(Story to be revised soon...)

❦︎

Hayden

Hayden Tran woke up alone on Valentine's Day again. Because of his four-year deployment as a SEAL Team 2 medic, he missed the date. He also had to let the woman he was seeing during previous holidays know that, after apologizing, he would make things right. That was his method to ensure her happiness.

Many ladies struggled with the sudden deployment of three or four months. That was clear to him. Red roses felt small when his previous girlfriends shared personal details and letters with their friends who were at home with their partners.

Sure, married men had a better time on this special day, but serious heartbreaks and divorces happened while he was away. Not all the single people in his unit were perfect, but they did try to find comfort wherever they could. Managing a tight budget, or being a single parent soon lost its appeal for several of the ladies.

Through it all, Hayden has always been faithful, and he handled his emotions carefully. He valued women greatly in life and enjoyed their company. He stayed home to seize any opportunities to meet people instead of taking a vacation.

His single friends Zac, Tanner, and Jaden planned to unwind at a fancy bar after dealing with their recent breakups. Hayden knew it wasn't the best place to find love, but it was better than being miserable and alone.

Bright and early, his grandmother in Vietnam gave him a ring. Today was one of those days when everything could go wrong.

"Hayden, I was just calling to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am."

"Cảm ơn. We love and miss you." He patiently awaited her explanation for the phone call.

"So, do you have any exciting plans with someone special?"

It was as if she had a neon sign flashing above her head, asking, "Will I ever have the chance to meet your girlfriend?" The thing is, he had never met a woman he wanted to introduce to his family.

Hien, his younger sister, was still a high school student when his family set their sights on his love life.

"I am not short on potential girlfriends," he stated. "I'm selective about who enters my life. My position in the military makes me vulnerable to betrayal."

"I'm glad to learn you have high standards. Remember, procrastination may make you never commit."

He was too embarrassed to admit that he thought he had covered all his bases. The ring, marriage, kids, and building a family. He just needed a woman who believed in him enough to give him a chance.

"My friends like unconventional women who may not satisfy your or Dad's expectations. Women who think it's okay to flaunt themselves and attract attention. If I was in the mood, I could accept a friend's invitation to date a woman who fit that profile. Do you think that would make you happy?"

"Not at all," she answered before hanging up. He hated evading her questions and convincing her that he had plenty of time to find a girlfriend.

Hayden could feel a lot better after exercising. He called his friend Damarion, and they arranged to meet Nathan at Atlas Fitness Center for a workout that might include a swim afterward. The apartment complex he moved into had a new pool. After breaking the chain link barrier, three army brats could jump 12,000 feet or climb the five-story structure in under forty seconds with the facility closed.

The older men at Atlas had larger shoulders and tattoos compared to the younger members, leading to sexist comments toward Hayden and his friends. The older men had not experienced combat for fifty years and were no match for Hayden's crew. However, his friends were understanding, and they allowed the men to show their confidence. Most of them retired peacefully and were in their fourth marriage, making their insults a nominal issue.

"Hey, Asswipe," a dickhead shouted to Nathan. "Could you tell me what you have planned this evening? I'd like to join you so she can spend time with someone better for her." A local retired psychologist, Gene Garrison, was an insult to humanity. He told women his job was as a sexologist and had business cards.

Hayden defended his buddy. "In case you didn't know, the restaurant prohibits using portal potties at the dining table. The company's reputation would worsen."

Garrison dropped his weights as normal. They quietly ricocheted on the gym's thick rubber mat.

"Douchebag," he muttered.

One of Garrison's lackeys spoke up and asked, "Tran, do you know why you can't get laid?"

Hayden threw his exercise towel over his shoulder to take the insult. He knew the answer and planned a reaction.

"No woman wants to fuck a shrimp. Especially an Asian one."

"Wow, you got me. Thank you for thinking about me," Hayden said. "I figured letting myself fall in love without marrying multiple times seemed best. You guys are all outstanding role models."

Garrison resumed his sarcasm with a laugh. "You earn awards for being misogynistic and shoving your pecker in vacuum cleaners? Fuck that. If you didn't dress like a pansy, women would flaunt themselves at you. Not everyone got the message."

His day continued without any more hiccups once the heated exchange had subsided.

Leaving the gym, Hayden and his friends walked along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, where they all put on their matching shades in perfect unison.

"Well, now that we have done the healthy thing, how about some ice cream?" Hayden probed further.

"That sounds great. I was going to suggest a shot of espresso," Damarion stated.

"How about you cover that, and I will pay for the ice cream?" Hayden remarked.

"Or we could grab lunch at McDonald's," Nathan suggested, looking over at his friends. "I wouldn't mind having a Big Mac."

"Ice cream," Damarion said, removing his glasses for a moment to peer over his nose bridge. "The price at Creamy Delights is a little steep. But it's affordable compared to the dessert stand's five-dollar cone."

Under the tinkling bell, Nathan hissed to Damarion, "You fuckin' scrooge," and pried open the glass door.

In their painted toenails, low-cut sleeveless tops, and cutoffs, two lovely women were observing the men from the corner. Hayden snatched Nathan by the back and held him close before planting a kiss on his forehead.

His humiliated friend yelled out, "Fuck you! They better not think I'm gay, or so help me, God."

The ladies sprinted toward the back. The attractive brunette at the register sent them a glare.

"You think the entire country owes you because you defend everyone?" she demanded, her gaze following each of them. "I know, I know. You are all a bunch of misogynistic pigs. Do you want to play a round with me?" She produced a large hoop that held the restroom key.

Turning a blind eye to her, Hayden ordered a sorbet for himself and two vanilla ice cream cones for his friends. He then gave the clerk twenty bucks. At that moment, Nathan strode over to the framed pictures that lined the wall, his gaze sweeping the entire section.

"So, do you want to go with us to Club Escape?" Damarion asked. "There will be a lot of hotties tonight."

"Thanks, but no. Most of the females are rude, and the beverages aren't great either. I think I'll pass."

"That tells me you're not into finding someone who could be your future wife."

"Not if going to a club to meet her is my only option," Hayden commented. "What matters is that I haven't been making the time to interact with anyone. Because of my training, I just do not have the time for romance."

The statement was left to fester in Damarion's mind.

"For the first time in two years, I don't have a Valentine's Day date," Hayden went on to say. "But it's okay with me. It was never supposed to happen."

His friend reassured him, "Hey, bro, it'll be all right," as he smacked Hayden on the shoulder. "The right one will show up when the time comes. Love is right around the corner."

"Right time, right place, huh?"

Damarion nodded. "Yep." Hayden shook his head, and his friend continued, "The woman of your dreams is waiting for you."

"Thanks for the pep talk." Hayden tossed his frozen treat into the garbage, suddenly not hungry anymore. "I saw a bookshop next door. How about getting that espresso later?"

"Sure thing. I'll be right here with Nathan while you head over there," Damarion replied. "Catch you later."

"See ya, bro."

Even though it was Wednesday, the bookshop was practically empty. Hayden found the book he was looking for in the New Arrivals area, written by a former military brat. After purchasing three novels, he walked to the closest coffee shop for a latté to read one. Reading healed a broken heart.

Standing in an excessively long line, he finally placed his order. Coffee sales increased owing to the partially gloomy weather. Like him, the woman in front of him ordered a 24-ounce latté with two extra shots. Life was too short to go at a snail's pace.

She placed her book on the counter after selecting nuts and a sandwich. American Sniper's cover stood out. His only concern was if the book was in large print. Just as he was about to gloss over her edition, she caught on to him.

He had to explain himself after staring at her. "Just checking to see if that edition is in large print."

The woman's fresh face, brown skin, and wavy brown hair complemented her warm, chocolate-brown eyes. The twinkle in them was something he appreciated right away.

She breathed and ran her finger along the spine. "Oh. I prefer this version because the letters are smaller. Probably since the title is bigger than the other copies, it looks like it's in large print."

"Ah. I see." Besides romance novels, Hayden saw paranormal, mystery, and nonfiction in her hands. He admired her diverse interests. "I'm curious to know what you like to read about the most. Nonfiction or fiction?"

"Um..." She inhaled deeply and stared at him. "It depends on my mood. When I want, I'll read fiction. My favorite romance writer writes several books a year. She focuses on fictional heroes."

Hayden grinned. He could relate.

The clerk stepped aside after returning the customer's card.

He smiled and said, "I'll have whatever she's drinking." The woman next to him curled her lips into a charming smile. She maintained her angelic beauty while being very approachable. He was only looking for a pleasant interaction with someone.

He could easily start a conversation with any woman, but how many of them could he truly see himself spending the rest of his life with? It made him wonder.

She sat on a seat near the cooler with her legs crossed and a romance novel open. Sitting close to her, Hayden made sure there was ample space between them.

Noticing his bag on his lap, she asked, "What kind of books do you enjoy reading?"

"Administrative tasks."

"Oh. That seems overwhelming."

He laughed softly. "Can be."

"Well, you've seen what I'm packing, so let me see yours."

He continued talking and watched what happened after her eyes sparkled.

"Your request is fascinating. Since I know your reading preferences, I'll share mine. But please, don't be overly harsh with me."

"Why? Are there any biker girls or auto maintenance books?"

Hayden shifted his focus and the bag to the opposite side. Her fearlessness was encouraging, but he had no interest in women who made fun of men; he had to connect with her further and figure her out. Unlike some of his buddies, he valued women's intelligence. He loved clever minds and smart mouths.

"What is wrong with cute biker chicks?" he said. "And don't you think knowing how to get a motor roaring is an important skill?"

Hayden would casually leave the room in case she took offense or misinterpreted his meaning. He avoided major interpersonal problems because of his profession, which caused him to become a recluse sometimes.

She seemed attentive as she took her time replying to him because she didn't hear her name.

"V. Valentine?" said the cashier.

"Your name starts with a V."

After a couple of blinks, she finally saw that her coffee was ready. "Yep. V for Venomous," she said mischievously. 

Hayden laughed quietly as she stood to get her drink. He finally took a good, long look at her, and her beauty was remarkable. Her waist-tight red dress showed off her toned legs and covered her well-rounded butt. When she faced him, he could see the word "Valentine" stitched around the top of the dress.

She looked over to see him staring at her again while reaching for her coffee, and Hayden looked down at his footwear. She unexpectedly sat next to him, moving closer.

"You have my attention. You know my name and my favorite books. I want to test another theory." She nodded subtly. "What secrets are you keeping hidden?"

Hayden took the three books slowly out of his bag. He was showing a side of himself he had always repressed. Somehow, he had a knack for convincing women that he was a cab driver or the CEO of a major firm. He kept his military service confidential. It was a test of a good or bad experiment.

In his lap, Hayden placed the books. He positioned the US Special Operations Forces between them. He went on to add two more nonfiction books to his collection that documented a Navy medic's experience overseas.

He had to take a break to stare at her rhinestone-studded fingernail polish, crossed thighs, and casual heels before looking at her face again. Her long neck, wide shoulders, and well-rounded waist caught his attention. She had her mouth hanging slightly open. As he noticed that she saw him looking at her, a shift transpired within him.

Their eyes met. Did she know he had already found her interesting enough to take her on a date?

Though she didn't wear a ring, Hayden knew she probably had someone special. He thought, "Please, don't mess this up," as her beautiful eyes sparkled after she glanced his way.

First, she avoided making eye contact. He smelled her perfume and noted her irregular breathing.

"Your reading list is impressive. You seem smart and balanced." Her eyes shifted from his neck to his biceps, and the veined fingers of his hands rested in his lap. She added, "I didn't mean that in a bad way."

"I get it," he said. "Let me guess. You rarely meet independent men who have their lives together."

"Well, it's not quite that. Everywhere I go, I meet losers."

Hayden chuckled at her. "It's lucky that I'm not a loser. At least, I don't think so."

She couldn't help but giggle when he lifted his book in response to his name being called. "Hold that thought," he said, taking his coffee before returning to his seat and raising his cup. "To being different."

Their cups touched. Throwing her head back, she said, "I can drink to that." While she took a satisfying drink, he became intrigued by the small moans that came from her mouth. "Yum. Coffee tastes great with hazelnut creamer."

"I agree." His gaze quickly moved over to the bookcase. "I assume you're done shopping."

"For now." She smiled lightly at him. "Is that you?"

Hayden looked at the book on the seat, puzzled by what she meant. He cleared his throat. "Nah. I only shave my face, nothing else."

A big smile sprang on her face. "Do you usually work in that field? You're a soldier?"

Their eyes locked again.

Trust me, dear. I'm real. Not an actor or model.

"I'm a man of many things."

The pressure on him eased as they laughed together, which was good because he felt very enticed. It was not a good idea for him to tell his life story in a bookstore full of strangers. But if she accepted a date with him, he might just tell her everything.

"Well, I've got to get back to work. I enjoyed talking to you," she said, standing and extending her hand. "I'm Viola."

" Valentine. Your name is beautiful."

"Thank you. My mom is from South Carolina, and my dad is from Portugal. I took her surname because she was pregnant with me when they weren't married."

"Ah!" Hayden exhaled. "Now, your name truly suits you, Viola."

"Thanks."

"Do you have any siblings?"

"I'm an only child. My friends are all I need in my life."

He smiled a little. "I get that."

After standing up, Hayden gently placed his hand in hers, forming a V shape with his thumb and forefinger. Moreover, Viola remained still. Her handshake was firm.

"What's your name?" she asked, staring into his eyes.

"Hayden Tran, Ms. Valentine. This is my lucky day. I hope I didn't make you late for work."

He just wanted her to blush, which she did after a few seconds.

"I will be okay. I hope you have a great day, Hayden."

"Likewise."

He watched her turn and walk away, disappearing behind the bookshelves. It was extremely difficult for Hayden to see her leave, but he promised himself he wouldn't give up easily. Whether Viola Valentine was ready or not, he would see her again.

❦︎