Page 76 of My All American Girl

“He’s a good guy,” I finally said, managing a weak smile. “And I think he was worried about Rolley.”

“He’ll be okay,” Kylee assured me. “He’s tough. And so are you. I think Ryker thought he was going to be dealing with a bunch of washouts.”

I forced a smile. “Kind of funny it was us out of our little group that made it.”

She laughed. “No kidding.”

“That was wild,” I said. “But if I’m being honest, I thought it would be worse.”

“You did?” she asked with a laugh. “I thought it was pretty bad.”

“I don’t know. I had totally imagined the worst possible scenario.”

“Mental gymnastics,” she said. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”

“Exactly.” I nodded.

After finishing unpacking, I looked around our small room. After our time in the great outdoors, I felt caged. Trapped.

“Want to go for a walk?” I asked her. “Maybe Sac Lake? I need to replenish my toiletries. We can go to the store.”

She was quiet for a minute. “Sure, may as well. After the nonstop action, it does feel weird to just be sitting here. Mission accepted.”

As we walked toward Sac Lake, the breeze carried the scent of damp earth. Families that lived on base were enjoying the nice day. We slowly walked in no real hurry to get anywhere. Calm washed over me. For a moment, I allowed myself to forget about my strained relationship with my father, about Dean, and the secrets I held close to my chest. The only thing that mattered was the beauty of nature surrounding us and the peace it brought to my troubled mind. I took a deep breath, inhaling the earthy scent of the water and trees. Birds chirped in the distance, creating an idyllic atmosphere.

I felt better. After the last couple of weeks, it was nice to not have to get in the mud or feel hungry. I was looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. Even if it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable bed in the world, it was the Four Seasons compared to wadded-up leaves in a damp hole.

“Loosening up a bit?” Kylee asked as we wound our way back toward the store.

I laughed. “Yes. Thank you. I’m sure going for a walk was the last thing you wanted to do. But the fresh air is nice.”

“I don’t mind getting out,” she said. “It’s less humid than usual.”

“Thank you, Kylee. The night that all happened, I thought for sure you were going to ditch me.”

She laughed. “Not a chance. I have your back. And you’re a leader. People are going to be following you. Including me.”

We made our way to the store, indulging in a few extra luxuries after roughing it. I bought myself a new blanket that was softer than a kitten’s whisper. I got some lotion that smelled divine. It was fancier than I would usually get, but it would help get the stink of the wilderness off me. I needed to feel like a woman again.

We took our goods back to our room and unpacked. I spread the blanket on my bed, cuddling into like it was hugging me.

Kylee was staring at her phone, rapidly texting. “Hey, some of us are going out later tonight. Want to join?”

“Where are you guys going?” I asked, already suspecting the answer.

Kylee laughed. “The only place to go. The Fly Trap.”

The mention of Dean’s bar sent a thrill through me, but it was mixed with anxiety. I hadn’t seen him since that night, and the idea of facing him now was both exhilarating and terrifying. What if things were different now? What if he didn’t feel the same way?

But I had to know. “Sure,” I said, trying to sound casual. “I’ll go.”

“Great!” Kylee grinned. “We’ll leave around eight.”

“Let’s go eat and then I want to take a shower,” I said.

I didn’t tell her I wanted to use some of the new frou-frou stuff. I wanted to feel girly and pretty. We walked to the cafeteria where I discovered the situation at SERE had made its way back to base. A few people were shaking my hand and calling me a slugger. I was a little embarrassed. Kylee and I carried our trays to a table. It wasn’t long before we were surrounded by people asking about the fight as well as our experience in the survival training.

Kylee and I answered their questions, trying to downplay our heroics in the situation. I didn’t want the attention or any more rumors spreading about what had happened out there. It was sure to get back to my superiors and that would get to my dad. He would be pissed to know I was being praised for my bad behavior. I could just hear his lecture about trying to be a star instead of a pilot, or how breaking rules was breaking trust.

As we finished our meal, I excused myself and headed back to our room, eager to freshen up before heading out later.

The warm water of the shower felt like a soothing balm on my tired muscles. It had been a couple of days since training ended, but I was still sore. I took my time, letting the tension melt away with each drop that cascaded down my body. Using the new lotion, I pampered myself, reveling in the feminine scent that enveloped me. It smelled like vanilla, a stark contrast to the usual scent of sweat and dirt that clung to me after the days in the wilderness. I dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that made me feel confident yet approachable. I applied a touch of makeup, feeling slightly self-conscious yet excited for the night ahead.

I couldn’t shake the nervous energy building inside me. I kept replaying that night in my head—Dean’s gentle care, the way he’d looked at me, the kiss that had felt so real, so right. I needed to see him, to talk to him. I needed to know if what we shared was as real to him as it was to me.

I was worried about what it meant if he did feel the same way. What then? How could we have a relationship? I didn’t know if my father would ever approve of me dating a pilot. And Dean Ryker in particular was especially off limits.

By the time eight o’clock rolled around, I was a bundle of nerves. I took another look in the mirror, debating putting my hair up. I wanted to look good, but I didn’t want to seem like I was trying too hard.

Kylee gave me an approving nod when she saw me. “You look great,” she said. “Hubba hubba!”

“Thanks,” I said with a laugh. “You too.”

We met up with a few other pilots and made our way to the Trap. The familiar neon sign came into view. My heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing him again. I wasn’t even sure he would be here, but I hoped so.