A/N: Thanks to everyone that has put this story on alert-. If you've reviewed, I've responded. If FF screwed up and I didn't get your review, I apologize. Thanks to my Fab BETA Linds!
If you've read anything else I've written you know I write things based on my real life. Don't hesitate to ask what's real or not-I don't mind in the least.
Beyond the Sea
Somewhere beyond the sea
somewhere waiting for me
my lover stands on golden sands
and watches the ships that go sailin'
Chapter 6
The next week passed in a blur as I was preparing to start work. I drove down to get my ID picture taken and the parking pass for my car as well as driving around the base to get familiar with the layout. I found the staff parking area and my building. The dry side of the base, as it was called, had a few barracks but the bulk of the base was for training. There were four buildings that housed classrooms.
I was still getting over my meeting with Edward and decided that busying myself with new things would be the way to go. I didn't avoid the park, but with my work schedule, I decided to run in the evening. I tried to convince myself it wasn't to avoid Edward. It still hurt to think of him involved with someone else. He and I had been so close once upon a time, that I had always held a torch for him. I wondered if he was still with Chelsea, the girl he had been with all those years ago. I tortured myself with thoughts of them together, it was easy enough to do as I had seen a picture of her once before. Hell, for all I knew they were married now.
My first day of work came and I was excited to get there. I checked in at the front desk and was escorted to my floor. I was greeted by the current department head and shown to my office. I shared it with one other instructor that taught an electronic navigation class. I wanted to sit in on it and learn as well.
By the end of the week, I had met two new people that I wouldn't mind getting together with off base. Peter worked down the hall from me and taught administration and Claire taught across the street in the electronics department. We exchanged numbers and made plans to meet up for beers over the weekend.
I begged Tanya to join us, as I had a feeling Claire and Peter were together. She hesitated, but finally caved in after I gave her my best pout. Besides she'd lived here longer and would have an idea of a great place to hang out. She even insisted on driving me so I could drink a lot. It was a very nice offer as I felt like I needed to drown some sorrows.
I headed to Claire's office on Friday afternoon to solidify the plans for Saturday night. She knew where the bar was that Tanya recommended and offered to call Peter with the details. She said she would meet us there as she lived on the other side of town. I left her office happy for the first time in over a week.
Saturday morning I decided to jog around the neighborhood instead of the park. Once I got home I regretted that decision. Although there were sidewalks to run on, there was too much traffic to cross back and forth the way I had wanted to.
I threw in a load of laundry and settled in to watch bad TV and snooze on the couch before I would need to get ready to go. I woke up to Tanya flicking my ear.
"What the fuck, T?" I grumbled.
"It's almost five. Did you want to eat out or in?" She asked.
"Five? I must have been tired. "I stretched and yawned, but got off the couch. "Is there a diner nearby this bar? I'm craving breakfast for dinner."
"Of course there is. This is a navy and college town. There are a ton of diners. Get in the shower and we can head out." She smacked me on my ass as I headed for my room. I turned on my "PartyDown" playlist and hopped into the shower. I took my time with my routine, enjoying the hot water and double shower heads. If there had been enough time, one of those showerheads and I would have gotten better acquainted as it had been far too long since I'd had a release.
Tanya was staring into my closet when I came out of the bathroom. "May I help you?" I asked her.
"Helping you dress, kiddo." She answered, not even looking at me.
"Been dressing myself for years, missy. Step away from the closet." I opened my dresser and pulled out my favorite lace cheekies and matching bra. I snapped Tanya with my towel as I removed it. One thing about serving your country, you're no longer shy about nakedness around the same sex.
"Bitch! And here I was going to help you out, big time!" She ranted, then laughed but exited my room.
I pulled on my favorite jeans and though about what she'd said. "What do you mean?" I yelled after her. She either ignored me or didn't hear me as I got no reply. I debated between my Wonder Woman or Batgirl shirt for about two minutes before finally deciding on the Batgirl one; she was rarer. I pulled out my blow dryer and got to work on my hair. Once that was dry, light make up was all I had left to do.
I headed to the living room with my purple chuck taylors in hand, to see Tanya sitting on the couch, texting. She startled when I sat down next to her.
"Shit, B. You scared me. Are you about ready? I'm hungry" She patted her stomach.
"Let me tie these and I'm all set" I tied up my shoes, grabbed my purse and followed Tanya out to her car.
After dining on a short stack at IHOP, we headed across the street to a bar called The Whistle Stop. It was dimly lit, had a ton of tables and a stage for a band. We went to the bar and Tanya ordered us beers while I looked around for Peter and Claire. I nudged her when I saw them at a table on the other side of the bar.
We sat down and I made the introductions as we settled in for some conversation. Peter was the only one originally from California. I was correct in the assumption that Claire and Peter had something going on, they drove together and kept leaning into each other. It was kind of cute but annoying as it helped to remind me how lonely I was these days.
Once the band came on, the bar got crowded and very loud, so all conversation stopped. When the band took their break, I headed to the ladies room and take a look in my purse for an aspirin. I didn't have any and didn't feel like sitting through any more loud music. I decided to tell Tanya I was ready to go which sucked as I didn't get past a second beer.
When I got back to the table, Tanya wasn't there so I bid goodnight to Peter and Claire, promising to do a night out again in the future. I looked around and finally saw Tanya at the bar talking to someone. He was pretty tall and they seemed to be having a great conversation.
Perfect, I thought. Time to really test out how quiet my room will be if she brings a dude home. I approached the bar and tapped her on the elbow so as not to interrupt her conversation. Her eyes got wide when she saw me there and she turned to include me at the bar as the guy she was talking to turned the other direction to chat with someone else.
"Hey, I have a headache and I'm ready to go. If you're headed with him, I can call a cab." I offered.
She spit her sip of beer out at me and laughed. "Yea, do not plan on taking this guy home. Let me introduce you." She pushed me in between her and the guy and tapped his arm. I dropped my jaw when he started to turn and I saw it was Edward.
I leaned into her, "What the fuck, T. Did you invite him or something?"
"No, silly. He was here with Emmett and I saw him when I came to get you another beer."
"Hi Bella." Edward said, keeping his eyes low.
"Hi Edward, how are you?" I tried to smile, but it fell flat. Tanya intervened to introduce me to Edward's friend.
"B, this is Emmett. He dates Rose from my office." She explained.
I leaned over to shake his hand," Nice to meet you." I turned back to Tanya,"Are you ready to go?" I asked while trying to convey how uncomfortable I was.
Edward leaned into me."Can I please get your number this time? I've been kicking myself for over a week."
"Ummmm…" I hesitated.
"Please Bella; I would really like a chance to explain what you saw at the park. I realize dinner would be too intimate, how about lunch? I can make us sandwiches." He waggled his eyebrows at me.
"Lunch would be fine" Tanya answered for me.
"I can make my own decisions." I slapped her arm. "Let's start with coffee."
Edward looked disappointed but agreed. "Here's my number, call me." He handed me a business card, finished his beer and walked away from us.
"What the hell was that Tanya?" I was pissed. "I'm leaving." I pretty much ran out of the bar. She caught up to me at the car where I was trying not to hyperventilate.
"Bella, are you ok?" She came over and wrapped her arm around my shoulders.
"I'm not sure, T." I climbed into the unlocked the car and faced out the window.
Tanya got in and turned on the radio, she let me stew the entire road home. As we pulled into the driveway, she turned to me and said,"Don't let how weird you felt the other day influence your decisions today. I remember how well you two got along when we would hit ports. It was almost as if you were already a couple. So when he calls B, and he will trust me, you will go meet him if I have to drive you myself."
She got out of the car and walked into the house, leaving me in the driveway to think.
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