller mentioned his service, Tanner sat up and took great notice, as if he’d found something to latch onto, hold tight to and be able to glean from the older man. She sincerely hoped this worked out. Maybe, just maybe, Tanner would feel comfortable enough with a fellow Marine, one with experiences similar to his, who could advise him on handling the guilt eating at him. He needed, deserved, to receive help and all the support he could get in order to take back control over his past.
They’d set up a meet and greet, purposely not telling Tanner that Dr Miller worked as a psychology instructor while practicing as a licensed psychologist specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Oakley knew if she had conveyed that information to Tanner, not only would he have adamantly refused, but he might also have lost all faith in her as well, believing she’d tried to force him into something he didn’t want. Instead, she hoped that by meeting Dr Miller, Tanner would grow to like the man as a person, lessening the bull-headed stigma he placed on therapy. For all intents and purposes, this outing was nothing more than lunch with her former boss. With luck, today would prove to be a springboard for future occasions.
The waitress interrupted with menus. Each made a selection, including a beverage, and they sent the young woman on her way. She returned shortly with their drinks, setting a glass in front of each one before scampering off again.
“So, Tanner, has she conned you into running those five-k races with her?”
Tanner grinned. “Oh, yeah. Good thing I have long legs.”
“He almost killed me, I swear,” Oakley tossed in as both men chuckled at her.
“Hey, you said it was your best time ever.”
“Well, that’s true.” She smiled, full of pride.
“She used to pester the tar out of me, trying to get me to run with her.” Dr Miller took a sip of his soda.
“Did you ever?” Tanner followed suit, taking a big swallow.
Dr Miller shrugged. “Couple of times. I try to stay in shape, although running is hard on the knees, especially when you get to my age.”
Oakley shook her head. “You’re only as old as you feel.”
“Which makes me ninety-five today.”
She snorted. “Your nose is growing again.”
Tanner glanced from her to Dr Miller then back again. “Why is it that body parts grow when you’re around?”
Heat blasted across her face. Her former boss guffawed while Tanner sat there with a mischievous grin. “Neanderthal.”
By the end of lunch, Oakley decided their meeting had been successful. Both men seemed to enjoy themselves, holding the majority of the conversation. Tanner appeared relaxed and gave the impression of having formed an easy bond with her former boss. They went so far as to exchange phone numbers before heading their separate ways.
She waited until they hopped back into his SUV before asking Tanner’s opinion. “So, it wasn’t as bad as you envisioned, huh?”
He turned the engine over and pulled out of the driveway. “No. He’s a good man.”
“I agree. He made for a great boss too.”
“How long did you work for him?”
“Three years as his graduate assistant. I would love to have done more, but three years is the maximum you can do at the university, even with a double Master’s degree.” She looked out of the side window, watching the scenery go by.
“For everything he’s been through, he seems like a normal guy.” Tanner stared straight ahead, his voice low, as if he were talking to himself.
Not sure if she should respond, she finally found her voice. “He learned some ways to handle his past, ways that work, and I think he really enjoys life.” There. She had put the seed in his mind. Perhaps it would germinate enough for Tanner to seek out Dr. Miller for advice.
Tanner remained mute the rest of the trip. Once they reached home, he shut off the engine and turned his attention to her. “What are your plans?”
She smiled. “Letting Hercules out to pee.”
He rolled his eyes. “Smartass. I meant after the essentials.”
Oakley considered the question for a couple of beats. “Well, if you aren’t too busy, I thought you could show me more of that self-defense you’re so proficient at.”
A wicked smile slowly grew on his face. “And once I pin you?”
“To the victor go the spoils?” No sooner had the words left her mouth than she wished them back. Her face burned as he laughed. Hyena.
“I think I’m up for that challenge.” His eyes sparked while his dimples popped with amusement.
“Oh, boy.”