Page 12 of Owen
While I was getting ready to go out earlier, I realized that Gregor’s cousin is the first man to make my heart flutter in a very long time. I can’t deny he’s mesmerizing, and I felt so drawn to him in a weird way that I couldn’t explain.
When Gregor spilled his secret about his marriage, Owen looked embarrassed, as if he didn’t want me to know. And he was blushing, which I found oddly endearing.
But I don’t need or want a man. I’m currently focusing on my career. Between my pregnancy and maternity leave, I’ve been itching to get back in the cockpit of my fast jet.
Not just a few hours here and there, like I have done for the last four weeks to get me back into the swing of things. No, I’m ready for several hours in the sky, in formation, synchronized looping and twisting through the air. I love the feeling in my stomach when I roll a plane in the sky at five hundred miles an hour. Flying simulators don’t do it justice.
That feeling was exactly how Owen made me feel earlier. My stomach danced with butterflies like I’d performed a loop the loop and barrel roll.
I continue with more reasons to justify why I should stayaway from Owen. “He has way too much baggage. He dumped his future wife at the altar. Who does that?” I’m genuinely intrigued and need all the details immediately.
While fixing her hair in the wall mirror at the bottom of the stairs, Mom answers, “Someone who isn’t happy, Jade. That’s who doesthat. You should find out, though. I want to hear everything.”
“I can’t ask him.”
“I agree, but you can ask Gregor.” She rubs her hands together. “Get me all the juicy details.”
A low laugh hums in my chest. “Okay, Mrs. Blabbermouth, I’ll do my best.” I’m instantly hit by a wall of heat as I pull open the front door.
I love this climate, although my pale freckly skin would never appreciate the scorching temperature of August. I might turn into one giant freckle.
I inhale the orange blossom of the perimeter trees. “See you later. I need to go or I’ll miss the coach.”
“Have fun.” Mom gives me a finger wave.
I plan to.
My ribs are sore from laughing. “Wow, I’ve missed you guys.” I struggle to catch a breath as my team continues to tell me all the stupid pranks they have pulled on each other in my absence. Although hilarious, I’m relieved they leave me out of their childish nonsense.
“You all need to grow up.” My throat dry from giggling, I pick up my glass to take a sip of water.
My team disagrees with me.
Never.
Not in this decade.
Let’s not be too hasty.
In unison, they chime, except Gregor’s cousin, Owen.
He’s been sitting quietly all night at the opposite end of the dining table. Just observing, half-heartedly laughing when everyone else does, although I’m not sure he’s really listening.
He looks lost.
Every time I’ve looked his way, he’s been staring at me. Only when our eyes connect, he snaps his gaze away faster than a bolt of lightning. Is it because I’m the only woman here tonight?
I cast my eyes around the table at the talented pilots and support team I get to call my friends; my family for another two flying seasons.
I can breathe a little easier tonight knowing Cobra, my wing commander, couldn’t make it. Like flipping a coin into a wishing well, I wish for him to stay as far away from me as possible, preferably at the bottom of the well where he can’t get to me because he is forever acting inappropriately around me, and his sleazy behavior makes me feel weird. Despite him, I can’t imagine being anywhere else; I love the rest of my team and I know that I need to make the most of every minute we’re together.
I’m aware that all too soon, I will be on the move again, because once my assignment with the display team is over, I will rejoin my fast jet squadron based in the heart of England and will be back in the cockpit of what I usually fly: a Typhoon. That thought makes my stomach spin with excitement, remembering the aircraft’s power and agility. Although more and more of late, and since I’ve had Poppy, I’ve been considering a change in career, possibly something safer, like a flying instructor perhaps.
We’ll see.
Usually only a three-year fixed-term posting with the aerobatic team to give pilots a chance to experience this exhilarating position, mine was extended to accommodate my pregnancy and maternity leave which means, like everyone else, I will still do three display seasons, and I am desperate to kickstart our training.
Becoming an instructor sounds great and all, but it certainly doesn’t sound as exciting as my current role or hold the same appeal.
