Sidelined

“The Renegades are always looking for good pilots. Don’t think I’ve flown against somebody who’s given me such a hard time.”

Bolt needed his drink to help him swallow. He sipped on the straw. Was Shipley recruiting him? “Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I keep my eye out for talent. And you’ve got it.” Shipley stood, taking his tray to the trash bin. “I’ll meet you at the car. I’ve got a few calls to make.”

“Yes, sir.” Eagle and Bolt answered.

“Dude, you just joined the Rebels.” Eagle had a mouthful of chips and guacamole.

“I’m not going anywhere. He’s probably just trying to get me rattled for the next flight.” Bolt knew that wasn’t the case, but he couldn’t let Eagle get worked up for no reason. He wasn’t moving and leaving. San Diego was home for now.

“You ready?” He slid out of the booth.

“Right behind you, man.” Eagle hopped out.

“Let’s get this over with.” They walked into the blaring Arizona sun.

Six

Skye poured her second cup of coffee for the morning in the break room and leaned against the counter. Greg was laughing across the hall. Gloating was more like it, she thought. If her scowl could cause mortal harm, he would be slashed to pieces by now.

Kari poked her head around the corner. “Hey, good morning.”

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Skye had gotten a few texts from her friend over the weekend assuring her she hadn’t perished on the bathroom floor.

“Ugh! I will never eat sushi again. I had the worst weekend. But thanks for checking on me. I felt so bad about not going out Friday night. Did you leave?”

Skye tugged on her bottom lip. “Not exactly.”

“Really? What does that mean?”

“Quick meeting in my office.” Skye darted out of the break room and hustled her around the corner. As soon as Kari was inside, she closed the door.

“What is going on?” Kari asked.

Skye lowered voice as if someone walking by would still be able to hear her through the door. “Ok, well when you didn’t show up, this guy sort of swooped in and bought me a drink.”

Kari squealed. “Oh my God. This is the best news. I mean I hate I had to get food poisoning for it to happen, but this is seriously good news. Tell me. Tell me. I love a good swooping story.”

Skye sat behind her desk. Talking about everything that happened between her and Ben in her office felt out of place. Who she was over the weekend was nothing like the woman she was at work.

“He is hot. As in, drop dead gorgeous hot.”

“Oh, go on. I already like him.”

“And we kind of tried to have a one-night stand.” She grimaced, this part of the story sounded awkward.

“What do you mean tried? Wait? Could he not—”

“What? Oh no, no. He was good.” Skye waved her hands. That’s not what she meant at all. She continued to whisper even though her door was closed, “We didn’t have any condoms.”

“Ohh. That’s a bummer.”

“Tell me about it.” Skye flashed to the moment when Ben asked her for one. Utter embarrassment.

“I’m proud of you, Skye.” Kari smiled. “You went out in the world, and you hooked up with a hot guy. See? Without work there are actually fun things out there.”

Skye rolled her eyes. “That’s what you keep saying.”