need for speed [r. x b.b.]

Chapter Three

That night, at exactly 7:00 (or 19 hundred hours, you supposed), Phoenix knocked smartly on your door. You opened it, and smiled at her.

"Ready?" She asked.

"Sure thing." You pet Muffin, grabbed your keys, phone, and wallet, and followed her out. As you left the base, she started walking in the opposite direction of the parking lot.

"Wait, are we walking? It's like three miles."

"Well, I'm not staying sober just to drive your ass back here. Are you volunteering to be designated driver?"

"On second thought, walking is good for the body."

The night was hot, and your hair began to stick to your face neck. The two of you walked to the bar together in a comfortable silence, neither of you feeling the need to fill the quiet with awkward small talk. The night wind felt cool against your face, making your sweaty forehead feel less uncomfortable. The water looked so beautiful next to you that you just had to go closer. You rushed across the sand towards the water, startling Phoenix. She watched as you took your sandals off, then continued to walk in the direction of the bar with the waves lapping at your toes. It felt good; the night air was hot, but the water was cool. As you walked towards the bar, you heard it before you saw it. Penny was clearly doing well for herself these days; the Hard Deck was packed full, with more people pouring in. You and Phoenix walked towards the swinging double doors at the front. You pushed in, Phoenix right behind you, and she went straight to the back where Fanboy and Payback were playing pool. They cheered when they saw her, and held up shots they had already bought for them to do together. Before joining them, you walked up to the counter where Penny was taking an order.

"Hey Aunt Pen."

"Emma Wolfe, is that really you?" Penny came around from behind the bar and hugged you tightly. "How have you been? How's your dad?"

"We're both good, how are you though? The bar is doing so well!"

"I know right! It's what this town was in desperate need of. I've been well, my daughter is great too. What are you doing here?"

"I guess I'm a student at TOPGUN now. I've been called for a mission."

"Wow. Is that even legal? You've never been in any form of military before have you?"

"I haven't, but apparently they made an exception for me. Lucky me."

The two of you finished catching up, and you made your way into the back with the other trainees. Bob from the cafeteria and Hangman had now joined the group. They were all in their military clothes, making you feel a little out of place, but you didn't mind too much. You formally introduced yourself to everyone, and shook hands. Hangman winked at you from across the pool table as Coyote walked in. Almost the entire team was here, making this a perfect time to do some bonding and make yourself part of the group. Your dad had been right, like always. As you all chatted and got to know each other, Maverick came into the bar and walked up to Penny. You watched them talk for a while, until it was your turn to play. As you leaned over the table, back to the door, you lined up the cue with the white ball. If you played your cards right, you could get two striped balls in at once. As you prepared to hit the ball, Phoenix from behind you started talking to someone new who had come up to the group. But your shot was much more important than meeting someone, so you ignored them. As you pulled back the cue, ready to hit the ball, you felt pressure on the cue, right behind your hand. Someone's thumb was grazing your pinky, as they readjusted the cue a tiny amount. You turned around, ready to yell at someone for fucking up your shot, but stopped short. It was the man from the diner yesterday. He was in a new Hawaiian shirt and some khaki shorts. You stared at him.