"Everyone will be back together again," I say.
There's a pause, then, "Is it serious?"
"No. We both needed the companionship."
"She on board with that?"
"Yeah."
He's quiet again. I'm not sure what he's looking for. He likes Harper; we all do. Maybe that's why. He's worried about there being hurt feelings or a nasty break that will interfere with our missions.
"It won't affect the team," I assure him. "It's sort of petered off the past month when she got transfer orders to Germany. Nice girl. Just not looking for anything serious. She'll be out of Iraq by mid-January."
"Understood."
Petr is quiet long enough for me to start drifting off. I can't quite get the drone of the aircraft out of my mind.
"You didn't ask about Katya," he says in an even tone.
My jaw clenches. Hearing her name reminds me of how crazy it was to leave Iraq on a whim like this.
"How is she?" I respond.
"Great. She's been managing the charity organization my dad set up. She's loving it."
"Seeing anyone?" Fuck. Why did I ask?
"Not seriously. There's a guy. Too boring for her."
My heart somersaults. I start to think I need to focus on drinking and relaxing and not her.
"He's not an issue, if you're interested," Petr adds.
"Your sister and I are not on best terms," I reply.
"Shame. You were good for her."
I say nothing, not wanting to read anything into his words. At all. Ever. I'm too tired for an emotional rollercoaster.
"You, uh, have any advice for dealing with her?"
I lift my head and open my eyes, looking at him to see if he's joking. I spent a few days with her, and he's lived with her for a lifetime.
He's serious.
"What's up?" I ask.
"I'm trying to figure out how to put up some boundaries before she drives me fucking insane."
"I understand." I want to laugh but don't.
He shakes his head.
"You want my advice? Sit down and tell her. Be direct, firm and consistent. Don't let her lay any mines," I respond. "If you give her the chance to set the stage, she'll walk all over you, and you'll let her. You're a doormat with women."
"She says the same, and yeah, she does that all the time."
"Wait until she's tired or something," I advise with a laugh. "She'll listen if you're upfront and honest. It's the approach I took with her."
"She listened to you. I want to figure it out before I tell her my news."
"Riley says they'll let you stay in?"