See You Soon

Macy had just finished her final interview at the base hospital. Her credentials were very impressive. She got hired on the spot as the Director of Nursing. She worked hard for her Master’s degree in nursing and was completing work for her APRN. She really wanted the position and was ecstatic when they called her back for the interview. When she was done, they had some background paperwork for her to complete. Afterward, she had to get her base credentials. She would be starting the following week. She was leaving and so giddy about her new job and wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. She didn’t realize there were troops marching past because she had her earpods in. Drifting off course, she walked right into this drop-dead gorgeous Marine. He tried to catch her, but she fell down anyway. He ordered the troops to continue on under the Sergeant's command. He held his hand out to her. Embarrassed, she took it. He had very strong hands. “Are you ok, Miss?” Macy felt her face flushing from embarrassment. She coyly looked up at him. When their eyes met, Macy felt something she'd never felt before. She was instantly attracted to him. She fumbled over words and replied, “Um, yes. I’m so sorry did I wrecked your formation?” He smiled down at her and answered, “No Miss, it’s ok. What’s your name?” She was mesmerized by his well-chiseled body, black hair, and stunning blue eyes. “Um…” is all she could say. He chuckled, “Well, I’m 1st Lieutenant Jaxon Gunner.” She still couldn’t get a word out. After a few seconds, she snapped out of it and replied, “Um. Hi 1st Lieutenant. “I'm just Macy Ferrari.” He smiled. “Well, hello just Macy Ferrari. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She giggled, “Nice to meet you too.” Jax knew he had to get back to the training, but knew he had to see her again. “Would you like to go for coffee sometime, just Macy Ferrari?” “Sure,” she blurted out. “Great, do you have a phone?” he asked. “Of course,” she answered. “Can I see it?” he asked. “Ohhh, sure.” She handed it to him. Once again, her face was getting red. He sent a text to his number. “Now we have each other's numbers. I will call you soon. Take care, and please, watch where you walk,” he chuckled. He handed her the phone, and walked away. Macy smiled, “Bye.” She looked down at her phone and saw the text he sent, ‘just Macy Ferrari’. She looked up as he walked away. He turned back and smiled. She mumbled, “Damn, good-looking and a sense of humor too.” A few days later Macy got a text from Jax. It read ‘Free this afternoon?' She smiled when she read it. ‘When and where?’ She replied. ‘Your credentials in order?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘At the Exchange around 1500 hours. Nice coffee shop inside.’ She wasn’t very familiar with what was where on the base other than the hospital. ‘wait outside for me?' Jax replied, with a thumbs up emoji. Macy smiled. She headed over to the base around 1445 hours. She had no idea where the Exchange was and hoped the signs pointed her there. She drove around for a few minutes and found the Exchange, and Jax was waiting out front. She walked up to him. “Glad you could make it,” he said with a grin. “Glad I could find it,” she smiled. “Shall we go in?” he asked. “Sure, what exactly is the Exchange?” “It's basically a department store for military members and family.” “Oh, I'm not sure DoD workers have privileges here,” she said. “What exactly do you do for the DoD?” “I just got hired as the Director of Nursing at the medical center.” Impressed, he said, “Wow, that's great. All medical DoD workers have full access to the base and the commissary. So when do you start?” “Monday.” “So you'll have the weekend off. That's nice.” They reached the coffee shop and sat at a high top table. There was a menu card on the table. “What can I get you?” he asked. “Oh, um, a vanilla latte.” He got up to go to the counter. “Very well.” As he was walking away, she was studying him like a school kid cramming for a test. “Damn,” she mumbled. He returned with the coffee and set hers in front of her. “Careful, it's hot,” he said. He sat down and added cream to his. “So, do you live near the base?” “I have a small condo about 10 minutes from here,” she replied. “And you?” He sighed and said, “Well, my parents passed away just after I enlisted. Mom had cancer and Dad died of a broken heart not long after she was gone. They always wanted me to keep the house in the family, so I moved back in. It's about 20 minutes from here in Woodbridge.” “I'm sorry about your parents.” “Thanks. They've been gone for almost 11 years now.” “How old were you when you enlisted?” “I was seventeen.” “Oh, you were so young,” she said, then realized she just made him seem old. “Sorry, I didn't mean you were old.” He chuckled and replied, “Yeah, my walker is back in my truck.” Embarrassed, she quickly said, “Cute.” “It's ok,” he added. “So now you know my old age, what's your story?” “Oh. Me? Well, I graduated from college three years ago at the old age of 25 with my Masters in Business Management and Nursing. I'm currently finishing up my work for an APRN.” He chuckled, “And what exactly is an APRN?” “It is a nurse practitioner that can do the same as doctors except for surgeries, handling complex medical conditions, and lead research.” “Wow, that is impressive.” “It pays the bills,” she laughed. “I bet. So you said finishing up. When do you expect that to happen?” “Actually, within the month. I just need to complete my certification.” “That's not far away.” “I know, but I'm excited and nervous.” “How so?” “It is a lot of responsibility to have.” “You seem very competent.” They talked a while longer, and Jax knew he had to excuse himself to go back to the office. He wanted to see her again, and soon. He enjoyed her company. “Look, if you're free this weekend, would you like to join me for dinner?” he asked. “Unfortunately, I have to get back to work.” She smiled, “I very much would like that.” “Great, is Saturday ok with you? I finish late on Fridays at the base.” “Saturday would be great.” Jax stood up and gave her a sweet little kiss on the cheek. “Text me your address and what time would be best for you.” She was flattered by his little kiss. It made her even more attracted to him. “I will.” Jax walked away. He was very attracted to her. It was like she woke something inside of him that he hadn't felt in a long time.