Chapter 6
Confidence

"What is it?" Devon asked, trying to keep up with his little legs.

"Nothing, go back to the party, Dev."

"I'd rather go back to the hotel."

"Doesn't bother me any." Rafe replied, quickening his step.

"Listen, Rafe, it isn't right that you keep yourself bottled up like this. The least you can do is tell me." Devon persisted until Rafe gave in.

"All right, let's go over here." The men stepped onto the San Francisco Beach, and Rafe began his story. He told everything from playing Chicken to Danny leaving, and concluded with, "I still love her, Dev. I know you're probably gonna think I am a complete softy, but I do. I'd do anything to get her back. Of course, I know that there's nothing that I can do, but Danny's with her now.

"I'm gonna ask you a question, and I want you to answer me honestly, alright?"

"Shoot."

"If there was any man on earth you could choose to be with her, besides you, who would you choose?"

Rafe nodded and smiled. "Thanks, Berry."

"Anytime." They offered each other a quick handshake, and Devon looked at his watch. "We better get back, it's almost midnight."

"What the hell are you doing coming into my outfit a half-hour late?" Doolittle asked, trying to suppress his anger.

"We just lost track of time, sir." Devon Berenger replied, before Rafe had a chance.

"You of all people, Dev. I thought I could trust you. What were you doing?"

"Nothing of consequence, sir." Rafe replied, quickly this time. This guy was almost as smart as he was at dealing with Doolittle.

"If it's any consolation, sir, we had a chance to reminisce."

Rafe was surprised at how well Berenger handled himself in front of Doolittle, with out any fear. Doolittle was also softer with Devon as well. When he spoke to the other men it was with strong force, but with Captain Berenger, it was much different, as if he were afraid the Captain might break.

"I don't care about that, Captain, as long as you are back by curfew."

"Yes, sir." Berry saluted the man in accordance with his duty. "Thank you, sir."

Doolittle saluted back, and told Berenger that he was done talking, to which he left. However, Doolittle would not let Rafe leave. "Have a seat, son. There's something you need to know about that pilot."

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