Taking Flight

CHAPTER ONE

Ava lived by three rules in her life. Number one: don't get attached. It made her job and her life so much easier when complicated feelings weren't involved. Besides, she learned from an early age that attachments were fragile things. Feelings changed and people left, so it was easier to be on her own.

Number two: never ask for anyone's help. They always, inadvertently, let her down. She preferred to do things her way. She found she didn't have to deal with disappointment when she followed rule number two.

And finally, rule number three: stay away from naval aviators. Well, that last one was more of a warning from her mother, but she stuck by it all these years.

She only had two exceptions to those rules: Beau and Isabella Simpson.

Vice Admiral Beau Simpson, better known by his call sign "Cyclone", was one of her mentors. And his daughter, Isabella "Hurricane" Simpson, was Ava's best friend. They were the only people she allowed into her life, and she had never regretted the decision.

"So, Ava, how was your vacation?" Cyclone asked as they sat down to dinner.

Ava just arrived from the airport to join them for a little get together before going back to work. It was nice to be back at the Simpson household. She had definitely missed hanging out with Izzy, eating Layla's cooking and annoying Cyclone. But most especially, she just missed sitting down to dinner with them, surrounded by good food, great conversations and the comfort of family around – even if it wasn't her family.

"Greece was great," Ava informed them, scooping up some vegetables onto her plate. "I had time to explore the islands, eat a bunch of their food. I also did some paintings because the views were just heavenly!"

"I'm glad you had a good time, sweetheart, you deserved it," Layla said from across the table. She was like a second mother to Ava, and the love of Cyclone's life.

Ava nodded her head gratefully, recalling why she went on vacation in the first place. "Me too, Layla," she replied to the older woman. "I guess I needed the break after all."

"I'm just sorry I couldn't go with you," Izzy groaned beside Ava, making her smile. Her best friend was like a clone of her father – all dark hair and green eyes. But she definitely had the spirit and warmth of her mother. "If I hadn't been on assignment, I totally would have gone on vacation with you."

"Well, there's always Paris," Ava suggested, patting her best friend's hand.

"Yes!" Izzy agreed enthusiastically, causing Cyclone to roll his eyes. "We are definitely going there on our next vacation, and nothing will get in our way."

"Clam down, Isabella," Cyclone said with a light chuckle at the head of the table. "You don't even know when that's going to be yet."

Izzy nodded her head in agreement at her father's words. "I know dad, but you always taught me to be prepared. We're just planning ahead," Izzy pointed out, waving her fork in the air.

It was a wonder food didn't go flying everywhere.

The rest of dinner continued on with friendly banter and more stories of Greece. Despite enjoying her vacation, Ava was glad to be home.

When supper was done, Ava volunteered to clean up with Cyclone since Layla and Izzy had already prepared the meal.

"I think you missed a spot," Ava commented as she was wiping one of the plates. "Maybe we should switch places?"

Cyclone turned to give her a look that would've made most naval aviators squirm, but Ava just grinned at him in a teasing manner. "Were you this annoying before or did it get worse?" he retorted.