Chapter 12
Seated alone by the windows, Parker glances up when Becka walks in and hugs him. A woman he doesn’t know stands to the side.
Becka says, “Hey, how’re you doing?”
“Every day’s a little better. Thank you.”
Julie rouses from her nap.
Becka smiles. “I’ve got a surprise for both of you.”
Parker says, “I’m all ears.”
“I’ve arranged for this lady to wash and trim yours and Julie’s hair. She even offered me a discount when I mentioned you were an Admiral. Seems she likes officers, particularly. Isn’t that right, Mei?”
“It gives me a way to show my respect.”
Parker says, “Thank you, Mei. To let Julie wake up properly, I’ll go first.”
Mei pushes Parker’s wheelchair into the bathroom—an ample space made to accommodate multiple people and a wheelchair. She closes the door, an alar
