Small Town SEAL's Saving Grace_An Older Man Younger Woman Romance Read online

  Takumi was gone as quickly as he had appeared.

  “Presentation is definitely nice. Shall we give it a try?”

  “Let’s. I can’t remember the last time I had tea. I’m a coffee guy.”

  “But you know how to say thank you in Japanese.”

  “Always a good word to know. In any language.”

  We poured each other’s tea and raised our glasses for a quick cheers. We take a sip.

  The minute it hits my lips I know this is something special. It has a woodsy taste, but very crisp. It reminded me of Paraguayan mate, but sharper. Sharper, but somehow pleasing. It was just the right temperature. Warm and soothing in my mouth and throat. I felt like I didn’t even need to swallow. It just found its way to all the right places.

  “Amazing. Simply amazing.” Grace says as she lowers her cup.

  “I don’t know much about tea, but I do know this is out-of-this-world good.”

  “No question. Takumi is truly a master at tea.”

  “Now I can’t wait to try this guy’s coffees.”

  “You mean coffee.”

  “What?”

  “Coffees would imply more than one. It’s coffee, because you get whatever he gives you.”

  We both laugh.

  “Well, when your tea service is this strong you’re allowed to do whatever you want.”

  “I like it actually. It removes all the choice. You just show up and are served. Of course it wouldn’t work if he didn’t know what he’s doing, but that’s never the case.”

  “And just imagine if we could get kids to try this. I’m sure he’s got something for post workout. Something a million times healthier than those sugar water choices they have to choose from.”

  “I like where this is going.”

  “And those drinks are cold, which are a shock to the system. He surely has something warm which is easier on the body and absorbs and gets to work much quicker.”

  “I thought you didn’t know a lot about tea.”

  “I don’t but I know what the body needs to function. When you’re sitting in the same spot for hours and hours on end you learn a lot about yourself. And the human body.”

  “Can you share an example?”

  “Let’s say you’re observing someone or something in the desert. Mid-day sun overhead. No cover. You’re trying to blend into the ground or the side of a mountain. The human eye tracks for movement so you obviously can’t move. If you’re lucky you have a Camelback where you can periodically get some hydration. You might also have to take photos or other things.”

  “Dare I ask? What about the bathroom.”

  “I’m sure you can guess.”

  “Sounds terrible.”

  “It is.”

  “Don’t they have drones for that kind of reconnaissance work?”

  “They do, but in some cases they don’t make the most sense or they just can’t reach tight areas without upsetting the natural flow of things.”

  “So that’s when they send you in?”

  “That’s one of many things a SEAL might be required to do. Many, many, many things.”

  “And did you always know you wanted to live this kind of life?”

  “A SEAL?”

  “Not specifically, but that lifestyle.”

  “I knew I wanted to be my own man. Do my own thing. Not rely on my family or anyone else to make my way in this world. I was always fit and enjoyed the outdoors and helping others so it was a natural fit.”

  “I enjoy those things too, but I never considered swimming in piranha filled swamps to blow-dart bad guys.”

  “That’s child’s play.”

  “You’re joking me?”

  “So is this sitting position making your legs as numb as mine?”

  “Nice deflection. No, I’m used to it. I like to curl up like this and read a book in the evening.”

  “Any recommendations?”

  “Wherever You Go, There You Are. It’s by Jon Kabat-Zinn and it’s about mindful meditation.”

  “Sounds right up my alley. I’ll give it a look.”

  “And it could also be a good thing for the kids.”

  I had started to take a drink of my tea, but stopped. Returning the cup to the small table just off the floor. I held eye contact with Grace the whole time.

  “You really love kids, don’t you?”

  She stared back at me deeply. Also setting down her tea.

  “I do. Kids and animals. Those things in this world that can’t always fight for themselves. That and those among us that might just need a little push to get going in the right direction.”

  “And you’re really committed to helping.”

  “It’s why I became a teacher. The proof is in the pudding.”

  I take a sip of my tea. Reminding me of it’s crisp yet calming effect once again. The sharp taste. The rich woodsy aroma.

  “I hope people come to your gym, Caleb. You can really do a lot of good around here.”

  “It’s not mine yet. I waiting on the rental agent to make sure I get the place.”

  “When will you hear back?”

  “I was expecting by today, so I guess it could come at any minute.”

  “Are you checking your phone non-stop? You must be excited.”

  “I am excited, but my phone is off right now.”

  “Ut-oh. You’re not undercover right now are you? You’re not going to kill me and bury me in the backyard?” Grace winks.

  “I was hoping to keep it a secret, but since you asked, I really hope you enjoy your last tea on earth.”

  We laugh.

  “Actually I always turn off my phone before I sit down with someone. Old habit.”

  “That’s a nice habit. I wish more people had it.”

  “And you?”

  “What about me?”

  “I haven’t heard any beeps from your phone this evening.”

  “Let’s just say great minds think alike.”

  “Your phone is off?”

  “That, or I’m a Russian spy working under cover.”

  “You can’t be a Russian spy?”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you’re not Russian?”

  “All the better for my disguise.”

  I bend over nearly horizontally I laugh so hard.

  “What you think I’m joking?”

  “Either way, you’re doing a good job.”

  “Ok, I have to admit something.”

  “Which is?”

  “I’m not actually a Russian spy.”

  “That’s a shocker.”

  “Because I’m a former Soviet bloc spy. I spy on Russia and the U.S.”

  “And what have you learned so far?”

  “That the U.S. has much hotter service men.”

  “All that work and that’s all you’ve learned?”

  “That’s the most important thing.”

  “And by servicemen do you mean all branches?”

  “All branches are sexy in their own way, but one stands out.”

  “Hmmm…the Air Force? You like pilots?”

  “I do, but since I was a girl I preferred swimming to staring at the sky.”

  “So that would mean the Marines?”

  “Well, they are a division of the Navy, but there was another Naval division I had my mind on.” She winks.

  “You know SEALs don’t domesticate well.”

  “Why? Because you need to buy a swimming pool and a beach ball and they can’t live in cold climates.”

  “That and they’re always gone. You can’t find them above water or below. It’s like they don’t exist.”

  “Like if I go to the bathroom right now and come back you might not be here?”

  “Who said anything about me? You’re the Russian – Former Soviet bloc spy. It’s you I should be worried about.”

  “You’re very quick Mr. Caleb.” Grace says in her best Russian accent. I try not to laugh, but can’t contain myself.

  “
Let’s make a deal.”

  “And that would be?”

  “We both use our powers for good. In this case to help kids get on the right track.”

  “I can’t even joke about that,” Grace says. “It’s something I really want to do. You’ve got a deal.”

  We shake on it again in the kid’s agreement manner.

  “And if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”

  I notice our tea is almost finished.

  “It looks like we’re almost done with our tea. It’s probably best to call it a night, but let’s exchange phone numbers and we can plot and plan our next move. I think an engagement at the school would be a good step once the gym is locked down.”

  “Agreed, but there’s no reason to wait when you can start making a difference right away.”

  I pause. “You know what? You’re right. If you can set up the event at the school we can get started right away.”

  “I like your spirit soldier.”

  “SEAL or Caleb. We don’t really like being called soldier.”

  “OK, Caleb. I like that name anyways. It’s masculine and rugged. Like how a man should be. I bet you even have calluses on your hands.”

  “You were sneaking some peeks?”

  “I didn’t need to. With your name and line of work it’s almost 100% guaranteed.”

  “A man’s going to get roughed up a little if he’s going to get any real work done these days.”

  “I wish more men thought that way.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s hard to find real men these days. Those in the mold of my grandfather. That World War II generation. Men who build things with their hands. Men who open doors. Men who support their women. Shoot, at this point I’d almost settle for a guy who helped me bring in the groceries.”

  “Why haven’t you?”

  “I can’t settle. I know there’s someone out there for me. Someone I don’t have to compromise for and who doesn’t have to compromise for me.”

  “You think?”

  “I know. You don’t?”

  “I agree. I was interested in your conviction. Seems pretty strong.”

  “It is. I’d rather be an old lady with 57 cats then settle. Eventually it’s not going to work out if you do that. First you’ll be mad at the other person, but ultimately you’ll be mad at yourself.”

  “Sounds like you’ve thought this through.”

  “It’s psychological decision making and compromise. There are a million ways to approach it, but when we’re talking about a soul mate it really has to be your soul mate. Each other’s soul mates. Not the guy TV and advertising tell you to like. Not the guy your friends want for you. Not the guy your parents want for you. The guy you want for you. The guy you need for you. The guy you can’t live without. And he can’t live without you.”

  “I couldn’t agree more. Except of course change the word guy to girl.”

  We both laugh.

  “I think the only thing we should settle on is the tab. Let me pay and we can continue this conversation another time.”

  “Agreed. How much was my part?”

  “Are you joking? It’s on me.”

  “I like to pay my half or what I’m responsible for.”

  “I’m glad that you’re a responsible person, but I’m old fashioned. A man pays and that’s that.”

  “But––“

  I lift my index finger close to her lips in the sssh position.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I pay and we leave Takumi with a handshake and a bow. I walk Grace to her car parked just down the street on a small side street with no streetlights.

  “I had a great time.”

  “Me too. It was really cool to check out this place and have such an enjoyable conversation.”

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  She had pressed the door unlock on her keychain but didn’t seem to be in a hurry to get in. We gazed into each other’s eyes. Part of me, ok most of me, wanted to grab her and lay her out on the hood of her car and do things to her I’d wanted to do to her since last Saturday. Another part of me was thinking long term. Not that some passion on this perfect evening would cause any issues with the long term, but I just didn’t want to pull the trigger. As much as I wanted to grab her and take her right here and now, a bigger part of me had to much respect for her and I wanted to soak in her presence for a few more seconds.

  “I should get going.” I says.

  “Is your car nearby? I can give you a lift.”

  “Thanks, but it’s OK.”

  “Are you sure? It’s no trouble.”

  “I appreciate it, but I’d like to take in the fresh air.”

  “OK, but if any bad guys, or should I say Russian spies, sneak up on you I won’t be there to protect you.”

  “That sounds pretty dangerous, but I think I’ll take my chances.”

  We both smirk.

  “Good night, Grace.”

  “Good night, Caleb.”

  I turn and don’t look back. I could hear her car pull away safely so I continued walking towards the direction of the house. I had a lot of steps in front of me. Steps that would help me reassess everything that had happened this evening. Not that I really needed to. Everything had been perfect.

  CHAPTER 9

  I was sleeping like a log when I hear my phone at exactly 9 a.m.

  “Hello.” I say.

  “Good morning, Caleb. This is Rachel. Sorry for taking a bit longer than expected to get back with you but I have news regarding the rental.”

  “OK.”

  “Congratulations. You got it!” She says.

  My head was still spinning from waking up in the middle of REM sleep so I stopped and pinched myself to make sure I was awake. Affirmative.

  “Great news. What’s the next step?”

  “We can meet today to sign the papers and collect the first month, last months payment, and the security deposit. And of course give you the keys.”

  “OK.”

  “What time’s good for you?”

  “How about 10:30?”

  “Perfect. There’s a great spot downtown we can meet and grab a coffee.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Feisty Fido’s. Do you know it?” She says.

  I laugh to myself. I guess a little louder than I thought.

  “Yeah, I’ve heard of it.”

  “Great. See you there at 10:30.”

  “See you there.”

  I roll over and sit on the bed. Jeremiah had left a note on the counter last night that he’d be out running errands all morning. I look over at the corner of my room. Yep, my boots were still there. They were about to take me back from where I had just come.

  After a quick shower I reached into my backpack and pull out the necessary cash. I put it in my front pocket and am out the door and on my way.

  I arrive early, but go inside anyways.

  Takumi greets me with an “Oh!” and a bow. I return the bow.

  “You really like here?”

  “I do.”

  “Please. Choose any seat.”

  “Thank you.”

  I try a different part of the teahouse. Partly out of curiosity and partly to avoid the weirdness of Takumi seeing me with a different girl barely 12 hours later in the same spot. I’m not that guy and I definitely don’t need to cultivate that type of reputation.

  He could see from my body language I was waiting on someone and left me to myself. About 10 minutes later Rachel arrives. She spots me immediately.

  “Congratulations, Caleb.”

  “Thanks, Rachel.”

  “Have you ordered?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Ok, great. It works a little differently here.”