Page 141 of Jonesing for a Spy

For as often as we fight, she’s good about being my mom when I need it. It’s probably one of those situations where we’re alike and rub each other wrong because of that.

“Yeah. I guess I have you to thank. You literally tossed me into his lap.”

She shrugs but a mischievous smile plays on her lips. “Your mom as matchmaker. Maybe I have a new calling.”

Picturing Hambone outside I don’t know whether to laugh or cringe.

“Thanks for today, or um, yesterday. I was able to focus because I knew you had my back.”

“Always, my darling girl. Always.” Her hand takes mine and squeezes. “It doesn’t always look like it, but you and the boys are my first priority. I’d never let anything hurt you on my watch.”

My face heats, and my eyes threaten. I know that. She’s always prioritized us. “I love you, Mom.”

“You’re the best parts of me.” She quickly amends, “And your father, of course.”

“Of course,” I repeat.

“And we’re both crazy proud of you. We were when you enlisted. I didn’t know I could be more proud than when you earned your tab. But, Mirren, your life, your choices, your respect for your family, how you handled yourself yesterday… I’m more in awe of you than I was that day in Georgia.”

I’m warmed from the inside out and fight back the tears. Nodding once, I look to Strider to compose myself. He’s still sound asleep. When I turn back to Mom, I’m surprised by the wholesome look on her face. She’s rarely not “on.” Right now, though, she’s content, maybe even happy.

“Can you figure out with the team when I’ll likely be discharged and how to get us home? Or a place to land while all this is going on? Jamie and Strider must both be exhausted.” You too. I don’t say it. “And you know they won’t let me stay here a moment after they’ve gotten their money’s worth.”

We’re interrupted by Dr. Tam and his team walking in. His gaze drops to Strider and his eyes crinkle at the corners. Without those, he would appear ageless. “Ready, Miss Jones?”

Refusing to shrug or show any petulance, I offer what I learned in the military. “Yes, Sir.” As the nurse walks toward me, I place a kiss to Strider’s forehead, the only thing within kissing distance without dislodging him. “Wake up, honey. It’s time.”

“Again? I’m too tired.” He nuzzles deeper into my side.

“I was weak.” That’s what I thought I’d never let him live down. But in front of the medical staff and my mother he went with “I’m too tired.” That’s it. That’s the one. If I have to engrave that on the inside of his wedding ring, I will.

The staff snickers. Mom laughs out loud. And Strider stirs, looking around. He’s had just enough sleep to be delirious when he wakes.

Mom knows, just by my look, that he needs help. “Come on, Anderson. Let’s find you a place to sleep. You must be so tired.” She wags her eyebrows like a movie villain and escorts him out.

“You know the drill.” The doctor says. A statement, not a question.

“I do. And I won’t fuck it up. Again.” I add the last word quietly.

“Athletes are athletes. I never expect them to find a recliner and stop living. The goal is to make it so that you live fully. Let’s make that happen, okay?”

The nurse drops one of the arm rests. “Name, birthday, social.”

I rattle them off, rote.

“Allergies.”

“None.”

“I’m going to push a relaxant.”

Not that I’ll need it. I’ve been up for nearly twenty hours. My adrenaline spiked and is gone. My mind is too tired to conjure up details. The fuzzy edges close in, and I’m under.

Strider

“Remember when you could sleep anywhere and shit didn’t hurt?” Jamie grumbles from the green chair next to me rubbing his neck and wincing.

“Yeah. I wish I knew to enjoy that time in my life. Now a bad pillow is a problem.”