The New Ship
Chapter 5
Eli was a really good kid. It was hard for Mike to not imagine that he was talking to Lucas, who would have been the same age. Of course, Mike was interested in Grace and Liv was adorable. Eli was thrilled to go to the game and was really excited. He was glued to the game and loved the seats Mike had. A few other Admirals and high-ranking Captains and even a few Army personnel stopped to talk to Mike, but no one seemed to wonder who Eli was.
Eli would be polite and well-mannered, but his attention was on the game. It was a good game and went into overtime. The Navy won. Mike and Eli slipped out and headed out so they could make their reservations. Eli was full of chatter about the game and the crowd. Mike was usually a man of few words, but he enjoyed the company.
Grace and Liv were waiting on them and Eli settled in the backseat with Liv, so Grace could sit in the front with Mike. It seemed like a completely typical Saturday; one he might have shared with Christine and his kids. He had picked a Chinese restaurant that was kid-friendly, remembering some of Liv's fashion choices. They were seated immediately and Mike enjoyed hearing Eli talk about the game to his mom and sister.
"Nana put me in gymnastics. Maybe you'll come to watch me sometime?" Liv asked.
"I'd love to." Mike said.
"Mike, you don't have to do that…" Grace said.
"I would like to." Mike answered. Yes, it would be a painful reminder of Katie, but it would be special too. Katie would have enjoyed Liv thoroughly.
"Won't it hurt?" Grace asked quietly.
"Katie loved teaching younger kids gymnastics. It was not Hannah or Lucas' thing." Mike replied.
"Oh." Grace said.
"Just let me know when." Mike answered.
"Mom is getting her signed up. I'll let you know. How long are you planning on staying in Washington?" Grace asked.
"I am working between the Pentagon and Norfolk at this point. I moved into an executive apartment in Arlington." Mike explained.
"I bet you like that better than staying at a hotel." Grace remarked.
"I do. Just wish I could grill." Mike asked.
"You could at our house. We have one of those outdoor kitchen things." Eli suggested. It was a bit forward but Mike didn't mind.
"Thanks." Mike answered as he exchanged a look with Grace. They needed to get that ship named sooner rather than later, so he and Grace could figure out whatever their attraction was.
"You're welcome." Grace answered.
"Mama, what are these?" Liv asked, catching Grace's attention. It gave Mike time to gather his thoughts, something he suspected Eli picked up on.
He felt guilty. He had loved Christine deeply, but she was gone. And now Grace was there. He didn't love her but he could feel himself become 'attached' and definitely attracted. And the kids? He missed having kids a lot. Of course, the crew kept him supplied in honorary nieces and nephews but it wasn't the same.
If Christine had lived, he would be retired. Lucas would be fourteen and once all the kids were out of high school and in college or in their perspective careers, Mike and Christine would be traveling and enjoying life as empty-nesters. And now, Mike didn't know what to do with himself. He had no wife. He had no kids. Was he even still a husband and father?
Despite having a very successful career, Mike felt aimless and lonely. The intense grief and loneliness gave way to depression at times and Mike didn't know a way forward, other than just doing what he was at the moment. Eli and Liv made him laugh and Grace made him smile in a way he hadn't in a long time. Once they finished eating, both kids fell asleep in the backseat on the way home, and Mike spoke up.
"I really enjoyed this." Mike admitted.
"Good. What did your crew think of the suggested name?" Grace asked.
"Everyone I've spoken with, emailed or texted loved the name U.S.S Alicia Cameron, with an explanation of both names." Mike answered.
"Of course. I meet with the committee tomorrow and have presented it to them via email. It seems very favorable." Grace said.
"And maybe after its announced we can go out for dinner?" Mike gently suggested.
"We did just do that, but I think you mean without the kids?" Grace asked.
"Yes, that is what I mean." Mike said as he pulled up in front of her house. Grace leaned back and woke both kids up.
"I think that can be arranged." Grace answered. Mike got out and helped Liv out of the truck. He escorted them to the front door and stuck his head in after Grace opened the front door. Liv gave him a hug and Eli shook his hand before taking Liv inside. "I really enjoyed today. It was nice." Grace said.
"It was nice for me too. I really enjoyed it." Mike answered.
"Well, I'd better get Liv to sleep. She was a zombie." Grace said. Mike nodded, but caught her arm.
"Thank you." Mike said.
"No, thank you. Eli needed today. And Liv did too." Grace answered. She surprised Mike by cupping his cheek with her hand. Mike shocked himself by closing the height difference and giving her a kiss. It was sweet and passionate at the same time.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have…" Mike started.
"I enjoyed it, but we really need to get this ship named before anything else happens. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Text me when you get home?" Grace demanded.
"I will." Mike promised. Grace surprised him again by giving him another kiss before going inside. Mike walked to his truck and noticed how one by one the lights in her house shut off. He suspected she was still awake but was towards the back of the townhouse. Mike drove to his own apartment, glad he was no longer in a hotel room.