HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY! (And for those of you who don't celebrate Thanksgiving, HAPPY THURSDAY!)
This past week has been pretty ridic, and I was worried that when you combined all that with Thanksgiving, I wouldn't get this chapter out in time... We currently have my mom's entire side of the family at our house and everyone's stuffed from the HUGE Thanksgiving dinner we had...ughhhhhh food coma haha. Also, because of this, no judgement on any mistakes in this chapter hahaha
Side note, I did NOT win the bet on Friday. Chad's team beat my team like, 35 to 13 or something like that. He texted me after the game to remind me I owed him a beer, so I texted back asking when...and no reply. He's known as the worst texter in the world among his old fraternity brothers so Saturday afternoon I tried calling to see if we could set up a time...and nothing. Hopefully he responds soon, but poor luck haha.
Anyway, it's story time!
Chapter Nineteen
The anticipation of Easy Company's arrival nearly killed Meg. She rearranged her quarters so she could sit near the window and look out, keeping an eye for any sign of movement. She also tried to spend as much time as possible in Colonel Sink's old office. She did all her decoding there, her ears perked for any noise that the 101st was back. Adam's letter hadn't mentioned when, only that they would be returning. She knew it had to be happening soon, otherwise they wouldn't have informed Adam of it, but when there was a war going on, time was different. For all she knew, the orders had changed and they wouldn't be coming back to Aldbourne at all!
Those thoughts terrified her the most. She was practically driving herself even more insane here at Aldbourne. Unlike the men of the 101st, the current men stationed at Aldbourne didn't know what to think of her. For the most part they avoided her, only involving her in a conversation when they had to. She knew the men of Easy Company were extremely friendly with her, but she didn't realize just how friendly they were until she was given the cold shoulder by a similar group of soldiers.
Her days were spent decoding letter after letter. When she had downtime, which was rare, she'd often head to the shooting range and practice her aim. At least the current CO was kind enough to let her try her hand at different guns they had on base.
Still, if the men of Easy Company didn't return to her soon, she was probably going to go completely out of her mind.
Finally, what she had been waiting for came on July 13. She was sitting in the Colonel's office, typing her daily letter to the IIA when she heard footfalls outside. Those footfalls were followed by more...and more. Meg knew there wasn't any reason for all the men currently stationed at Aldbourne to be walking on that street at the same time; they were out doing a field exercise that would take all afternoon. Rising from the chair, she walked out the front door, a large grin stretching across her face when she recognized some of the men walking past her.
"Meg!" a voice shouted and she laughed as Joe Toye pulled her into a hug, lifting her up and swinging her around. It was a similar action to what he had done months ago on New Year's Eve and it made her even happier than she had been at their arrival. "You're a sight for sore eyes!"
"So are you," she replied as he set her back down. "I've been going crazy here by myself for the past month."
"Well we'll just have to make up for lost time," Bill said, walking forward to pull her into a hug. "Hiya sweetheart."
Meg smiled, pulling back and giving them all a kiss on the cheek, giving George an extra squeeze as she hugged him tightly.
They all looked different somehow, but she couldn't put a finger on it. What she did recognize, however, was the reasoning behind it. When she had last seen them, the men of Easy had been unaffected by war. They had been innocent and carefree, unaware of what was looming in their future.
Now they were the opposite. If she had to pick one word to describe it, she would say harder. They seemed harder to her, almost as if all the fighting and bloodshed had hardened them to reality. Still, there was no questioning the twinkle in their eyes as they relaxed at the sight of home.
It was weird to refer to Aldbourne as home, but for the past year that's what it had been. Even though she had been here for less time than them, Meg also thought of Aldbourne as a secondary home, she had spent so much time here in the past.
"I'm so glad you all are alright," she said as Muck, Penkala, and Malarkey joined them. "Did we lose anybody?"
The boys smirked at each other at her use of the word "we." While previously her ability to hide emotion had left them wondering, now there was no denying it: Meg Myeroff cared about them just as much as they all cared about her.
"Uh, none that you would know," Malarkey thought for a moment before responding, and immediately Meg felt a sigh of relief wash through her. Her fears over the past few weeks had not come true. Still, she felt slightly saddened that her favorite men had had to experience the loss of some of their fellow soldiers. Just because she didn't know the ones killed didn't mean they hadn't.
"Tipper, Blythe, Popeye all got injured though," George added.
"And Talbert, don't forget him," Muck said and Meg's eyes widened.
"What happened to Floyd?" she asked, wondering why they had only mentioned him as an afterthought.
"Smith stabbed him with his bayonet," Liebgott explained casually and Meg gasped. "Don't worry, he's fine. Just got a few more holes in 'im," he added quickly and Meg sighed. Injured wasn't preferred, but injured was better than killed. Injured meant there was still a chance, and judging by the way the lads were reacting to George's statement, Meg thought the men mentioned had pretty good odds.
"Well hopefully they're alright. I'm just glad you boys are in front of me right now," she said as she pulled both George and Joe back to her. They were standing the closest and she needed to feel the comfort of hugging them. She needed to know it wasn't all a dream. "We'll have to go out tomorrow night and celebrate."
"For sure we will," Bill said. "And you'll be celebrating with us right? None of those higher ups or anything." Meg rolled her eyes, shoving his shoulder playfully. "I just ask because you know, we hear things," he explained with a smirk and a few of the guys chuckled.
"Things?" Meg asked, and the boys all nodded, causing her stomach to fall slightly. "Things like what?" she added cautiously.
"Like how word's gone round that you and Lieutenant Nixon were getting cozy on D-Day," George said as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, acting as if this was normal conversation.
Meg laughed, brushing the accusation off.
"That was just a spur of the moment thing. It could have been anybody," she said, thinking fast. "I had just spent the last three hours ripping bullets out of soldiers and I hadn't heard a thing about any of you. Then there he was and I knew at least some of you would be alright."
"I dunno what pisse-er, annoys me more," Joe Toye started, throwing Meg an apologetic look at his slip up. "The fact that you chose to get cozy with Nixon, or the fact that you were in Normandy on D-Day and the rest of us didn't see you."
At his statement, the other men added their own opinions, mostly in the form of "yeah!"
"For the record," Meg started, trying not to grin as widely as she wanted. They were mad they hadn't seen her! "For the record," she repeated as they quieted down, "I tried to stay and see you lads, but I was called back to England and was told I had to get on the first ship out. I begged with everyone I could but Colonel Sink refused it. I saw Nixon right as I was being sent to board the ship."
"Whatever," Muck said, waving it off. "We've got our eyes on you missy."
Meg was about to shoot something back at him when out of the corner of her eye she spotted Adam walking their way. He looked healthier than she thought he would, but then again he was used to this type of thing. Still, she couldn't help feeling her stomach swell when she caught sight of the deep look in his eyes.
"Excuse me," she said to the men as she walked past them all and ran up to her brother, grabbing his shoulders to look him over.
"Meg," Adam said, laughing, the deep look disappearing as happiness replaced them.
"You're alright," she said, looking at him before pulling him in for a tight hug. "Thank God you're alright. You have no idea how worried I've been."
When they separated, Meg was surprised to see a small scowl on Adam's face.
"What's with the sudden rush of caring? You never used to be this worried about me on missions before," he said and she shrugged.
"Missions and wars are two different things," Meg replied as she looked at the rest of the men, fishing for a certain face.
Finally spotting Dick's tall head of red hair, she knew Lew would be close by. As she moved to swerve around Adam, he caught her wrist, holding her back.
"Meg we have to talk," he said, his eyes switching from Lew to her. Meg sighed, turning to face her brother. She had hoped this discussion would be held in private but it looked like it was going to be held now.
"Anything you have to say I probably already know," she said and now it was Adam who sighed, running a hand down his face.
"So you know he's married then?" he asked and she nodded slowly. "And that doesn't bother you at all?"
"Well of course it bothers me," she practically shouted at him. "But aren't I allowed to have a little happiness after all this time?"
"I just don't want to see you get hurt, and that's the only way it can end Meg. He's married, he has a kid; that's who he'll go to when this is all over."
"You don't know that," she said softly but Adam gave her a knowing look. "I'm not having this discussion now," she announced, silently crumbling. Why was Adam doing this to her? Why was he acting this way, and in public for Christ's sake?
Turning on her heel, she rushed away from Adam and toward where she had spotted Dick, craning her neck to see where the tall Lieutenant had gone. She frowned when she spotted him, quickly noticing he was limping.
"What happened?" she asked, ignoring Lew for the time being as she turned to Dick.
"Ricochet," he explained but she had suddenly noticed something on his uniform.
"Captain huh?" she asked, winking at him. "Congratulations." Before he could respond, she turned to the man she had been eagerly awaiting. "Lieutenant," she said, holding back every last piece of her that was dying to jump into his arms. She crossed her wrists behind her back, her need to hug him was too strong.
"Meg," Lew said with a nod and a wink. From his stance, she could tell he was antsy too. Dick rolled his eyes before limping forward.
"I doubt you'll be missed for the next ten minutes," he said to Lew as he walked past them.
"My place," Meg said before turning and heading in that direction. She knew Lew would take the quicker route and sure enough, she saw him walking through the door just as she was approaching. Looking around to make sure no one was looking, she jogged the last few feet, rushing through the doorway and coming to a stop.
If Meg ever doubted how much Lew really loved her, those feelings left when she saw him standing there waiting for her. They both broke out into ridiculous grins as she closed the gap between them, reaching up to look him over, similar to what she had done to her brother.
And just like with Adam, Lew laughed at the action.
"Meg, I'm fine," he said but she ignored him, checking to make sure there weren't even any holes in his uniform. Finally satisfied, she took his cheeks in her hands and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
"I was so worried, and then you never sent any letters-"
"Neither did you," Lew added but she rolled her eyes. "Besides, Adam told me not to send you anything because you had enough on your plate."
"Let's not talk about Adam right now," she said and Lew knew from her tone not to push the matter. "All that matters now is that you're here, I'm here, and we're both safe."
"I missed you so much," Lew said as he pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. Meg smiled, feeling giddy. Hearing Lew say that made her know that he really did love her as much as she loved him.
"I missed you too. London feels so long ago."
"Four months is a long time apart," Lew agreed, placing a kiss on her neck.
"We haven't really been apart for four months-" Meg started but Lew cut her off with a kiss.
"I don't count our five minute meeting in Normandy," he told her and she nodded, kissing him again. "I probably have to report to Colonel Sink," he said against her lips, making no other move to leave.
"Alright," Meg said, not making a move to go either.
When another five minutes had passed with neither breaking the kiss, Meg finally pulled away.
"Did Sink say anything to you by the way?" she asked, adding "about our reunion in Normandy," when he looked at her questioningly.
"He gave me a few solid looks but nothing other than that," he told her and she smirked. "Besides, there's not really anything he can say anyway."
"There is if you're late," she reminded him. "I don't want to go getting you in trouble," she added with a chuckle. "The boys have already mentioned our little display in Normandy."
"After I give a few of them latrine duty they won't mention it anymore," Lew said but Meg knew he was joking. "Alright, I'm off. Will I see you later?"
"I dunno," Meg said with a shrug. "Adam picked up on the gossip and he's not very happy about this."
Lew sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Did you really expect anything else?" she asked and he nodded, giving her the point. "He doesn't really have any authority over me but if he gets Marco involved things could get ugly."
"Well we don't want that to happen," Lew said, placing another quick kiss on her lips. "If you happen to be able to get away around say, midnight tonight and can meet me outside the mess, I'm sure no one would find out."
"Just like no one would find out about you carrying me home?" she asked and they both chuckled. "Alright, I'll see what I can do. If I'm not there by 12:30, go back to bed. Lord knows you need a good night's sleep."
Lew leaned in for one last kiss, making it last longer than it should. Then with a tip of his hat he turned and left, leaving her slightly breathless.
Apparently, that was how it was always going to be with him.
"I wish you'd stop looking at me like that," Meg said rather harshly, not looking up from her mirror where she was pinning up her hair for the night.
Adam sighed, sitting up to face her better from where he was laying on his bed.
"I'm just worried about you," he said. "You have no idea the rumors I heard while I was over there."
"What kind of rumors?" she asked, trying to be nonchalant about it and hoping Adam wouldn't see how miserably she was falling at it. One word from him to Marco and she could be pulled out of Aldbourne for good.
"Well I already knew Nixon and Welsh visited you in London so that was no surprise," Adam started, lying back down. "But then I heard Nixon spent his last 48-hour pass there with you...alone. When you add that rumor to the one of you two from D-Day it certainly makes things seem pretty serious."
"You should trust me to be smart," Meg said but she knew what she was doing with Lew was probably the stupidest thing she had ever done.
"Where'd you get that necklace?" Adam asked suddenly and Meg stopped, pausing in the middle of putting in her last pin. "And that bracelet. The only jewelry I've ever seen you wear before is Mother's wedding band."
"They're just things I've had lying around," Meg said casually as she checked to make sure all of her hair was tightly wound. She didn't want one part to be curlier than the other come morning. Another reason for this action was so she could hide her fingers in her hair. If Adam noticed the one piece of jewelry she wasn't wearing was their mother's ring, he'd likely overreact.
"Meg," Adam said in a warning tone, causing her to pale. "They're from him aren't they?"
Her silence was all he needed.
"You know I think you're being stupid."
"I know," Meg said, wondering how much she was going to get yelled at. She glanced at the clock. It was already 11:30 so she hoped Adam didn't go on for too long. She had to meet Lew.
"Well," Adam said, drawing the word out and making Meg glance up at him through her mirror. "I guess you're too old for me to forbid you from seeing him. You're a grown woman who's done a lot more than other women her age...I can't really tell you what you can and can't do."
Meg spun around in her chair, looking at her brother.
"Just be careful alright?" he asked, smiling softly at her. "I doubt the US Army would appreciate me killing one of their men."
"So you mean you're alright with this?" Meg asked, shocked by his admission.
"Not so much with this situation; I'm just alright with anything that makes you happy, even if it may not last."
Meg smiled widely, rushing from her chair to hug Adam tightly.
"Thank you," she said and he just hugged her back. The situation was somewhat childlike, and she smiled. It had been a long time since she had felt like this around her brother. Just like with the men of Easy Company, experience had hardened Meg and Adam as well. This small display of childlike affection between the two was a sweet reminder to how life used to be.
Despite Adam's acceptance, Meg still kept her meeting with Lew a secret. Pretending to fall asleep, she was glad when Adam soon retired too. Staring at the clock by her bed, she watched the minutes go by until it was midnight. Listening for her brother's even breathing, she tensed when she realized he was still awake. Hoping he'd think she was just going to the latrine, she got up and pulled on a light bathrobe and a simple pair of flats.
Meg didn't realize she had been holding her breath until she was outside, silently shutting the door behind her. It was only after she started walking down the path that she realized being so quiet might have been stupid. If Adam really was awake, he would have wondered why she was trying too hard to be quiet.
Her worry went out the door when she spotted the silhouette leaning against the wall of the Mess. Smiling to herself, she sped up her pace, coming to a stop beside the familiar figure.
"I didn't know if you were going to make it," Lew said and she reached out in the darkness to find him. When their hands brushed, she linked her fingers with his.
"I'm not sure if Adam was awake or not but I'll just say I had to use the latrine or something. He won't be suspicious."
"If that's your excuse, we don't have much time..." Lew said and even in the dark Meg could tell he was smirking.
"Then come here," she said, pulling him to her. Their lips met hungrily and Meg sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck to hold herself up against him.
She wondered if she would always feel this way when he kissed her. Her stomach turned to something like goo and her heart seemed to splash as it dropped right into it. Her legs went weak like jelly and it took almost all of her focus to keep from sliding to a puddle on the ground.
It wasn't long before Lew decided he wanted more. Pushing Meg up against the wall slowly, he pulled his lips away from hers, trailing them down her neck to her collarbone.
"Lew," she whispered, pulling him closer to her. In response he let go of her and took her hand, dragging her inside the mess hall. Although it was nighttime outside, it was much darker inside. Meg's eyes were nowhere near adjusted when Lew picked her up and practically tossed her on a table, coming to stand at the end and hover his torso over her. Their lips attached again and Meg reached for Lew's belt.
This was no moment of romantic, intimate passion. This was a moment of need for both of them. It had been four months since they had been together; four months of waking up each day and wondering if the other was alive. Lazy, intimate kisses could wait until later. Right now they just needed each other; needed to feel each other; needed to know each other was really there in flesh and blood.
While Meg worked on Lew's trousers, Lew pulled loose her bathrobe tie, pushing both sides to her arms before tugging up her nightgown, his hands sliding up along the skin of her thighs. Meg sighed, rolling her head back and closing her eyes.
Noticing she had stopped, Lew finished with his trousers, pushing them down before grabbing her hips and pulling her to him.
When Meg moaned, Lew stopped, staying still as he kissed her to get her attention.
"Stay quiet. I could get court-martialed for this and who knows what they would do to you," he said and she kissed him back, subconsciously moving her hips against him.
"Don't stop," she whispered and he nodded his forehead against hers, picking up speed again.
Not even 10 minutes later they were both spent, leaning all their weight against the table they were on. A bead of sweat dripped down Meg's nose and Lew kissed it, reaching up to brush her damp hair away from her face. In response she stretched her arm up and ran her fingers through his short, wet hair, pushing it back.
"Remind me not to eat off this table the rest of the time we're here," Lew said breathlessly and Meg couldn't help but chuckle at the inappropriate comment.
"Well look who showed up!" a voice shouted the next night and Meg strained her neck as she moved through the crowd of men.
It was nearing 10 o'clock and she had promised the boys she would spend the night with them at the bar. Opting for the black sheath dress she had passed over on her second weekend here, she had paired it with a pair of red heels, wishing there were other women around to appreciate them. However, that small wish was fleeting; she was glad to be the favorite among the men of Easy.
"Hiya boys," she said as she sat down at the table, looking at all the paratroopers around her. Bill, Toye, Liebgott, Shifty, Malarkey, Muck, and George. All her favorites were right here, safe from harm and out of the war for the time being. For the next few nights she would be able to sleep a little more peacefully.
"Don't you look good," Bill said and Meg blushed.
"Yeah like a pinup," George said with a wink and Meg knew her blush was deepening.
"But tonight you're our pinup," Toye specified as he set down his beer. "Not the officers'."
"Yes yes, I've already been informed I'm only allowed to stay with you boys tonight," Meg said with a roll of her eyes. "But that only works if I have a constant flow of alcohol within my reach."
Immediately three glasses were pushed forward, causing her to laugh.
"I missed you boys," she teased as she picked up a beer and took a deep gulp.
"The feeling's mutual," Bill told her and she smiled at him.
It felt like they'd never left.
"So then, right when he's getting ready to leave, Winters leans over and goes 'Hey Bill, I'm not a Quaker!'" Malarkey said, finishing his story and causing everyone at the table to burst into laughter, whether they'd heard the story before or not.
Meg was laughing so hard, she had tears in her eyes. Gasping for air, her eyes flicked around the room and landed immediately on Lew. It seemed as if her ability to pick him out in a crowd hadn't changed in the last few months.
He grinned when he saw her catch his eye, tipping his whiskey glass in greeting. Meg smiled and sent a small wave his way.
Wrong move.
"I saw that," George whispered next to her and Meg quickly dropped her hand, embarrassed at being caught. "Let's dance," George suddenly announced, pulling her from the table before she had time to protest.
He led her onto the somewhat empty floor and quickly pulled her to him. As they swayed to the music, Meg could tell by his attitude that he wanted to say something. It didn't take long before she was proven right.
"I understand that you and Nixon are sweet on each other," he started and she leant back lightly to look at him, "but come on Meg, be a little less obvious."
If this was Adam telling her this, she would have shot back a witty retort. Hell, if Nixon had told her something similar in a different situation, she probably would have responded the same way. This was George though, so instead she found herself actually bowing her head in embarrassment.
"You're right," she admitted, suddenly realizing how stupid her little wave had been. Just because the men around her loved her, didn't mean they wouldn't gossip if they saw what was going on. From what they had accused her of earlier, it already sounded like they were gossiping about her and Lew.
"I already told you I support this whole thing between you and him, but what I don't support is you being stupid about it," he said and she sighed. She already realized what she did was wrong; did he have to keep pushing it? "Just be a little smarter. I thought you were a spy...aren't you guys supposed to be intelligent?"
At his comment, Meg couldn't help but laugh.
"I prefer the term agent, and yes I am intelligent, just not maybe when it comes to situations like this."
"Well sharpen up," George told her, letting go of her hand to tap her on the nose.
"I really did miss you George," Meg said softly, turning the conversation serious again.
"I missed you too Meggy," he replied and she winced slightly at the nickname. George didn't seem to notice however, and instead went on to tell her another story about their time in the field.
As she listened, Meg found herself tuning his words out. Instead, she focused on his voice, feeling comforted by hearing it again. While his humorous tones continued to reach her ears, she looked over his shoulder at all the men in the room.
They were older, wiser, more serious, and changed in more ways than she could even imagine. But despite all of that, they were still the men of Easy Company. They were still her men of Easy Company.
"Mind if I cut in?" a voice asked and both Meg and George turned to see Adam standing there. Knowing he couldn't say otherwise, George released her hand and gave her a comical bow before heading back to the table.
"I didn't think I'd see you here tonight," Meg said as she and her brother began dancing.
"Well I knew that if I wanted any chance of seeing you tonight, this is where I'd have to come," he told her, but before she could roll her eyes he continued. "Besides, over the past few weeks I've gotten to know these men pretty well. I understand how you felt now, feeling so attached to them. They're easy to get along with, aren't they?"
Instead of answering, Meg simply nodded, her mind already wandering to think them all over. It was cheesy, but each man was special in his own way. In most situations like this, there were clashes or an inability to mesh together well. Easy Company, however, had been ridiculously lucky. To Meg's eyes, they were the perfect combination.
"You've changed," Adam's voice brought her back and she looked at him with raised eyebrows.
"Sorry?" she asked, slightly confused. "Changed?"
"Yeah," Adam said, pausing in the conversation to spin her out and in as the dance required. "You've changed so much, and I don't even think you realize it. Before you came to Aldbourne for the first time, you were broken Meg. Marco and I were sure you were done for. He told me he didn't think you'd ever go on another mission again."
"Really?" she asked softly. Meg was shocked. Marco had actually thought that about her? He had actually told Adam he thought that?
"Mhm," Adam replied. "Then we showed up at Aldbourne and after you were just here a couple days I could already see a difference. Flash forward to you leaving Aldbourne and I knew you were different for good. You were happier; more you than I'd seen you be in years."
"So I changed back to how I was before..." she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. Adam knew what she meant though, and he nodded.
"But not just that. London changed you too. You grew up Meg."
Meg didn't know whether to be pleased or insulted by this statement. Did he mean she was immature up until then? Before she could ask though, Adam continued on a slightly different train of thought.
"I used to worry about you every night. Every night Meg, whether we were together on a mission or separate, I used to always take some time and just sit and worry about you. But now I know I won't anymore. You've done a lot of growing these past few months and I know you can take care of yourself. I'm proud of you, and I know Marco is too."
As his short speech finished, Meg found herself wiping her eyes lightly. Her brother wasn't one for eloquent words. In fact, this was the most impressive speech she had ever heard him say, and she had sat in on most of his debriefing meetings back at the IIA.
"Oh Adam," she whimpered before pulling him in to a tight hug. His arms wrapped around her waist and she smiled, squeezing him tightly.
They stood like that for a few minutes, just enjoying the comfort of the other. Glancing up, Meg was quick to spot Lew heading in their direction. When he saw them standing there he paused, realizing he was in the act of interrupting an important moment between the siblings. Meg smiled at him, tossing him a wink. He understood and nodded his head in the direction of the table he had been sitting at. She gave a small nod, not wanting to disturb Adam from their hug.
A few minutes later they broke apart, Adam giving Meg one final squeeze.
"I love you, you know that right?" he asked and she nodded, willing herself to not start crying again.
"Of course I do silly," she chose to say instead, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. "And I love you too."
"That's the only reason why I worry," he continued, "because I love you. But if Lewis Nixon is what you want, then he's what I want for you too."
Although they had had this conversation the night before, hearing Adam phrase it that way made her feel so much better. It wasn't his complete approval, but from his statement she knew he supported her. He wouldn't be telling Marco about it, and if Marco found out, she knew Adam would support her in defending herself.
"Thank you Adam," she said with a wide smile and he nodded.
"Well, I'd hate to think what you'd do to me if I didn't support you," he said, trying to play it off. Meg wasn't fooled though, so she found herself hugging him again. "Now go on. I've been watching you all night and I know you haven't said a word to him yet. He's probably over there watching us right now."
Meg chuckled as she pulled away from her brother and walked over in the direction of the bar. After ordering herself a drink, she sauntered over to the table where Lew and Harry were sitting. She grinned at them as she sat down in one of the empty seats.
"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Harry stated and Meg grinned wider, taking a large gulp of her drink.
"You're not the first one to tell me that," she informed him, shooting a soft glance at Lew. He smirked at her before taking a swig of his own drink. Looking away from him, Meg caught Harry's glance and he rolled his eyes teasingly at her.
"So what have you been up to here? Your brother told us you were stuck in Aldbourne," Harry started the conversation.
"Yes I have been. I've been here for the past month or so. I'm the direct contact for agents in the field so I've been decoding correspondence all day every day," she tried to make light of the situation.
"Sounds boring," Lew teased but Meg shrugged.
"Depending on the letters," she added. "I read a lot about you boys in those letters. They were the most boring," she said before smirking into her glass. Instead of saying anything, Lew and Harry simply laughed.
A sudden movement caught her eye and Meg glanced up to see George and Joe Toye staring in her direction, arms crossed.
"Oh dear," she said, quickly finishing her drink. "It looks as if I've been caught."
"Caught?" Lew asked as he and Harry both turned around to see what she meant. "I promised the boys I would spend my evening with them and not with any officers and it looks as if they've spotted me with you two."
"That doesn't seem fair. We haven't seen you in a while either," Harry argued but Meg shrugged, moving her chair back and standing up.
"I'm sure I'll be seeing both of you around," she said before getting up and slipping through the crowd to rejoin the other men of Easy.
For the rest of the night, Meg sat at the large table, listening to the boys reliving the past month. While part of the stories were entertaining, most of the stories made her wince as she was repeatedly reminded that these men weren't the same men she had left at Aldbourne months ago. No matter how easily they were able to fall back into the old ways before D-Day, they would never be exactly the same.
Yay they're all back together! What did you think? I feel like I've been losing reviewers (but gaining readers...odd haha) so getting more reviews from people would really make my day :)
On another note, I know I've said this lots, but you guys mean so much to me etc. This Thanksgiving I am definitely thankful for all of you, whether you review or not. Just knowing people are reading my story makes me so happy!
LovingBOBThe Pacific - Thanks for your review! I ALWAYS wonder what it would have been like to be a woman in the 40s. If I could pick any decade I'd rather live in, it would be then. As for the men, they were WAY better in the 40s. Much more gentlemanly and chivalrous. Now they're just annoying hahaha. As for how you feel about Adam, what did you feel about this chapter with him? I think this chapter definitely shows more of him. And I think that if he seems too overprotective of Meg at times, it's because she's had a lot happen in her life; a lot he wasn't necessarily able to help her with, so to make up for it he tends to over-help her with other things haha.
SparkELee - I think torture should be my middle name, I seem to do it to Meg in every chapter haha. And thanks for your opinion on descriptors. Obviously, every writer writes differently, but sometimes when I reread something I wrote, my biggest frustration is that I feel I didn't go into enough detail. Some authors could go on for paragraphs describing one thing, whereas I seem to only ever do it in 2 sentences haha. Your review is a reminder to me that I don't have to be like those other writers. My descriptions work, just like theirs do, but in different ways. So thank you lol. As for the nightmares, yeah that's kind of what I want to portray. I've been learning more about PTSD this year (unfortunately). I don't know if you've seen from my Twitter/Facebook but I'm from Chardon, Ohio. Anyway, in February there was a shooting at the high school that killed 3 kids and injured 3 others. Both my sister and a girl I think of as my adoptive sister were in the high school at the time (The adoptive girl was in the cafeteria when it happened.) Anyway, they've both been dealing with PTSD symptoms these past nine months so in an absolutely dreadful way I've been learning more about it. Anyway back to your review haha. In regards to her layers, I tried to do that. I hate when authors have 2 dimensional characters so I tried to make Meg just deep enough without being too ridiculously buried in her layers haha. As for the letter from Lew, I felt we needed a Lew-less chapter to focus completely on Meg. We're gonna have a few chapters of them actually together in person so I felt that made up for it. Thanks for your review (obviously!)
IceColdInAlex - Thanks for your review! She isn't removed for good, just for a while. It's better for her to come to terms with everything on her own so she can deal with it before going back into the field. Could you imagine trying to deal with all that while also doing the kind of work she does? I think that would be dreadful, and as I've shown (er tried to show) in recent chapters, Marco has a soft spot where Meg is concerned so obviously he'll try his best to keep her from harm...which is a weird thing to say since he's also the one to send her on all her deadly missions...hahaha. And thanks for your comments on the previous chapter too. I'm glad you thought the scene with the soldier was authentic: I've never experienced that before (thank goodness) so I just wrote it how I thought it would be, you know? As for the dancing, how ironic you asked for that because they danced this chapter! And was it how you wanted it? haha.
.77 - Thanks for your review! I'm glad your enjoying my story! I hope you enjoy the rest of it (AND review more! hahaha)