I Hope You Dance

Chapter 15

We stepped off the plane, all of us feeling light and airy. Not only with the success of the mission, but that we all came home. "So, you two staying in San Diego?" Bob asked and we nodded. "You guys?" I asked as we looked around. "I'm heading out to Texas in a few days, gonna go see the family and see if our nephew decided to make his appearance. Laura hasn't texted me back and neither has Jameson." I laughed at Jake's frustration. "Maybe she's in labor now." He chuckled. "Man, I hope so." "Well the rest of us are using our two week leave to go see family. I know I'm going back to San Francisco for awhile to see my parents and brother." Bob nodded. "My family is at my aunt and uncles ranch in Montana, so I'm gonna go surprise them." I smiled at him. "Well, we'll miss you guys. Why don't we all go to the Hard Deck tomorrow, one last round?" 

Everyone agreed as we walked to our cars. "You didn't tell them we were going to Atlanta." I shook my head. "I don't want to get hopes up. Aaron seems to have everyone in his pocket, including the judge." I turned to look at him, standing at the back of the jeep. "But I did want to talk to you about the hearing." I looked to him and he smiled at me, taking my bag and tossing it in the jeep. "Can we do it later? I really want to get home and just be with you." I pursed my lips and nodded. It was only 9 a.m., it could wait for a few hours. "Go take a shower at your house, do whatever it is you need to do and then come over?" I nodded as we got into our separate cars. 

It was a relaxing ride home, I was ready to see Dahlia and then we could go over to Rooster's and curl up on the couch. I pulled into the driveway, Rooster not far behind as I grabbed my bag from the jeep. It was quiet when I unlocked the door. "Dahls!" I yelled out as I shut and locked the door, but she was nowhere to be found. I furrowed my brows as I walked back to the kitchen, setting my bag in the laundry room. As I turned into the kitchen I saw a large notepad on the counter, writing on it. It was a letter from Penny telling me how good Dahlia was and that Amelia is now begging her for a dog. But what caught my attention was the scribble at the bottom. 

Your mom helped me write this song, and I was wondering if you could record it for me? It would fit for you and Rooster as well. Don't bother paying me, just record this for me.

Love, Penny

I read over the song, it was good, really good. I pulled out my phone and shot Penny a text. 

Consider the song recorded. Do you happen to have Dahlia?

She probably has her, took her on a walk or something. I pulled all of my clothes out of the duffel and tossed them into the washer, stripping myself of the clothes I had on before starting it and rushing upstairs to shower. I took my time, enjoying the hot water and so happy to use my own shampoo, conditioner and body wash. As I got out, I threw my hair up into a towel, walking out to my room. I pulled out a baggy t-shirt and some soft cotton shorts before changing, sighing in relief at the bagginess. I squeezed more water out of my hair, just enjoying the quiet. Ships can be so noisy, everywhere, no place is truly quiet. I made sure my hair was no longer dripping before putting two braids in it to keep it out of my face. I looked at my phone, hoping to see a text from Penny. Nothing. So I tried calling and it went to voicemail.

I went back downstairs, tossing my clothes into the dryer and hanging up whatever needed to be hung. I grabbed my keys and phone before walking out the door, marching over to Rooster's. As I stepped onto his porch he swung the door open. "I need your help." He furrowed his brows. "What is it?" I rubbed my face, worrying slightly. "Dahlia is not in the house, and I can't get a hold of Penny. Could you try and call her? See if Mav would?" He stepped back. "Well Dahlia is here." My eyebrows shot up. "What?!" He moved and she rushed over, her nails clicking on the floor. I bent down to the floor, hugging her neck. "Thank god, but why is she here?" I turned to look at Rooster who closed the door. He nodded his head towards the stairs.