Battle Damage Assessment
Phoenix woke up around 7 but Saw Bob asleep in the other bed with his bible laid across his chest and his glasses still on.
She quietly made her way to the bathroom but noticed her dress was hanging up on the coat rack and that it has been carefully cleaned after last night’s events.
She grabbed it and put in back on in the bathroom.
As she was leaving the hotel to steal Bob’s truck so she could clean it up, his phone started vibrating so she rushed over to answer it as if was A FB video call from his daughter.
Phoenix answers in a quiet tone.
Phoenix: Hey Shelley, your Dad is sleeping right now but is everything OK?
Shelley: What? Yea were fine I was just calling dad to get scoop on where we are supposed to meet hi-
Wait! You and Dad spend the night together!?
Its about time that Jesus Freak decided to lighten up!
But you’re like stupid pretty & my Dad is a nerdy dork…Sympathy sex or something?
Phoenix is quickly leaving the hotel room to defend herself and her Wizzo.
Phoneix: NO! Its not like that at all!
We went to a party and I got sick but your very sweet father stayed with me last night and even cleaned my dress while I was sleeping.
And I will have you know, your Dad is the kindest man I have ever met that I respect and love his heart to death.
I know you and Calvin are his priority along with God but would it be alright if I took him out on date? I mean we kind of did last night but not officially.
Shelley: Fine with me but if you plan to break his heart, I will spend the rest of my life destroying yours.
He Cares about you a lot Nat. He really does!
Dad is nauseating with his niceness but that also means people take advantage of him.
If your trying to get a Sugar Daddy, He’s pretty poor with supporting us both and living on base so Calvin and I can go to private school, Be well dressed, and saving for our college.
Did you know he has had that same beat up truck for 6 years because its paid off?
I might harp on him but he and Cal are my world and they are all that matter to me so don’t fuck with him.
Consider yourself warned but have fun.
Phoenix nodded to her gently.
Phoenix: Thank you and I will not take this lightly.
Shelley: Well …. I should get going and make sure Cal is getting dressed for school and that Grandpa can find his car keys, wallet, and phone.
Men I Tell Ya!
Phoenix: Geez Shell, you sound like a grown woman.
Shelley: Well, when your mom dies unexpectedly, and your dad has to risk his life in a fighter jet everyday, dress-up and tea party go right down the drain because somebody has to be the glue that keeps this shit-show together.
Phoenix: Well how about I snag you for a girls night out when we meet?
You can let your hair down and just be a kid while we go on a shopping spree, my treat of course.
Shelley: as long as I get a dress like yours by the end of all this, I call it a deal.
Phoenix giggles.
Phoenix: Easy day, my mom made me this. She owns the best boutique in all of Phoenix along with being a world class fashion designer.
So how about a custom dress and then we do some REAL shopping?
I’m stupid rich after all.
Shelley: I knew I liked you. I will get your number from Dad and send you my dress size. Talk to you later!
Shelley hangs up.
Phoenix thinks to herself “Either we are going to get along perfectly or hate each other… She reminds me of me.”
Nix gets to Bobs truck to survey the damage from last night but is surprised to see he cleaned up after her.
Phoenix: The man never stops! Gonna have to really make it up to him now.
She grabs breakfast to go, a bunch of Oreos, and some new clothes for her and Bob to wear home along with a Thank You card as she writes the following in his truck:
Bob, I cannot thank you enough for last night for the wonderful evening we had together.
You took care of me last night and spilled your guts out in terms of your feelings while I spilled mine all over you and your truck.
I feel like you got the short end of the stick but then you cleaned my dress and the truck without me having to worry about it.
I also feel strongly about you.
That’s why its my pleasure to be at your side here on the ground and as my Backseater.
You have been through so much yet you never show how hard it must be.
I promise to help you share the load even if we don’t end up together.
You are the strongest man I have ever known with the warmest smile and the eyes of a servant.
But I promise to serve you as well.
I thought Nice guys were a myth.
Then I found one and I’m not letting him go without a fight.
Your friend,
-Nix
Phoenix gets back to the hotel to see Bob still asleep but she puts his keys and phone back and places the card next to them.
Next, she tosses the Oreos at him and he jumps awake while Nix runs to take a shower.
Bob finally comes too and sees his favorite snack along with the card and smiles.
Bob read the card and went to talk to Nix through the bathroom door..AGAIN.
Bob: Thank you Natasha.
We are kind to each other, and I enjoy having you with me.
Phoenix smiles to herself.
Phoenix: And maybe THAT’S WHY THIS WORKS.
We like being nice to each other because we both are stupid loyal to our friends and its not about sex, or money, or lust.. Ok maybe a little bit of that but you know what I mean.
Bob: I wish I didn’t… I mean… I Have impure thoughts about you… I broke my promise to not view you in that way and I am Sorr-
Phoenix: Don’t Apologize for that! You ARE allowed to bring out that bad boy side every now and then because if we go on, I am going to need that from you when the time is right!
Robert Floyd is far from a womanizer, but you still have those animal-like instincts.
Everybody does.
Bob: If it doesn’t bother you then it doesn’t bother me.
Phoenix: Good!
Btw I talked to Shelley this morning and saw an opportunity to ask if she would be ok if you started dating again.
Bob: How’s that even possible?
. Phoenix: I snagged your phone while you were sleeping when she was calling you. She is cool with but I did get threatened if I hurt you.
Bob: I figured she would be OK with it but Cal might be a tough one.
After his Mom Passed, he doesn’t even open up to women other than his Grandparents.
Phoenix: Ok, So what’s his favorite toy? I can bribe him no problem.
Bob laughs.
Bob: He loves trucks and airplanes… Get this, He wants to be a fighter pilot if you can believe that.
Phoenix: I could already tell youre his idol.
Was he always like this?
Bob: Not really, he was all about his momma before she passed.
When I would get off of work late sometimes, he would be asleep across her lap with a smile on his face and a proud smile on hers as she acknowledged me.
Phoenix: Sounds to me like you really had it all. How do you it Bob?
If I were you, I would have broken down by now.
Bob: I can’t Nix, they still need me and I still need this Job. I love what I do and even had Carrie’s blessing to make it a career but now, I just have to see it through.
Phoenix Finishes her shower and wraps up in a towel to speak face to face.
Phoenix: If you ever need to spill your guts and have a cry, I will be there for you and the Navy doesn’t need to know.
Bob looks at her with a nod, but he is looking nervous.
Phoenix: What’s wrong Bob?
Bob: Oh Nat, nobody let’s be fall apart in this Job.
He goes to hug her very tightly.
Bob starts to softly whimper as Nix Immediately is embracing him gently while speaking softly to him.
Phoenix: I am right her Bobby. Its OK. You’re a great man, an amazing father and I just know you were one hell of a trophy Husband along with being the best damn Wizzo in the Navy.
Just let it all out. Tell me everything . Talk to me Bob. I got you. But how about we take a seat?
Nix takes his hand and sits down at the end of the bed while she pulls him into her.
Phoenix: There that’s better.
Now you just take your time and tell me what’s on your mind.
Bob completely breaks down and is sobbing uncontrollably as he admits he misses his children and feels like they are growing up without him there, Their mission and how it messed with him when they dodged the SAM’s by just a few feet, His guilt for believing Mav was dead after he was shot down, and how he is really struggling with his Faith because he feels like God isn’t listening to him when he asks for help.
Phoenix is mostly quiet as she manages to take his head in her lap and softly plays with his hair with one hand and rubs his shoulder with the other.
Phoenix: You walk a narrow path and I respect you for it greatly.
I was right about you. You really are the strong quiet type. But you don’t have to be when it’s just you and me because I still believe in you and I know how much you give everybody else and its got to be exhausting.
I am going to fly you to see your kids whenever we can.
You were perfect up there that day and we are only alive because you called out the SAM’s as I never saw the second pair while I emergency jettisoned and was able to counter them in time.
Even I thought Mav was gone and he would have been if Roo hadn’t gone rouge.
Finally, if anybody has found favor with God, it is you.
I never took it seriously because he loves to test those who try to walk that tightrope.
I am not one to bow before anyone or anything but your humility is changing my opinion on that. Remember the book of Job? God took everything from him except his life and his faithfulness saw him win it all in the end.
Bob starts to catch his breath and settle down a little bit.
Bob: I thought you didn’t take your faith seriously.
Phoenix: Our little secret… But I’m not ready to be tested like that. I Read the bible form cover to cover once and found it daunting with what is expected of me.
And I am a bit of a Hellion. I just love playing with my wings on fire…I am a Phoenix after all.
But you try to keep it at your center. I woke up this morning to see you passed out after reading your Bible.
Just stay the course… You are the strongest man I have ever known, and I wish I was that brave.
Bob wraps an arm her side and squeezes her gently.
Bob: and I wish I had your confidence. I think so highly of you and your bravery.
Phoenix: We see in each other what we can’t see in our ourselves.
They are both quiet for a few minutes as they hold hands, but Nix has to break awkwardness with her sense of humor and sassiness.
Phoenix: Hey Bob?
Bob: Hmm?
Phoenix: Wanna get freaky? I mean… All I got is this towel and you still need a shower anyways and what if my towel just slip-
Bob starts to laugh hard while he buries his head into her thigh. But manages to speak.
Bob: Didn’t we just talk about a narrow path?
Phoenix: Maybe but that’s what Hail Mary’s are for. Want to see my side boob again?
Bob: Bad boy Bob says yes but Choir Boy Bob says no!
Phoenix undoes her towel on purpose while Bob has his head in her lap but the top half covers his face.
Phoenix: Oops! Did I do that?
Bob: No worries, My eyes are closed.
Here, let me get up so you can put it back on.
Bob starts get his head off Nix’s lap and while she gets free, she goes back into a Judo move and gets him In a front-facing hold.
Phoenix: You can’t win Bob. You either open those eyes of yours or I increase the pressure on your spine and legs.
Bob is in some discomfort but he can’t break free of her hold.
He groans while trying to plead his case.
Bob: Its hard enough holding back when I see you! Why do you torture me like this?!
Phoenix is smiling with delight.
Phoenix: Because it’s fun! You should try it some time.
Bob: Just know that I really am into you and intend to make you happy.
Bob slowly opens eyes to be met with Nix’s and that pretty face of hers with a smirk but her eyes have a gentle glint.
Phoenix: Talk to me Bob, what are you thinking?
Bob: Good Morning beautiful. That’s what I’m thinking.
Phoenix: Well that’s a start but what are you going to do if I was to let you go?
Bob: carefully use my hands and mouth to give you what you want…But I cant go too far…not yet please?
Phoenix: I find your terms acceptable but if you back out on me-
Bob: I’m in the presence of the most beautiful dark haired women I ever known who wants me. Even I can’t fight what I see before me.
Nix smiles and gently releases the hold as Bob puts his hands on her face for a long kiss with her straddling him but as he goes to drop his hands and move to her body, Nix grabs them and pushes down with her won with his palms facing the ceiling.
Phoenix: Not yet.
I’m calling the shots here and I’m going to make you wait.
Bob doesn’t even try to resist as he nods. Nix goes back to kissing him lightly on the lips but moves down to his neck and careful bites him while he starts writhing.
Phoenix: Too far?
Bob: Not far enough.
Phoenix: Good, because I’m just getting started.
She playfully bites him more followed by kisses but releases her hands to finally let Bob explore to which he does sensually and the two continue to feed off of each other until Bob is also Naked.
Phoenix: And this is where the ride ends before I completely violate you against your wishes... For now.
Bob gently smiles.
Bob: and what ride it was! But thank you for understanding.
Phoenix: and thank you for proving to me that you will bend and give me what I need.
You should probably take a shower and get dressed so we can get on the road.
Our Families will be at Top Gun tomorrow afternoon.
Bob: Good call… Can I get up now before I change my mind?
Phoenix chuckles.
Phoenix: I like the bad boy too but yes. Now get going!
She lets him up as he makes haste to grab a new change of clothes and get to the bathroom.
Both of them are high from the moment but as Bob turns the shower on, Nix follows him in as well.
Phoenix: Considering I just ruined my shower before, why don’t I just take another but this time you get to wash those hard to reach spots?
Bob: With extreme care and great pleasure.
They smirk at each other and finish a long shower together and get ready to rent a trailer.