The older man nodded, his eyes lighting, offering his thanks before taking the bottle in his shaking hands. The water threatened to spill out of the top, so Joseph reached out to steady the bottle on its way to the man’s lips. After a long sip, Joseph replaced the lid and quietly handed the man a napkin so that he could discreetly wipe the few drops from his chin.
Nodding his appreciation, the older man said, “I try to never miss an AL meeting. Best people in the world are the vets right in this room.”
Joseph opened his mouth to agree when the man looked past him and grinned widely, saying, “And the prettiest.”
Surprised at that comment, Joseph twisted his head around, seeing Samantha standing just inside the door, her wide-eyed gaze pinned on him. Her hair was down, the dark waves falling over her shoulders. Beautiful… damn, she’s beautiful. He had no idea how long she’d been standing there watching him, but then, he also had no idea why she was there. “Excuse me,” he mumbled, turning and walking directly toward her. Her gaze never left him as her head tilted back when he neared. He’d meant to just greet her, but curiosity took over. “What are you doing here?”
Her body jerked slightly, and she blinked. “What do you mean?”
“This is an American Legion meeting.”
She blinked again. “I know.”
“It’s for members. Ve—”
“Geez, Joseph. I know. It’s for vets.”
“Yeah, Samantha. Vets… veterans… not veterinarians.”
Her hands landed on her hips, and by now, he should’ve recognized the fighting stance. “First, you don’t think I can be a veterinarian, and now, you don’t think I can be a veteran. For your information, I’m both!”
Skirting around him, she stomped away, heading toward the front of the meeting room. He dropped his head back to look toward the heavens, but with his eyes closed all he could see was the image burned into his brain of her beautiful, dark, and very angry eyes shooting darts at him. Am I destined to put my foot in my mouth around her? Before he had a chance to seek her out and apologize, the Chapter President called the meeting to order. As he made his way to a seat, he grimaced. Probably just as well… I’d only fuck things up again.
Ginny McFarlane opened the meeting, rapping the gavel on the podium. Jason, the Sergeant at Arms, marched forward with Colt bearing the colors. Everyone stood, and then the Lutheran minister offered the prayer. The Empty Chair held everyone’s attention for a moment as the POW/MIA flag was placed in the chair. The Pledge of Allegiance and Preamble to the AL Constitution were spoken in unison, then the President rapped the gavel once more.
He admired the way Ginny, one of the Baytown police officers, efficiently ran the meeting and inwardly winced again. He hadn’t seen Samantha at the few previous meetings he’d attended, and it never dawned on him that she’d been in the military. Veteran… Veterinarian… vet… and now, she thinks I’m an idiot as well as sexist.
Various reports were given, duties were assigned, and new projects outlined. Just when he thought the meeting was almost over, Ginny surprised him by asking Samantha to come forward. His gaze followed her every move from the time she stood, slipped out of the aisle she had been sitting in, and made her way to the podium. His lips curved slightly as he watched her bend the microphone down to her level even though Ginny was not very tall.
“As many of you already know…” she began, her gaze finding his, “I served with the Army Veterinary Corps, including a year’s tour in Afghanistan. The dogs I took care of were IED-trained.”
His breath caught in his throat at the idea that she’d spent a year in a war zone. Her voice was steady, her face calm, and yet he noticed her white-knuckled grip on the edge of the podium.
“The first thing I want to mention is that I now volunteer some of my time with the Save-A-Vet Organization. This organization is run through Lackland Air Force Base and is a wonderful program to help our military war dogs be adopted out to loving families. I’m not here to plea for money or for any support other than to let you know about this organization. If there’s anyone here who is interested or knows of someone who would like to apply to adopt a former military dog, I have the information. Plus, you can always ask me questions here or stop by my Hoof and Paws Veterinary Clinic.
“I have also been asked to approach the Service Committee about a fundraiser for our local animal shelter. I provide services to their worthwhile organization and they’re always in need of assistance. I’ll be working with the committee to brainstorm ways the AL can help. If you have any ideas, please contact me or one of the members.”
She released her grip on the podium and made her way back to her seat. Joseph's breath left his lungs, and he realized he’d been tense the entire time she was speaking. He wasn’t sure if she hated speaking in public or it was the subject. Afghanistan. Worked with IED-trained dogs. What did she see and do over there? There was a lot more to the beautiful veterinarian than what he’d assumed. He winced again and wondered if that was going to be a typical reaction when it came to fucking things up when talking to Samantha.
The last item of the meeting that Ginny reviewed was the upcoming elections. “We have a lot of new blood that has come into our area and would love to see you take a leadership role. It doesn’t have to be as one of the main officers, but there are plenty of ways to serve with our AL chapter. If interested, let me or one of the other officers know.”
Once they were dismissed, he looked for Samantha, determined to make amends. But as he moved closer, he could see she was surrounded with others asking questions about the dog program. A clap on his shoulder had him swing around, his gaze landing on Luke, the new medic at the county jail.
“Joseph, I’d like to get some new ink. I know the shop isn’t open all the time, and my work schedule is pretty screwy.”
“Don’t worry about it, man. You let me know when you’re available, and I’ll make the time for you.” The two men shook hands and walked out together as Jason made his way closer.
“You two heading to the pub?”
Going to the pub after an AL meeting was a habit that Joseph learned many of the members followed. Often, their wives and friends would meet them there. Part of him wanted to go home, hide away in his apartment, and wish that he could roll back the hands of time before he opened his mouth and insulted Samantha. Instead, he nodded. After all, maybe a beer and some laid-back time with his friends would help erase his embarrassment. “Sure, that sounds great.”
Thirty minutes later, he was finally relaxing while ensconced in the bar. Aiden placed a beer next to his, and a small, feminine hand with short, blunt fingernails reached past him, fingers curling around the mug. Twisting his head, he was surprised to see Samantha. He immediately slid out of his seat, offering it to her. She hesitated, her gaze going from the tall barstool up to his face, then nodded her thanks as she placed a sneaker-clad foot onto the rung and hauled herself up into the chair. It didn’t escape his notice that he was still taller than she was, even in the chair.
“I want to—”
“I’m sorry I—”
They both began speaking at the same time, and while he wanted to get his apology out, he said, “Please, go ahead.”