Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

“That’s incredible news,” he says when I’m done.

“Girls, what happens with all these photos and stories when you get back to school?” Dave questions us.

“Basically, we had to sign our rights away. Any of the work by the students that gets used, in any type of publications, will guarantee we get name recognition, but the school gets most of the credit, which is fine. In the end, though, IF one of our pieces is picked up for national exposure on the networks our leadership teams represent, we will be named as well. We will get no monetary payments, but we are allowed to use and note it on our resumes, internship applications, and grad school submissions. Also we’ll get recommendations from the national journalists. This is highly unlikely since the real journalistic work starts closer to when the final athletes are named,” I explain.

Quinn never quits dancing in her little circle until she throws herself at Dean. “No matter what the outcome, this type of opportunity basically guarantees a spot in the MFA program,” she sings.

When I lock eyes with Bryce, my breath disappears. His are shining bright with pure pride.

“This is going to be a lifetime experience. I wish I could share it with you.”

“Oh, buddy, don’t you worry. You’ll know every detail of the trip as if you were standing beside me. Did you forget? I’m the photographer?”

“I’m counting on it, babe, because you’re going to blow this out of the water.”

His confidence in me adds to the ever-growing list of things I cherish about him. Another moment to add to memory.

*****

Quinn rolls her eyes when Bryce flashes his military ID and asks for a buddy pass to walk us through the airport to our gate. She’s been lenient on him since we got home from Florida, not busting his ass too much. But I can see that’s about to change.

“You know, Bryce, I think you may want to check and see about what housing assignment they’ve given you in Rhode Island. Pretty sure you’ve turned into a total girl.”

And I was right.

He keeps his mouth shut but narrows his eyes at her. She cracks up and walks ahead of us.

“Are you kidding me? This line is ridiculous.” She turns back to me and transfers her carry-on to Bryce. “I need to use the restroom and can’t wait to get through this madhouse of people. Can you carry my bag, and I’ll meet you at the gate?” Without waiting for an answer, she side steps me and disappears around the corner.

We show our documents to the TSA agent, and I get a glimpse of Bryce’s buddy pass. It is exactly like my ticket. He catches my eye an

d winks then leads me to the express lane.

“Bryce—”

He places one finger on my lips to quiet me then lowers his head to my ear. “Get through security, and I’ll explain. But you’ve probably figured out by now that I’m not dropping you off at the gate.”

I lean back and nod. “Is it totally improper for me to kiss you right now?”

“The kind of kiss I want would probably land us in jail, so I’ll settle for something softer.” He runs his lips across mine and then steps back, taking my bag from my hands.

Once through security, we find a restaurant near our gate. He casually orders us breakfast as I stare at him, waiting for an explanation. He finally chuckles, shaking his head.

“Did you really think I’d let you go to Virginia alone?”

“It’s for one night!” I protest.

“That was one night I wasn’t willing to give up. Not to mention, I’m going to miss your birthday next month, so I worked with Quinn to surprise you. Today and tomorrow, we’ll pack up what you need, get your apartment ready, and take care of your business. But tonight, you’re all mine, and I have a celebration planned.”

“What about Quinn?” I look for her at the gate.

“Well, I had to make her a deal. I’m responsible for gathering her items and getting them home. She gave me a detailed list and said you’d help.” He gives me a look of terror before reaching in his pocket and handing over a folded piece of paper.

I read through and giggle at the ridiculous things she listed for him. “This is a total joke, honey.”

His face visibly relaxes. “Thank God because look at items under section H.”

The waitress delivers our drinks, and I scan to Section H. It was a mistake to take a sip of water because it comes straight back up, spraying out of my mouth.