Chapter 43
April 2019
Robert tucked his hands in his slacks pocket and leaned against the wall of one of Andrews Air Force Base’s many event centers. He did his best attempt at being a wallflower, blending in with a sea of military uniforms. He’d opted for a Kiton gray two-piece suit for today, hoping to keep from standing out. Not that he would necessarily, but occasionally, in these types of military settings, his father’s memory could hijack the event. He didn’t want that to happen. This was Landon’s day. His last big hoorah. Landon’s retirement ceremony and luncheon.
From here, when he and his honey left this celebration, they would board a plane to Minnesota to begin their lives together again. His haggard heart didn’t even know what to make of such a thought for fear of something presenting itself as an obstacle, keeping Robert just shy of all his dreams coming true.
Robert looked over to see Norris, Landon’s friend, walking up to him. Robert extended a hand in greeting.
“Russo said he’s on the next flight out,” Norris said, thumbing over his shoulder to indicate Landon.
Norris was one of the few friends of Landon’s who Robert had really gotten to know well. He had spent time with Norris on every one of his trips to Oklahoma then again when Norris received his change of service orders, sending him to Andrews. Out of a need to keep Landon from being too lonely, Robert had offered Norris their guest room until he found a place to stay. The deep friendship had grown from there. Robert and Landon had even extended an open invitation to Norris and his wife, Shelly, to visit them in Minnesota anytime they could. He really liked this man.
“He says his shit’s already gone. Y’all didn’t waste any time.”
“No. You know how lovesick I can get.” Robert had sent packers to move Landon’s belongings from the house over two weeks ago. He was antsy as hell to have Landon in Minnesota, making his mister live out of a suitcase until today. Norris burst out a loud laugh at Robert’s honesty, turning heads their way.
“I think that’s more Russo. I’ll never stop teasing him over video calling you every night for hours.” Norris just shook his head and leaned back against the wall with Robert. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
“Remember I was on the other end of that video call. I like Landon a whole lot.” Robert knew he was stingy with the time he allowed anyone else to intrude on. He just loved his husband so much, and a long-distance relationship had been hard work. Harder than he’d ever realized. Luckily, none of their passion had faded or settled for him. He’d learned to compartmentalize his heartache every time he had to leave Landon. It meant all the desperate feelings of longing and need were still there and didn’t stop until they were back together again, but he could work on them one at a time.
“You can tell. I’m heading out. I wanted to say hi and bye. We’re gonna miss Russo around here.”
Robert nodded. “Tell your wife I said hello,” Robert added and reciprocated the friendly handshake again.
“She watches your YouTube channel. She wanted me to tell you that you’re killing it. She leaves comments and subscribed. She’s making everyone she knows subscribe.” Norris rolled his eyes, but Robert loved hearing every one of those words.
“I knew I liked her,” Robert teased, a grin pulling at his cheeks. No matter what anyone said, Robert was no natural behind the cameras, but his editors were magic. He and Helene had come off as they had hoped to, friends who loved to cook together. Their subscribers had hit one hundred fifty thousand within the first week of the first video dropping and had grown steadily since then. “Please tell her thank you, and I’ll send her the cookbook. And to keep up the good work. We appreciate her positive feedback.”
“Will do. Tell Russo bye.” Norris left, and Robert turned back toward the thinning crowd. Landon captured all his attention, strolling purposefully toward him. His husband looked so distinguished and striking in his service uniform. Everything but Landon faded into the background as his husband’s cocky grin slid into place. Damn, he couldn’t wait to peel that uniform off him.
“You’re so fucking hot,” Landon growled, still feet away. “You got a haircut. I like the angle of your swoosh. I can grow a swoosh now too.” Landon walked straight into Robert’s chest and shamelessly took his lips in front of anyone who happened to be looking their way.
Nothing had changed, outside of Norris, Robert hadn’t ever become a part of Landon’s military life. This had been one of the very few events he’d attended with Landon. When they were together like this, they usually refrained from any sort of PDA. Robert had resigned himself to that fact long ago, because he and Landon were kissers in normal situations. They touched and kissed all the time when home, making this kiss in this environment more significant than the thousands they had shared before in private. Moreover, the air around Landon seemed overall lighter, his mood brighter. The teasing attitude and pep in his step eased some of Robert’s worry over the difficult transition some service members experienced when leaving the military.