Chapter 9
Bella arrived back in Dallas late afternoon on Friday, dropped her case off at home, gave Primmy a big hug and played with her for a bit, fed her dinner, before a quick freshen up at home to meet Jackie for dinner - Bella’s treat as a thank you for watching the house and Primmy that week.
Grabbing a table at The Speakeasy, which served pub style food and had a fantastic cocktail menu, Bella and Jackie placed their order, and the moment their drinks arrived Jackie started in.
“Tell me everything. Were there hot astronauts? Did you get to go in the floating chamber thing?
Try on a space suit?”
“Nothing fun like that, but I did get to catch one of the Taylor Swift shows while I was there, so it wasn’t all work. It’s really cool though; the space center is so much bigger than I thought it would be!”
“Bella. What about the astronauts? Hot or not?”
“There were several women crew members, did you know this mission is going to have the first woman to walk on the moon?”
“Okay. Now I know for sure there was at least one hot one because you are totally avoiding my question. Now give it up - don’t make me break out the thumbscrews.”
Bella took a sip of her Cosmo (she was feeling very Sex you’ll have time to shower and change for dinner.
Our reservations are for 1900 hours. We will be dining at Al Biernat's - dress code is business casual. I’ve arranged a private room for us. We will see you there.”
“Damn, she’s as tough as my drill instructor at OCS. It’s kinda hot,” said Mike.
“Your brain is hot from standing in the sun too long,” Jack replied.
Mike wandered off to try to talk to Carrie, and Jack found himself scanning the group - looking for Bella.
He was about to give up when he glanced down and caught sight of those shoes — just a few feet away.
Keeping them in his line of sight, Jack walked over to where Bella stood, speaking to her father.
“Thank you for the tour today, very informative. And I appreciate the bag of goodies - Sloane and Piper will be overjoyed. They asked me to send their hellos by the way. So hello, ha,” Jack told her.
“Well, please give my hellos back. Did you meet my father? Dad, this is Captain/Commander Calloway. This is my dad, John Genovese.”
“Really, either Captain or Commander is fine, you don’t have to use both.”
“Okay, then Captain it is. Well, I will see you at dinner tonight. I’m glad you were all able to make it today,” Bella said before walking away, leaving him with Big G. Jack watched as she walked away. Damn those shoes!
Jack felt a firm clap on the back.
“Commander. So, you’re the boss.”
“Mr. Genovese. I’m the commander of the mission, yes, but I’m not sure I’d say I’m the boss.”
“Call me Big G. You're in charge of the mission, the crew, keeping everyone safe, yes?”
“Yes sir, it’s my number one priority, getting us to the moon, and then home safely.”
“This means you know the importance of responsibility for people. I understand you are a widower. I’m sorry, I know how painful that must be, having watched Isabella lose her husband.
You are both far too young to have such a tragedy in your lives.
But you know what is just as much of a tragedy?
Not keeping your heart open to love. A man is lucky to know a great love once in his life, but sometimes you get two great loves. ”
“Yes sir.” Jack wondered where this was going, and where it was coming from.
"My Isabella — she's a good girl. Capisce?" Big G said, grasping Jack firmly by the shoulder.
The look in his eye said he knew exactly what was on Jack's mind every time he looked at Bella.
Aha. Am I that obvious? “Roger that.”
“Good, good. So, Calloway? Any relation to the golf clubs?”
“No relation sir.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.”