A Soldier's Life

Chapter 6 - Denny's

 Y/n's POV:

I woke up to the sun shining through my window. Urgh, I must have forgot to close the blinds last night. Turning over in bed, I glance at my phone to notice that it's 10am. I've not slept in that late in a long time. My mind is full of memories from last night and I can't believe that I spent the night with 6 of the Marvel cast. Ava won't believe me when I tell her.

But the one memory that I can't shake is dancing with Scarlett. In that moment it felt like we were the only people in the room. I can still feel her hand on my shoulder and smell her sweet perfume. She was intoxicating to me and all I wanted to do was spend time with her. But she is THE Scarlett Johansson. Yes, she asked for my number, but she had been drinking and as far as I was aware, she's straight.

That's when it hits me, she's engaged to that Colin guy from SNL. I remember seeing the articles of them. What am I doing? Argh, I rub my hands up and down my face, annoyed that I'm allowing myself to get caught up in a fantasy. I need to get these feelings and her out of my head. Yes, last night was amazing, but nothing will ever happen. This isn't some movie where I get the girl, it's real life.

I was due to pick Ava up at 4pm. That gave me time to grab some lunch then hit the gym and try and work out some of these feelings. Jumping out of bed I throw on some leggings and a loose exercise top. I grab my bag before making my way out to the car. It's a beautiful day today. Well, most days in LA were nice. It was so strange coming from a place where grey and rainy skies are the norm.

Once I finally make it to the gym, I greet Greg who is manning the desk today. "Wow Y/n, I don't think I've ever seen you this late into the day before." He comments as I sign in. "Hmm, I've got some alcohol to burn off." I laugh as he gives me a slight wink before I head in to start my work out.

I start on the treadmill listening to my gym playlist as loud as I can through my headphones to block out my frustrating thoughts. After an 8 mile run I move over to the weights and make my way through a number of exercises. I used to hate the gym, in the early part of my career. PT (physical exercise) was a huge part of training. I never then wanted to do more by choice. It wasn't until I was on my first deployment that I found the comfort in it. It was an escapism for me. For the brief time I was there I was able to block out everything. Today that was exactly what I needed.

After I finished my reps, I checked my phone and see a text from a number I don't recognise. My heart rate starts to increase as I click to open it.

???:
Y/n, it's Tom Holland. Was so great to meet you last night. The big game is this weekend, I'd love it if you joined me to watch it. I know a pub in Studio City that shows them. Kick off is at 12:30. Perhaps we could grab some lunch too. Let me know if you're interested.

Y/n:
Hey Tom, last night was a blast. Of course I'd love to, I've been meaning to find somewhere good to watch the games. Let me check I can get someone to watch Ava and I'm in.

I can't lie, there was a sense of disappointment that it wasn't Scarlett that had messaged but I was glad Tom did. In the short time I spent with him, I got little brother vibes. I have a feeling that we're going to get on great. As I finish responding to Tom I realised I needed to get going if I was going to have a shower before getting Ava. 

My stomach starts to rumble as I'm driving home so I decide that I'm going to take Ava out to dinner to celebrate the start of our week off together. Before I jump into the shower, I call Sophie to invite her along which she agrees too. This made me happy, getting the chance to spend time with my two favourite people.

Now I'm no longer sweaty and horrible, I pick out a casual outfit before jumping back in the car to pick up Ava and then Sophie. Luckily, Missy and Col Denton don't live too far away, and I get there right on time. I can hear Ava's laugh before I even reach their door and it makes me smile. I can be in the foulest mood and my daughter is the one person that cheers me up with just her laugh.