You take one, I got the other.
Its now around noon as Bob and Shelley are ordering their lunch.
Shelley: Are you going to get Gyros again? When’s the last time you tried something different?
Bob smirks.
Bob: Excuse me? Oh lets see here…. Ah yes! Well, I did start dating again to this really awesome coworker who is also drop dead gorgeous.
And then I totally just switched jobs in the Navy that is safer and also can get me a very good job post service life so I can support you both on my own… If I have to.
Shelley returns a stare of acceptance.
Shelley: Fair points, But let’s talk about that stuff.
I mean… Are you and Nat considering making life changes for each others careers?
Bob: To some extent, yes.
Whether I stay in or get out, I intend to be around her. I could get a civilian job as a Navy Contractor very easily but-
Shelley: Well if you two end up tying the knot and being together, I am down because she is pretty cool but I am not moving away from Virginia. This is where my life is.
Bob Nods to her gently as he tries to be supportive yet firm.
Bob: We Both intend to make our next career move to Norfolk here.
Shelley: But are you staying in the Navy when your contract is up in a year and a half?
Bob Gave her a panicked look,
Bob: I haven’t decided yet.
Shelley: Dad!
Bob: Well… OK, I want to stay in. But I also would be non-deployable if I was to have you both back and provided your grandparents release you back to me…
Shelley: They Totally will! But why stay in when you can make more money and choose your own path?
Bob smiled at her gently.
Bob: Because if we lose our contracts, the Navy would still have a job for me.
Shelley: But with your advanced engineering degree and your near-perfect performance in all things math and science, you could find work anywhere… Probably even NASA!
Bob: And that would be neat but there is something to be said about the people I currently serve with. They are the best and feel like a second family to me.
Shelley: But before the Daggers, you didn’t fit at all.. you said it yourself. Why risk it here for more of the same.. I mean yes you have always had very high marks in job performance but lets face it, you are super weird… or you were after Mom passed yet you seem to have changed since being with Nat.
Bob: to have all three of you in my life for the long haul would be a remarkable gift.
Shelley looks at her dad with squinty eyes and an interested look.
Shelley: Are you going to ask her anytime soon?
Bob gives her an anxious smile but softly replies with a question of his own.
Bob: Only if you and Calvin are OK with me moving forward?
Now, she and I truly are in love with each other and she adores you both even if her and Cal seem to be inseparable.
Shelley Chuckles thinking of her little brother and how much he clings to Nix.
Shelley: I swear if he was 18, Nat would be dating him instead!
But… Don’t forget about us or Mom OK? Other than that, you have my blessing because I know how happy she makes you and how much she loves us all.
I wasn’t ready for you to move on from Mom.
(Shelley sighs Deeply)
But Nat really is something special and I really like her too.
Bob Puts a hand over Shelley’s.
Bob: Thank you. Your opinion and blessing matters greatly to me.
Natasha and I carefully navigated our priorities before we dated.
Did I ever tell you about that evening?
Shelley: You mean when you and Nat burned down the dance floor with your old squadrons?
Bob: No, the night before that.
Shelley leans with interest.
Shelley: No you didn’t.
Bob Smiles at her softly.
Bob: Nix and I danced to some 60’s songs while we waited for rooster to return for a movie night and blanket fort.
Shelley: Wow… That’s very professional for your line of work Dad.
Bob: Anyhow, After Nat I danced for a moment, we admitted to each other we had an attraction but while I spoke of God and you both as my Priorities, She Spoke to her career as number 1. We both agreed on those terms but I tell you the truth that we agreed to seek both of your approval before we took it further.
She is a rare woman, Shelley.
Shelley smiled at her dad wit bright blue eyes as she got up from her seat to hug him tightly.
Bob returns it with all of his heart and a smile of his own.
Shelley: She is special Dad. But so are you! You sacrifice so much for me and Calvin but to know that you both respected each other like that even from the start?
How Could I not be in your corner!? And hers as well!
Bob: Thanks Shell. You truly are one of my brightest rays of susnshine…. Speaking oif that, I know we still have a dance or two at the studio but how about I play our song here while we wait for our lunch?
Shelley pulls away to kiss her dads forehead with s happy face.
Shelley: Lets go!
Bob selects the song “My Girl” by the Temptations as the two dance together just as they had hundreds of times before.
Bob and Shelley enjoyed their afternoon together as they reconnected but Bob was fighting back tears because he couldn’t believe how much his daughter has grown up.
Shelley Also enjoyed her time alone with her dad and loves that she can have his undivided attention from time to time but is ecstatic for the summer because they plan to go out at least once per week while Nat takes Calvin out for some fun adventures of their own.
*Phoenix and her “Nugget”
FYI “Nugget” is a slang term for a new Navy Fighter Pilot and Since Calvin has high hopes to follow in Nix’s Footsteps…No…. Her flight pattern?….. Aw Shut up! I know it’s a terrible joke… any how….
They meet With Nix’s old Boss “Lego” for an up close tour of the F-35 and have a fun time of their own.
Its now around Noon where Nix and Cal Are on The Naval Base and make their way to “Lego”
Calvin: Wow! These Carriers are humongous! I cant believe I get to set foot on one in just a few minutes!
Phoenix Looks down with the brightest eyes and a smile at her favorite little junior aviator who is sporting his own custom made flight suit courtesy of Nix’s Mom who owns her own boutique.
Phoenix: And you are also going to meet another amazing lady pilot.
She is also very good at her job but just like me, you have to be nice and mind your manners OK?
Calvin: Yes Ma’am!... But, Gosh am I like in any danger? Will she make me do pushups or run laps if I cant remember some of the technical information?
Phoenix stops them from walking as she giggles but takes a knee to meet Cal eye to eye just like she has done dozens of times.
Phoenix: She’s not like that at all. Only me Mister! Now drop and Give me 20!
They both start giggling as she tickles the snot out of him until he begs her to stop because he’s about to pee himself.
Nix does but this turns into a mini snuggle session but something is different about todays events.
Cals eyes are somehow even brighter as Nix has him across her arms but he reaches up to touch her face gently.
Calvin: Ms. Natasha, has anybody ever told you that you would be an awesome mommy?
Nix Immediately lost it and was sobbing uncontrollably yet she hugged Cal even harder.
Calvin: Oh Im Sorry! I was trying to be nice and encouraging! Dad said you love to hear nice things!
Phoenix: I DO! And… Well that was very nice! Just wasn’t expecting it…
She takes a moment to calm down but continues through her occasional tears.
Phoenix: Look, I always wanted to have kids but it never happened. I gave up on that dream but to hear you say that…. It makes me feel like I could have been a great mother.
Calvin hugs her even tighter this time but softly whipers in her ear.
Calvin: There’s still time Ma’am. And just think You have had plenty of Practice with me!
Phoenix let out a loud laugh at Cal’s infectious positive attitude.
But now she sees a chance to ask him about her future with Bob and them as well.
Phoenix: I love the way you think! But… Do you think I could marry your Daddy someday and then have you and Shelley as my Step children?
Calvin: You mean that’s a thing!? Like you wouldn’t be like my real mom but you sure try and I love you like so so much anyways!
Phoenix: So that’s a yes?
Calvin: OF COURSE IT IS! But.. how are you going to convince Daddy?
Phoenix: Easily… I have my ways with your Daddy. Now , I want you to know that he and I really do Love each other very much and we are best of friends first before anything else but I also understand that Jesus comes first and you guys are a close second with you’re old man but I am totally OK with that.
Calvin: Nah, You’re either neck and neck with me and Shell or my Daddy needs a talkin’ to.
Phoenix is laughing hard at this as they both share eyes of happiness but get interrupted.
Lego: Well now Phoenix, This must be our brand new “Nugget” Calvin Floyd correct?
Nix Salutes her old Squadron Commander while Cal also mimics her.
Calvin: Reporting as ordered Ma’am!
Lego is all smiles as she breaks her salute and walks up to Cal with a huge smile and a gentle tone.
Lego: At ease Cal, And Please Just call me Jen OK?
Calvin does his best to shake her hand.
Calvin: Sounds good Ms. Jen! So Nix tells me you can fly the F-35 and yours is around here somewhere!?
Jen: Sure Can! And its on the Carrier at Pier 13… I will take you there in a just a minute but I was wondering… If I were to give you this Booklet on the F-35 if you could read this for a moment while I talk to Natasha privately?
Cals eyes light up once again.
Calvin: Absolutely Ms. Jen! I can’t wait to read this!
Jen hands him the booklet as she walks with Nix about 15 feet away.
Lego: Well! What a cute and kind little gentleman you got there Nat! and don’t even get me started about his daddy!
They both chuckle as they hug lightly.
Phoenix: Yes Ma’am. And he continues to make me fall in love with him.
Lego: Glad to hear you two are still going strong. Had a great feeling about him that night…. But…
Phoenix: Everything OK Jen?
Lego: For the most part yes. But with the new F-35’s coming on line, I need more capable Pilots and ones that can really lay it down.
What Im saying is…. Would there be any chance you would consider Joining my new Sqaudron here in Norfolk and also learning to fly the F-35?
Phoenix was taken aback for a moment with a shocked look on her face.
Phoenix: Ma’am! I would be honored to join you again!
I would take this opportunity seriously as a bomb scare.
But… Obviously, I would need to talk to Bob about it… See if he would move back to the East coast…. But his kids live here and he is also from here!
How long do I have to make a Decision?
Lego smiles.
Lego: two years from now.
They share another laugh together.
Phoenix: So I got two years to grind down the old boyfriend? No sweat!
The rest of their day goes very well with Calvin getting to sit in the F-35 and learn a lot of new things.
Phoenix and Calvin get back home in time for dinner as Bob and Shelley also join in from practicing their Jazz dance in the garage studio.
They all enjoy dinner but in the next Chapter, big issues are on the horizon.
Thank you for reading as Always.