Chapter 5

At his comment Vicky seemed to pull herself out of the daze that she had been in and replied, "Thank you AJ, but I'm not one of those people that like to talk about their problems. I prefer action to deal with things."

Nodding understandingly, AJ told her, "As a former SEAL I can understand that all too well. But just know that I'm here for you if you need me in any way."

With a smile she said, "I'll remember that."

They had pulled up at the Willard as she told him that, so AJ made the arrangements for the Escalade to be valet parked and then led her to the elevator that would take them to the top floor of the hotel where the restaurant was. AJ gave the maitre' d his name and even in an exclusive place like the Willard and Admiral's rank still garnered respect. "I have your table ready Admiral Chegwidden, if you'll follow me?"

When they were seated the waiter arrived and took their drink order while they were looking over the menu. Vicky ordered lobster while AJ chose a steak, then they were alone waiting for their food to arrive. AJ reached out and gently took her hand asking her, "So what kind of work are you looking for?"

"I've done a little bit of everything over the years, but mainly office work. Something like receptionist or file clerk, I've done hostessing but those places don't allow me to have my nights and weekends free."

"Having your nights and weekends free is important?" he asked.

"Yes, for quite some time I've been working such odd hours that it didn't leave time for a social life. Since mother's death, I realized how alone I've been and am determined to change that!"

"I can understand that completely. Working exceptionally long hours are what led to the break up of my engagement."

"Oh AJ. I'm sorry I didn't mean to bring up painful memories," she said squeezing the hand that still held hers.

"You couldn't have known, and I should have known better. Meredith tried to tell me that she was feeling ignored, but I felt that she should've understood that sometimes the job had come first."

"I of course wasn't there, but would have thought that if you got involved with a military man, you'd know that was a given. So she broke it off?"

"No, actually I did," he answered.

"Oh! How did that happen?" she asked as she leaned forward sensing a story here.

"I wanted to surprise her so got off work early and dropped by her apartment. The surprise however was on me, she had another man there."

"Maybe they were just talking?" Vicky suggested hoping there was more he would share.

"They'd been doing more than that, she was in bed and he was coming out of her bathroom buttoning his shirt," he replied in disgust.

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry AJ!"

"So was I, but since I value honesty above all her cheating was something I couldn't abide. When we finally had it out, she admitted that I was the fifth man she'd done that too."

"Wow! She could use some counseling!" Vicky shook her head sadly; "I hope that she didn't put you off women in general?"

"You mean, am I dating men now or just not dating?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Well since you're out with me, I'm hoping that answers both questions."

"Yes, it does," he replied, just as their salads arrived. They ate their dinners, chatting lightly and getting to know each other. When she looked like she was finished eating, he asked, "If your ankle is feeling well enough to do so, would you care to dance with me, Vicky?"

"I'd love to," she answered with a smile.

On the dance floor, AJ took her in his arms at a respectful distance and was pleasantly surprised when she stepped in closer and snuggled up to him. "I hope you don't mind? It just feels so good to be in your strong arms," she sighed.

"Not at all, it feels good to have you here," AJ replied and pulled her even closer as they began to move around the dance floor.

To be continued…..