Reverie 》Bob Floyd

Chapter 12

It was Mission Day. 

To say Malina was nervous was an understatement. She was downright terrified for her husband and her new friends. But this was their job. They knew what to do and how to handle it. She just had to trust in them. 

Wanting to see him off, Mal gets out of bed when Bob does, to go get breakfast started. He needed a good breakfast, as they had a long ride to get to the launch point. 

"What's your plan while I'm out? Are you staying here? We still have the condo for another week." Bob asks when he makes it to the kitchen. 

He quickly gives the dogs some scratches before getting their breakfast ready. He needed to continue the basic routine to keep himself centered. He needed to stay focused. 

Malina had just finished making their own breakfast before answering. "I received an email a few days ago about an event to photograph. I'm heading there later today. They've got me set up in a hotel and everything." 

Bob digs into the food. "Where is this event? Is it a far drive?" 

Malina shakes her head. "It's actually only about two hours from here. The event is in two days, so I'll come back here after it's over to start post and wait until you're back, if you aren't already." 

"Any clue what the event is yet?" Bob asks.

Mal shakes her head. "No, that's part of the meeting I've got tomorrow. But I've got all my gear, so I'm set for any type." 

Bob finished up his food, taking his plate to the sink. "Well, I'm glad you won't be sitting here alone. I hate when you stress and worry about this." 

She lightly shakes her head. "I'm always going to worry, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. This event just gives me more of a distraction from the constant worry." 

Bob walks over and kisses her head as she wraps her arms around him. "I know. Just don't want you in your head. Call Cal if you need someone to talk to, please." 

Malina nods against his chest. "He already knows to expect my call either today or tomorrow. And he sends his best and wishes you luck." 

They stay like that for a little longer before moving. And soon enough, it is time to go. 

Mal drives Bob to the drop-off point before they exchange a heartfelt goodbye. 

It didn't matter what the outcome of this mission was, those two would know in any life how much they mattered to the other. 

And it was a hell of a lot. 

☽☆☾   ☽☆☾   ☽☆☾

In the briefing room of the carrier, Maverick and Cyclone stand at the front, ready to assign placements for the mission.

"It's been an honor flying with you," Maverick starts, "each one of you represents the best of the best. This is a very specific mission, my choices are a reflection of that and nothing more." 

He surveys the pilots he's been training for the past two-ish weeks. In his mind, none of them were ready, hell he was barely ready. But this had to be done. And some had more promise than others. 

Cyclone stands next to him. "Choose your two foxtrot teams."

"Payback and Fanboy," Maverick lists the first pair. "Phoenix and Bob," he finished off. 

Both pairs give nods, accepting their official positions and beginning to mentally prepare themselves. 

"And your wingman," Cyclone continues.

After a moment of hesitation, Maverick calls out one name. "Rooster." 

Cyclone looks slightly concerned while Rooster looks up in surprise. 

"The rest of you will stand by on the carrier for any reserved role that's required," Warlock informs the rest. Hangman looks slightly downcast, hoping he had been chosen for the mission. "Dismissed"

The other pilots begin to congratulate the chosen team, although all five of them are having their own mini freak outs in their minds. 

Even if he and Mal had had that all important discussion, it didn't make this any less daunting. They were going in against near impossible odds, with a slim chance of actually making it home. 

But Bob had a job to do and a promise to keep. And he would be keeping it with everything he had in him. 

☽☆☾   ☽☆☾   ☽☆☾

Before Malina was to leave for her next photoshoot, she made a stop by The Hard Deck. 

The dogs were crated up in the car, so she was going to make this a quick trip. Rolling the windows down, she makes sure the dogs are alright before heading inside. 

"Penny, you here?" She calls out to the seemingly empty bar. 

The door to the kitchen opened, revealing the woman she wanted to see. "You've got great timing. I'm just about to leave." 

Mal lets out a small laugh. "I just wanted to thank you for everything you did and are doing here. I know we didn't get the chance to talk much, but from what the others have told me, you do a lot for the people here." 

Penny walks over to her. "I'm just doing my job, same as they are. I grew up around this, I know just how badly those people need a place they can escape to. I just wanted to provide that. Lord knows I didn't have a place like this growing up when I needed one." 

Mal goes to give Penny a hug. "If there is ever anything you need a photoshoot for, let me know. I'll be happy to help you. And tell Amelia I wished her good luck in school." 

Penny hugs her back. "I'm glad to have met you, Malina Floyd. Take care of yourself. And enjoy your life. You and Bob make one great couple." 

Mal gives her a look. "And you and Maverick make a badass one. Good luck with that." 

And as Penny locks up the bar, Malina heads to her car. Penny passes and makes sure to give the dogs some quick pets before the two women part ways, for now at least. 

Next stop, Los Angeles. 

✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈

Word count: 1,021

Short, short chapter this time. Sorry yall. I just had a hard time figuring out how I wanted this chapter to go. 

Next chapter should be longer, as it's the mission but also the discovery of what Mal's new job is. 

Any guesses???? 

That's all for now, see you next time. Bye!!