The Breakdown
Chapter 17-Tom
Tom had visited with Mike several times since his release from the hospital, and was thrilled to see his friend coming to terms with his losses, and learning to cope again. He hadn't had a chance to visit with Maddie, though. Tom had made the decision to accept her, because he thought the world of Mike and if she was important to Mike, it made her important to Tom. After speaking with both Mike and Sasha, he decided to show up at her office to take her for lunch. Her CO was yelling at her and another lieutenant with Tom walked up, but immediately came to attention when he saw Tom.
"I was wondering if I could kidnap Lieutenant Rawlins for lunch?" Tom asked, knowing what the answer would be. He still had some sway despite being retired.
"Of course, Admiral." The CO answered.
"Thank you." Tom answered simply. He nodded at Maddie and she went to get her purse. Tom had noticed that she was starting to show a little. Her retirement was being fast tracked and she would be formally retired in about a month. She rejoined him and they walked to his truck. "Mike told me you had been craving barbeque?" Tom asked.
"Yes, sir. Did he know you were coming to get me for lunch?" Maddie asked as she climbed up into his truck.
"Yes. And you don't have to call me sir. Tom is fine." Tom told her. He began the drive to a nearby barbeque place. Maddie was mostly quiet and once they were seated at the restaurant, ordered her food and waited. "You don't seem like the silent type." Tom said.
"I just can't figure this out. I knew you weren't thrilled with Mike and I's relationship and was upset about him coming home with me." Maddie answered.
"I want to get to know you better and Mike encouraged this. I thought he might have told you, but I guess not." Tom told her.
"We're still figuring things out." Maddie admitted.
"That's what Mike said too." Tom agreed.
"What was she like? Christine?" Maddie asked.
"She was amazing. The sort that always had a casserole baked, a gift bought, the right words…my wife always joked that Christine was a superwoman. She was kind, but she also was tough. She had to be. Mike isn't the easiest person, as you know. She handled him." Tom explained.
"I'm not sure I will ever compare." Maddie remarked.
"Honestly, you won't and you aren't supposed to. Something about you has caught Mike's attention. Its more than friends with benefits, because he wouldn't have asked for you in the hospital, and he wouldn't have come home with you. He maybe terrible at vocalizing it, but he does love you a great deal. He and Christine had their issues too. He doesn't love you the same, because he isn't the same person he was when he loved her. He's changed and you are a different woman. Maybe you can't cook like her, but you are confident in other things. Just be patient and don't compare yourself. I know it isn't easy and Sasha has done the same thing you're doing. The only thing I can tell you is that Mike does love you and no one expects you to be Christine 2.0; we expect you to be Maddie. I know he kept your relationship secret, but he was ashamed of himself more than anything. Ashamed because he was moving on, but not with who he was moving on with. He felt guilt for not keeping his wife and children alive, and wondered how he could promise you the same thing. It was never shame of you." Tom told her.
"He is different than from before. Before we didn't eat out. Last night; he took me a nice restaurant. He holds my hand in public too." Maddie said.
"I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. Seriously, with your retirement going through, it'll only get better. Then you'll have Felicity and won't have the energy for that stuff." Tom said.
"Mike is so sweet about the pregnancy and he is really excited about her. Not to make you throw up more, but he gives really good foot massages." Maddie teased.
"Yeah, I don't need further details. Just give him a chance. He'll surprise you. Christine was a wonderful person, but she is gone. You are here now. You don't compare because you are your own person. If Christine had a choice, I think she would have picked you for Mike. You have courage, tenacity and confidence to deal with him. And trust me, you will need all that and more." Tom told her firmly.
Their food arrived and they ate and visited. Maddie was counting down the days until her retirement and being able to prepare for Felicity's arrival. Tom had underestimated her and her commitment to Mike and building their life together. He was honestly glad he had taken her out for lunch and knew they would develop a friendship.
