Part 2: Behavior Unbecoming an Officer
Kacy stepped forward. "Rick, you disappeared at the party. I tried your cell - no answer. I came here to see if you'd made it home okay."
"Bullshit, you ditched me!"
Kacy gestured Rick into the other room, and I of course eavesdropped.
"Rick, I saw you go into that bedroom with Angela Morris."
He was silent. The hickey on his neck condemned him.
"Look, I can't deal with your jealousy anymore," he responded angrily, searching for a way to put her on the defensive.
A moment of silence followed.
"Rick, please," Kacy said softly. "It was just a matter of time. Let's not make this any harder than it is."
Rick sighed. "Yeah. We were better off as friends."
Kacy cleared her throat, though it sounded almost like disguising a laugh. "No hard feelings?" she said soberly.
He hesitated a moment before responding. "Yeah, I guess. I'll see you around."
"Take care, Rick. And call me anytime you need help with calculus."
Kacy re-entered the kitchen, leaving Rick in the other room. "Well Major Pierson, I guess this is good-bye for now."
I smiled at her act for Rick's benefit. "Kacy, please, in my home call me Craig. And it's a small base, I'm sure we'll see each other around. Stop in and have some chamomile tea anytime."
She winked at me. "Thank you, Craig. I will. So long."
And with that Kacy Ramos walked out of the door and out of my life for the near future, and left in her place a bittersweet longing.
The days following were torture. Saturday and Sunday dragged on forever. I couldn't even enter my living room without getting instant wood, recalling what happened on that old sofa. Evenings found me at the sports bar or O club, just to have some company while I ate. But there was no way to escape the emptiness at the house. Though I wasn't sure it was a good idea for Kacy and I to see each other, I sorely missed her. Damn, I missed that girl!
The following week I threw myself totally into work. Though it was hellishly busy, I was grateful for the long hours of distraction. My boss Lt. Colonel Mueller was on a three week conference in Europe, so I had to do his job and mine, and answer directly to his boss Colonel Steele. I hadn't interacted with her much, but she was a good commander. I had a meeting with her that Friday afternoon.
After we'd concluded our business, the work day was nearly over. Col. Steele took the time to chat a bit with me. She learned of my divorce and my trouble with Rick. She spoke of her divorce and remarriage, and empathized with me on the difficulties of raising teenagers. She had a comfortable way of speaking, and was not an unattractive woman. We had a real rapport going. Then the conversation turned a bit.
"Craig, I get the feeling you're a bit distracted lately."
I froze. I thought of Kacy constantly, my inner conflict yet unresolved. Was it that noticeable? "Ma'am, has my work been suffering?"
"No, no, nothing like that. I just want you to know that if you or anyone else who works for me has a problem, I'm available to discuss it."
I sighed and smiled in relief. "Thank you, Ma'am, but it's just woman troubles."
"Oh?" She gave me a sly smile. "Women are difficult creatures sometimes. But I may be able to give you some insight."
"Well," I paused, searching for the right way to simplify things. "It's not a big deal really. There's a woman -- a civilian - I really enjoy spending time with, but she's got a lot going on. She's going to school and just broke up with her boyfriend. So I just want to wait a little while before we pursue a relationship."
"Ah, that's prudent. You certainly don't want to be the rebound guy, do you?"
I laughed, "No, I don't."
Just then someone knocked on the door, and Col. Steele called them in.
"Hi, Mom, are you busy?"