Chapter 5

"It wasn't the roaches I was worried about. It was the humans. But the 'Admiral glare' might work on them too," Krystal laughed.

"I'll turn on the high powered version! See you in an hour, Krystal," Tom told her.

"Alright, I'm in apartment G6, I don't think you can miss it. It's right by the garbage dumpster."

"Oh you have the good view!"

"The best view and smell, in the apartments. People just flock to visit me," laughed Krystal. "Just wait till you get here and see for yourself. But really, Tom, be careful there are some thugs that hang around."

"I'll be fine and your hour is getting eaten up talking young lady!"

"I'm gone, see you soon, bye."

He chuckled and hung up hoping that there might be a chance that he could finally tell her how he had felt about her all these years.

Tom arrived right on time. He was wearing a suit and tie instead of his uniform, but looked just as handsome. Opening the door Krystal felt underdressed in her green sundress and sandals. She had braided her long hair in a single braid down her back after her shower and it was still damp. Just seeing him took her breath away. He hadn't changed a bit except maybe to become better looking. And, oh, that twinkle in his eyes, still made her weak at the knees at thirty two.

"Hello, Tom. Did you want to come in just a minute or are you ready to go," she asked not knowing what to do. "I don't have anything but soda to drink inside or tea. No alcohol, I'm afraid."

"Who needs alcohol, when my date is as intoxicating as you are, Krystal? But no I'm ready to go if you are. You might want a sweater in case the evening gets cool. Our reservations are in fifteen minutes."

"Sweater? Dang, where did I pack them? Come on in and get out of the smell of the garbage while I find one," she frowned heading toward the bedroom and digging through the boxes until she found a beige sweater. "Will this do?"

"I think that would be fine. So, Krystal, how have you been all these years? I heard that your transfer had come through quickly, its impressive that you were moved here after such a short time as a lawyer."

"Tom, I was a damn fine pilot, so why shouldn't I be just as good an attorney?" she teased. "I wanted this position and have for a long time so when it became available I put in for it. The SECNAV agreed to my transfer as long as the JAG will accept me."

"That old sea dog had better, if he knows what's good for him! You let me deal with him, if AJ gives you any trouble!" Tom laughed as he led her down to his Lincoln town car; it was of course navy blue.

"Nice car, that's something else I'll have to pick up. It was cheaper to sell mine than transport it here from Hawaii," explained Krystal. "I suppose you've been to Hawaii. Probably been just about everywhere at one time or another, right?"

"Well, not everywhere, I hadn't been to this apartment building before tonight!" he helped her into the car and waited to make sure she fastened her seatbelt before starting the car. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look this evening Krystal?"

"No, you neglected to do that, but since you have told me now, I forgive you," she laughed. "You look awfully handsome yourself there, Admiral."

"Tom, please, Krystal, unless you think I am to old for you to call me by my first name."

"There you go with that 'old' business again," smiled Krystal. "I was going to tease you, Tom. From the twinkle in your eyes I would think you would love to be teased and tease back."

"I don't know about that, but I do enjoy seeing you again! It has been way too long, Krystal. I hope you like Italian food, I made reservations at Callisto's"

"As long as I don't have to cook it and clean up afterward, I'll love it," she laughed. "Do you eat
there a lot?"

"AJ showed me this place when I got to town, it's become one of my favorites." He led her into the restaurant and they were shown to a table right away.

To be continued…