Unlikely Lovers

Chapter 7

Brandon and Caitlyn drove in silence to the hotel. "How did you know I have a room here?"

"The key card was in the cupholder, and it's the only one near the VA." Brandon stated matter-of-factly." Look, why don't you go get a hot shower, and we meet up for dinner. We'll discuss the future, OK?"

"I have no idea what 'next steps' you're referring to, but I won't turn down free food right now." Caitlyn didn't like how strapped for cash she was at the moment. Spending the last few months on leave had left her savings a little bare. She also had a baby to consider now too. She was still having trouble wrapping her mind around her luck.

"I promised to look after you, remember?"

"Fine, I can be ready in about an hour?" Cait's stomach rumbled as they parted ways.

After Cait had disappeared, Brandon made a call to Tyler.

"Well, that didn't go as planned."

"Ya think? At least she isn't upset with you."Tyler said dejectedly.

"She hasn't known me long enough to be angry with me. My next steps might cause her to be mad. How is the housing market where she lives?"

"It's pretty good. Just depends what your looking for. Why? What's your plan?" Tyler had a fear where he was going with this, but wanted me make sure he was right.

"Well, she needs to be watched after. I don't want to upheave her life, just make it easier ya know?"

"I was planning to get a place and have her stay with me until she decides to be on her own,"Or fall in love with me. Tyler added to himself.

"What would you think of getting one with me? I know you haven't known me in person for long but you've looked into me. You know I only want to protect her from harm. Besides, I can't always be around. This way she has someone there no matter what."

"I should be able be released in about another week. They want to make sure the bone graphs are healing nicely before I'm able to do out patient services."

"It'll probably take me that long to find a place that meets all of our needs."

"My sister is a relator, she can probably get you listings by the end of the day if I message her what it's for."

"Would she approve of what we are planning?"

"She'd be tickled pink knowing her friend was being taken care of."

"Let her know we need a three bedroom. If they have a shop area nearby it'd be ideal. Cap it at like no more than 250k for it."

"That is gonna give you a large list to look at."

"I'd rather have too many choices than not enough." Brandon answered honestly.

"My mother is calling. I'll have her text you a link for the listings." Tyler hung up and answered his mother.

***

Brandon still had time before he had to meet Cait so he went ahead and called Tony to give him an update on how things are going.

"Hey dude! What's up in Podunk?"

"You know Podunk is 4 towns over right?" Brandon said playing the joke.

"All the same to me. You ready to come back to reality?"

"Wish I could, my brother left things a mess. Turns out his fiance is pregnant and he gambled all of their saving away. Even their house is up for foreclosure," Brandon said sadly.

"So throw some money to her to help her keep the house and raise the child and get back here. Problem solved." Tony said.

"It's more complicated than that. She is having trouble with her blood sugar and I don't trust his bookie to stop trying to extort from her."

"Like father like son. I'm happy you didn't fall into their disease."

"Yeah instead I beat the s**t out of those who were too stupid to know better." Brandon said sarcastically.

"So I take it you're not going to be back any time soon? What do I need to tell the boys and your clients? They can't be left in limbo."

"I'll have a more concrete plan after tonight."

"Let me know so we can get back into production mode."

Tony hung up without saying goodbye. Brandon knocked on Cait's door and momentarily lost all ability to talk. Dressed in a flowing summer dress and slides with her hair partially pinned back, she looked radiant. "You ready to eat?" He said once he could speak again.

"Sure lets go." Cait grabbed her purse and they headed out.

***

Tyler answered his mother's call.

"Hello, dear. How's the leg doing?"

"My leg is getting stronger each day. How are things back home?" Tyler asked

"Its going. Do you have an idea when you'll be back? I can have your old room fixed up for you."

"I'm gonna try to get a place with Cait. There is something going on with her and I'm going to help her."

"Hope you tell her how you feel. She'd be a great addition to our family." Tyler's family all knew how he felt about her, but Cait herself seemed to be oblivious to his feelings.

"Its complicated. Jeremy's estranged brother is sticking around now." Tyler explained.

"Well she was yours first. Make sure he knows he's not alone in wanting her"

"He's not a bad dude. He has a high paying job and can protect her."

"You are a vet who went and fought for your country, known her since she was young, and have more than enough investments to keep you guys living comfortably." His mother reminded him. " Don't think you can't compete with him."

"Enough about me and my issues. What had you guys leaving so fast?"

"Don't worry about it. We are still resolving the issue." She answered vaguely. " When can we expect you?"

"I should be back home in about a week or two."

"Well let us know before you get here so we can make dinner reservations. Have Cay and Jeremy's brother join us."

"Will do. Love you mom."

"Love you more, my darling."

Tyler stared ou the window after his conversation with his mom, thinking about his next move. Cait belonged with him, didn't she?