AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Mr. Matthews?”
“Yes.”
“This is Ryan from the VA hospital.”
I sat up, rubbing my eyes with my free hand, “Yes?”
“We’d like you to come in today so we can discuss your benefits.”
It was the call I had been waiting for. One of the counselors at the VA in Georgia had helped me apply for benefits, but they said I would have to wait two to four months before my name came up. In the meantime, I had been establishing myself in Singer’s Ridge and was doing a pretty good job of it. Still, with help from the VA, I could eliminate my rent payments, possibly get some money for food, and consider a better education. Whatever they were offering, I was going to take.
“When?” I asked.
“Can you be here at ten?” the counselor responded.
“Yeah,” I answered.
I swung my legs out of bed, delighted to discover that I was already dressed and ready to go. I checked Uber but the closest driver was almost a half hour away. I needed to get to the VA administration building in Nashville and I only had an hour to do it. By the time Uber got here, turned around, and went backto the city, I would be at least ten minutes late in the best of circumstances. I needed a ride.
I called Porter at work. “How did last night go?”
“Fine,” he said.
“Is Gina upset?”
“Not really.”
“Good.” I rushed into the real reason I had called. “I have an appointment at the VA today. I’m sorry, but they just called. I didn’t know about it until now.”
“Okay, no problem. You can take the day off.”
“Thanks, but I also need a ride.” Suddenly, it didn’t feel so bad to ask for help, at least not from Porter. He had a way of quietly reassuring you that he had your back, as if all the time he spent in recovery had taught him a thing or two about responsibility. I knew he hadn’t seen combat, but I felt we had shared a similar journey. Maybe he was further along than I was, having a few sober years under his belt. If the service was like addiction, then I was newly clean and struggling to maintain my sobriety.
“I’m sorry, man, but I can’t be out of the office today. Otherwise, I absolutely would take you.” He understood what I was asking even without a direct request.
“What about Danny?” I asked.
“Henry’s off, and that would leave me with no drivers.” Porter paused. “What about your dad?”
I sighed, not wanting to consider that possibility. “He’s probably busy.”
“I’m sure he’d jump at the chance to help.”
“Okay, thanks.” I hung up.
I wanted to stare at my phone for a long moment, then trudge into the kitchen to make myself some coffee, but I didn’t have time. I couldn’t ask Aly. She was working as well. Gina was probably already in Nashville at work, and after the debacle of last night, I didn’t want to further burden her. It looked like it was my dad or Uber. I called him before I lost my nerve.
“Linc?” Dad’s voice sounded hopeful.
“Yeah, it’s me.”
“This is a nice surprise. How are you?”
“I’m good, but I need a ride to the VA in Nashville,” I said, forcing the words out. Asking my dad for a favor still felt wrong, like I was being a burden.
“Sure, I’ll be right there,” he said.
“My appointment’s at ten,” I added quickly, so he would know that we had a limited amount of time.
