13
For several blocks, his mother said nothing.
As they passed the Capitol on their right, however, she spoke again.
“You know I couldn’t be more proud of you, right?”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“Your dad would have been proud of you too.”
Marcus was quiet as he threaded through traffic.
“You’ve proven yourself a warrior. You’ve given your all toward serving and protecting your country. But now . . . well . . .”
“What, Mom? What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you’re at halftime. The first half was about taking risks, doing your part. The Marines. The Secret Service. What you’re doing now. Believe me, I get it.”
“But . . . ?”
“Don’t miss your chance to play the second half.”
“Meaning what?”
“Meaning maybe it’s time to make a change. Do what your father never got a chance to do—enjoy the rest of this precious life God has given you.”
“But you’re the one who told me I was made for this, that I should do it and not feel guilty about it.”
“And I meant it. But you almost died in Lebanon. So I’m telling you now what I wish I could have told your father: Eject while you still can.”
Marcus was quiet as he turned off Independence Avenue. “I’ll think about it,” he said finally. “Now, can we change the subject?”
“Okay, fine,” she said. “Pick a topic, any topic.”
He didn’t have a topic. His mind was reeling from the topics they’d already covered. So she picked her own.
“I really enjoyed dinner with your friends last night,” she said, her tone brighter.
In a rare move on his part, Marcus had made reservations at the Chart House, an upscale seafood place in Old Town, Alexandria, to celebrate their successful operation in Lebanon, the end of the Hezbollah war with Israel, and the peace treaty they had all played a part in bringing to pass. Senator Dayton and his wife, Esther, were there, as were Bill McDermott and his wife, Allison. Jenny Morris was there. So were Geoff Stone, Donny Callaghan, Noah Daniels, and Pete Hwang. And for the first time in this intimate group of friends, so was Annie Stewart.
“That was fun, wasn’t it?” Marcus replied, grateful his mother was choosing to wind up these few days together on a more fun and lighthearted subject.
“It was good to see Pete.”
Marcus nodded.
“And it was fun catching up with Annie.”
“I’m glad.”
“I even woke up to a lovely email from her saying how much she enjoyed seeing me and it’s been too long.”
“Really? Annie emailed you?”
“She most certainly did.”
“Well, she’s a class act.”
“Are you seeing her tonight?”
“She’s having dinner with her boss and some muckety-mucks from Riyadh.”
“What about tomorrow night?”
“Don’t start with me, Mom. We’re just friends.”
“Right.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I saw you two holding hands during the ceremony. The way you two talked and laughed all night.”
“Mom, seriously, we’ve gone out on one date. That’s it.”
“So what? There’s obviously chemistry between you two. That’s nice. I’m happy for you. Why deny it?”
Marcus considered the question as he pulled onto the grounds of Reagan National, heading for the main terminal. “Sure, Mom, I like Annie.”
“Good—so do I.”
“But it’s not serious. Not yet. And I don’t know if it ever will be or even whether I want it to be. We’re just . . .”
“What?”
“Hanging out.”
“Why?”
“Mom, please, it was one date.”
A moment later, he pulled up to the curb in front of the doors marked American Airlines and put the car in park. Grabbing her luggage out of the trunk, he opened the door for her and helped her out.
“Honey, listen to me,” she said gently as he hugged her goodbye. “Annie is an amazing woman. And you’re not married anymore. Elena is gone. I know you still love her, and I’m glad you do. I love her, too, and I miss her every day. But the Lord took her. I don’t know why, but he did. You don’t have to feel guilty about moving on. It’s time, Marcus. It’s time to take your foot off the gas, retire, and marry that girl before it’s too late.”