"What's up? Don't tell me nothing," she whispered softly as they got into the car.

"I'll be AWOL again in about a week. It might last longer this time."

Claudia's heart skipped a bit. They hadn't been dating for very long, but he had been absent for a day or two without getting in touch. She couldn't get used to the feeling, but she cherished him more every time he made it back.

"Don't worry about it. I'll be fine, and I'll accompany your parents more when I'm less busy," she patted him on the face.

She was turning 22 soon. For his sake, she had to become braver at heart and not let him get worried during his missions.

"Thank you sweetheart." He kissed her forehead, and she grunted in displeasure.

"Okay okay," he laughed before closing in on her lips and giving her a whirlwind kiss.

He drove her home, and she urged him to go back immediately to break the news to his parents. He obeyed and left.

The news dampened her mood a little. She was in need of a distraction. Her phone rang, breaking her line of thought. It was Caleb.

"Jazz tonight lover girl?"

"You betcha."

"See you at 10."

"See you."

The call made her feel better. Now she had someone to help her with her distraction. She kept the news to herself for now. Her family would stick to her 24/7 if she told them and as much as she loved every single one of them, she wasn't ready for that much stickiness.

She didn't dabble with things at home. She left for work. Her employees weren't expecting her to show up, so they thought something was wrong. She a.s.sured them she was okay, and they went back to work.

She attended to some customers personally, and the thought of expanding and creating a franchise popped in her head. She was going to look into it later.

The Bolton's didn't take the news harshly. They only a.s.sured Justin not to worry and focus on preparing for his mission.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of your little girlfriend," she smiled.

"Thanks mom."

Kevin had also gotten used to it, so the brothers just hugged it out and set aside a day for a bro-trip.

He called Claudia and told her about it. She was relieved to hear him say there was no problem.

"I'll be going out with Caleb to Jazz. No need for you to show up. Spend time with family."

Justin sulked, but he still let it be. He didn't like the idea of another man hanging around his girl.

"Don't drink too much," he warned.

"Okay babe."