This is going to have a lot of back and forth in it. I will try to figure out a way to transition it, so you know if it's a Past Life or Present Life.
Past and Present Lives
Chapter 1-Present Life
Mike was glad to be done. He wasn't sure what 'done' even consisted of, but he was done. The retirement papers were in. He had bought a house on the beach in the Mayport area. He still needed to furnish it, and do some minor repairs.
He said his goodbyes to his friends and the crew, not indicating that he was actually retiring. Mike wasn't sure how the President's Office kept that little piece of news quiet but they did. He was glad they had, because he didn't want sad goodbyes or a lot of fanfare.
The third day in, he was regretting that decision. Mike had always been a bit of a loner. But even he was used to having a conversation in three days. He decided to go down to the beach and take a walk. He was probably a mile from his house when he literally ran into Maddie Rawlins and he could have sworn there were tears in her eyes.
"Lieutenant? Are you alright?" Mike asked, clearing his throat.
"Oh, Sir. Sorry." Maddie said.
"Not Sir anymore. I've retired. It's just Mike now. Now, what's going on?" Mike asked.
"I retired too, but I didn't realize that it would be hard to find an apartment or a job with a broken wrist." Maddie admitted.
"Ah." Mike said.
"Or how expensive the hotels here were." Maddie continued.
"I happened to buy a four-bedroom house. Why don't you come back with me and we'll figure things out? I have plenty of room." Mike said, avoiding the fact that he was still mildly attracted to her. It was just forbidden, or was it now?
"You'd do that?" Maddie asked.
"No strings attached. No expectations." Mike said.
"Thank you, Sir…" Maddie said.
"Mike. And did I hurt you when I ran into you? You almost toppled over." Mike asked as he guided her back towards his house.
"No, Sir." Maddie answered. Mike gave her a look, but knew it was habit. In her position, he would be doing the same thing.
"Do you have a car or clothes that we need to get?" Mike asked. She had a rucksack on her back.
"Just this." Maddie answered. Mike took it, and immediately noticed that it was painfully light. Not that he was much different. He didn't have many possessions.
"Are you any good at decorating? Reason I ask is that I've bought furniture but have nothing else other than some kitchen stuff and groceries. I'll have to get sheets and blankets for whatever room you pick." Mike said.
"I can manage…" Maddie started.
"No, you'll have what you need. I just am not good at picking it out." Mike said.
"I can do that." Maddie agreed.
"We will drop your bag and grab something to eat. You can get a feel for the room and decide what you want. I'd have to buy the stuff regardless so you can just decide what you want." Mike explained.
"Thank you." Maddie said.
"Gives me someone to talk to. I am not used to not talking for three days." Mike admitted.
"I thought your voice sounded a bit gravelly." Maddie teased.
"I was actually considering going to the pound and adopting a dog." Mike admitted.
"We could still do that." Maddie said.
"Maybe so." Mike agreed.
"I don't mind dogs. Or cats for that matter." Maddie said.
"Good." Mike said. "You're not a vegetarian, are you?" Mike asked.
"I am on a very serious carnivore diet. I do dilute it a bit with veggies, fruit and pasta, but I definitely don't mind meat." Maddie answered.
"Good." Mike said just as they got to his house.
"Nice place. Really nice." Maddie said.
"I have some work to do it. Let me give you a tour." Mike said. He led her into the open concept living, kitchen and dining room. The previous owner was very into white. Not Mike. He'd already had the kitchen redone, and most of the bathrooms.
"This is really nice. You don't need to redecorate." Maddie said.
"Wait until you see the bedrooms." Mike answered. He led her to the bedroom wing and opened one of the doors. "This is the smallest. I figured this could be an office area." Mike explained.
"Okay." Maddie answered as she looked around. Mike led her into the next area. He had a bed, dresser, and nightstands set up. It was a nice room and he opened one of the blinds to show the beach.
"It has a bathroom and larger closet attached. I liked the dark gray velvet on the headboard and footboard at the store but now, I'm not sure." Mike explained.
"I really, really like it." Maddie said.
"Good. Here's the bathroom and closet. Pretty basic." Mike said.
"If this is basic…I really like this room." Maddie said.
"Let me show you the other room." Mike said as he led her into the other room. "This one is a work in progress. I hate this wallpaper." Mike said.
"Yeah, it is pretty rough." Maddie agreed.
"I'm just guessing you like the other room?" Mike asked.
"If its not too much trouble?" Maddie asked.
"None at all." Mike answered.
"Thank you, Sir." Maddie said. There was something about her smile and confidence that reminded him of Christine. It was a reminder that he needed.
"You're welcome." Mike replied.
"If you don't mind, I need to freshen up a bit before we leave?" Maddie asked.
"Of course. I'll fix us some sandwiches." Mike said as he slipped out of the room. Maddie made her way to the room that she had picked out. Mike hoped he could keep his emotions and memories in control.