Page 48 of My All American Girl

21

SARAH

My father sent a car to pick me up at the dorms. It dropped me off and I took a deep breath as I looked both ways down the street. It wasn’t a very happening place, but the restaurant in front of me seemed busy and trendy enough. I smoothed down the skirt of my dress—the only one I’d bothered to bring with me to Mississippi—and headed inside.

I didn’t wear dresses. It wasn’t my thing. But I knew my dad liked when I acted like his daughter and not the airman he was so proud of. And I could admit that it was nice on occasion. I was never going to have a closet full of little black dresses and beautiful gowns but I didn’t mind it on occasion.

The hostess greeted me with a warm smile.

“Thomas.” I gave her my last name.

“Right this way.” She led me to a table where my father was already waiting.

He rose as I approached, ever the gentleman in his crisp uniform. “You look beautiful tonight, Sarah,” he said with a warm smile and pulled out my chair for me.

“Thanks, Dad,” I replied, trying to suppress the urge to fidget. I felt like a schoolgirl again. Ever since high school, we had maintained this ritual—dinner once a month, just the two of us, to catch up on life. We shared so many interests that our conversations often stretched late into the night. I had fond memories of wearing my favorite dress and getting sugar-drunk on Shirley Temples. I was happy to be here, but I couldn’t shake the discomfort of being out of my usual jeans and T-shirt.

I ordered a glass of white wine, knowing my father would not approve of me drinking a beer at a nice restaurant.

“How much flying time have you logged this week?” he asked without preamble.

My glass of wine was quickly delivered. I took a sip of my pinot grigio, about to answer, when a shadow fell over our table. I looked up and choked on my wine. Standing there, looking completely out of place in the trendy restaurant, was Dean.

My father quickly moved to fuss over me as I coughed and spluttered, patting my back. “Are you okay? Do you need water?”

I waved him off, my eyes wide. “What are you doing here?” I stammered once I regained my composure.

My father clicked his tongue. “That’s no way to speak to your superior, on or off base. Correct yourself.”

I straightened in my chair, cheeks flushing. “I’m sorry. Good evening, Lieutenant Colonel Ryker. It’s nice to see you.”

Dean gave me a small nod, his expression revealing nothing before he turned to my father. “Thanks for inviting me, Mo.”

Mo smiled broadly and motioned for Dean to take the seat opposite me. “Absolutely. I hope you don’t mind, Sarah. You know Dean and I go way back, and lately, we haven’t had much time to catch up. I figured I would make it a two-for-one visit while I was in town.”

I forced a smile, though I could feel the awkwardness settling over the table like a heavy fog. “Of course, I don’t mind.”

The memory of our heated moment outside the bar flashed through my mind, followed by the grueling drills he’d put me through. I had a thousand questions but none that I could voice in front of my father.

“So, how’s training going?” Mo asked, oblivious to the tension between Dean and me.

Thank God.

“It’s going well,” Dean answered smoothly, his eyes briefly meeting mine before looking back at Mo.

He had a poker face. I hoped I was pulling it off as well.

“Sarah’s been working hard. She’s got the grit and determination that’s needed for survival training.”

My dad beamed with pride. “That’s my girl.”

Warmth rushed through me at my father’s praise. I thrived on his approval.

“How about you, Dean?” Mo continued. “What have you been up to lately? We haven’t had much time to talk since you got here to Columbus.”

Dean leaned back in his chair, sipping the water he chose to stick with. “I’ve been busy with the students, making sure they’re ready for what’s ahead.”

Mo nodded approvingly. “That’s what I like to hear. It’s good to have you back, Dean.”