𝐓𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 | 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐰

𝐓𝐄𝐍

𝐒 𝐀 𝐕 𝐀 𝐍 𝐍 𝐀 𝐇

Seated at the Hard Deck, the familiar scent of root beer surrounded me as I indulged in a float. The atmosphere offered a momentary escape from life's demands. I blow bubbles into my cup making it fizz more than before.

"Hard day?" Penny asks.

"I guess so." I mumble, making her give me a look. I draw out a long sigh and nod. "It was awful. My ex husband won't be the father he needs to be for my kids. The training for this mission is the most difficult thing I've ever done. And on top of that Maverick is being a pain in the butt and don't even get me started on Hangman!"

"Wow." Penny says, stunned at my little outburst. "Sounds like you need a real drink."

"Pass." I breathe out.

Penny gives me a sympathetic smile. "Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me."

I nod and take another sip of my root beer float, the cool sweetness a small comfort in the midst of my frustration. "Thanks, Penny. I just needed to vent a little."

She nods understandingly. "Sometimes, that's all you need. Hang in there, Sav. You're tougher than you think."

I offer her a small smile in return. "I hope you're right."

She walks off and I cross my arms, dropping my head. Deep breaths, Savannah. In and out. In and—

"Looks like we both had the same idea." I lift my head at the familiar voice and find Bradley.

I give a small smile and pat the seat beside me.

He sits down with a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Rough day?" I ask.

"You know it," he replies, his jaw tense. "Hangman really knows how to push my buttons."

I nod in understanding. "I thought you were going to beat him up after his comment."

Bradley chuckles humorlessly. "Oh I would have. Did you miss me getting held down by every pilot in the room?"

"No, I saw," I breathe out. "It actually scared me a bit."

Bradley's expression softens, concern evident in his eyes. "Why did it scare you?"

I hesitate, the memories of my past flooding back. I've never told him this. Should I tell him this?

Yes I should.

"It reminded me of Grant." Bradley's brows scrunched up and I explain. "When he was drunk he would— scream and argue and..." I hesitate for a moment but those piercing eyes urge me to keep going. "He is very abusive. Seeing that kind of anger, it just brought back some bad memories."

Bradley looks at me with a mix of empathy and sorrow. "Savannah, I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

"It's okay," I say quietly.

Bradley's concern deepens. "Why didn't you tell me? We've been friends for years."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I didn't want to burden you. It's not exactly something easy to bring up in conversation."

He shakes his head. "Savannah, you could never be a burden to me. Don't ever think for one second that you can't confide in me."

Just as I start to feel a bit better, my phone rings. I glance at the caller ID.