Two of my commanding cadets flank each side of me and present me with my cadet boards, signifying my entrance into the cadet wing. I made it through basic and now I’m entering as a fourth year into the academy, a rigorous class schedule ahead of me.
I stare ahead at my dad, in his dress blues, looking prestigious with all his chest candy decorating his uniform. For a retired airman, he still is in shape, could hold a candle to any of the cadets on this field, and I hate that. I wish he was out of shape, I wish he was a contradiction to everything he represents, but that wouldn’t be Tyler Sheppard, no, he’s precise and polished with everything he does and says . . . at least he is when he’s not behind closed doors. Always putting on a show, that’s his game.
“Congratulations.” I shake hands with both my fellow cadets and then go to the end of the line, watching closely as Colby receives his cadet boards as well, pride beaming from him as his shoulders are set high, a lightness to the dark scowl he usually wears.
This is his first step into the academy he’s worked his ass off to get into. There is no doubt in my mind that this is a moment he won’t ever forget.
After the ceremonies, I briskly walk over to my father where he holds out his hand to me. Knowing it’s all for show, I take it in mine and give it a firm shake.
There is no smile, there is no pride coming from him, just an expectation. I can check off one of the boxes in the long list of to-dos he’s laid out for me.
Leaning in, quietly he says, “Don’t fuck this up.”
Ahh, words of wisdom.
No congratulations, no job well done, not even a how are you doing?
Just a terse don’t fuck this up.
I’m not surprised.
I answer back with a shake of his hand. “Yes, sir.”
He nods and then spins on his heel, leaving me behind while others who were lucky enough to have their family members attend, take pictures and beam about how much stronger their kids look.
Shaking off the lackluster moment with my father, I turn to find Colby talking to a man in a wheel chair, a nurse next to him. I study the interaction for a few seconds before making the connection. That must be Colby’s grandfather.
And fuck, the old guy looks damn proud of his grandson.
I want to be jealous, but knowing Colby’s past, fighting through basic with him, I just nod my head and smile. Colby deserves this moment with his grandfather.
* * *
**COLBY**
“By golly, look at you.” He tugs on Darlene’s arm—his nurse—and says, “Do you see my boy, look at those shoulders in that uniform. He’s a real looker, isn’t he?”
“Gramps,” I chuckle, “Be cool.”
He leans forward. “Bet all the lady cadets have their eye on you.” He winks obnoxiously.
“Christ.” I drag my hand over my face.
“Oh come on, I can’t rib my grandson on his day of acceptance into the cadet wing?”
“No, you can.” I look around. “Just keep your voice down.”
A hearty laugh comes out of my grandpa as well as a brisk and sharp cough. Over the last year it seems like he’s aged ten years. Not even letting it get to the point of a fight, my grandpa sold his house and put himself into a senior living center. When I asked him if he was okay with that, he said why wouldn’t he be okay with being doted on all day.
Growing serious, Gramps says, “You look good, Colby, proud.”
“I am.” I take in a deep breath, laughter and comradery surrounding me. This is what I wanted when I first decided to join the Air Force, I wanted a place where I could belong and so far, I’ve never felt more a part of something in my entire life. I feel fulfilled and fucking excited for what’s to come. I can’t wait to dive into classes, to take my first trip in the glider, to try out for the Wings of Blue, the parachuting team at the academy. I’m bound and determined to soak up every last moment while I’m here, preparing myself to get into flight school so one day, I can fly a fighter jet.
When I glance around, I see Stryder looking off into the distance. I noticed his dad was here and I watched their interaction which probably lasted no more than a few seconds. Stryder wasn’t lying when he spoke of his dad in such a negative light. Just from the brief snapshot I caught of them, I could see the tension between the two, the hatred Stryder has for his own father, there was no hiding it.
Hating that Stryder is all alone, I call him over. “Stryder, over here.” I nod with my head.
He spots me and jogs over, making it in a few steps.
Lending out his hand to my grandpa, he says, “You must be the infamous Gramps.”
Gramps takes Stryder’s hand in his and nods. “At your service.”
“It’s nice to meet you, sir. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about you.”
“That’s right you have.” He winks at me and then let’s Stryder’s hand go, giving him a once over. “You know, you might give my son a run for his money when it comes to the ladies.”
Laughing, Stryder squeezes my grandpa’s shoulder and says, “Sir, with all do respect, your grandson doesn’t hold a candle to me in the looks department.”
Gramps looks me up and down and then Stryder. Shaking his head, he leans toward me and says, “I’m afraid he might have you there, son.”
Stryder’s head falls back as he holds his stomach and laughs. Over these last few weeks, I’ve been able to gauge Stryder for the type of guy he is, always putting on a show, always laughing and joking around, but under all of the easy-going fa?ade, his heart is a hardened stone. His ambition is low, his will to work automatic, and mainly he’s just going through the motions with no real passion behind his movements. The only time I see a hint of willingness to put an effort in is when we’re talking about flying and our dreams to become fighter pilots. That’s when I see it, the same kind of passion I possess.
“I think I like your grandpa, he’s a good man.” Once again, Stryder shakes his hand and then says, “I think I’m going to head up to the dorms. It was nice meeting you . . . Gramps.”
Gramps nods his head and says, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Stryder.” Pointing his finger he says, “Watch my grandson’s six, work hard, and make sure this guy has some fun on occasion.”
Stryder walks backwards when he says, “I can try, Gramps, but I make no promises. Catch you in the dorms.” He waves his hand and takes off.
Gramps still has his eyes on Stryder when he says, “That boy is hurting, I just hope it isn’t for long.” Letting out a long breath, he turns to me and grips my arm, bringing me down to eye level. Grabbing my cheek, he looks me in the eyes and says, “This is the beginning, Colby, the first stepping stone to your dream. Don’t lose focus but also don’t forget to have fun and if you meet a girl who rocks your world, let her.”
I chuckle, my Gramps the ever romantic. “No distractions, Gramps.”
“Sometimes you can afford them.” He winks and then hands his phone over to Darlene. “Would you mind taking a picture?”
“Of course not.”
I stand next to my grandpa, chest puffed, his arm around my waist, my hand on his shoulder and I smile, knowing fully well this picture is going to be shown all around the senior community when he gets home.
I say my good byes and watch as my grandpa is wheeled off the field, happier than I think I’ve ever seen him.
If you meet a girl who rocks your world, let her.
I shake my head and chuckle. Never going to happen. I have one goal and one goal alone, I’m going to become a fighter pilot and nothing and no one is going to stop me from reaching that goal.
To be continued . . .
* * *
THE UPSIDE OF FALLING is a contemporary, military romance releasing June 21st, that will pick up during Colby’s final year at the academy and his life after. This emotionally charged book full of heart-stopping romance will be the first book in a duet. THE DOWNSIDE OF LOVE will be releasing two weeks later on July 5th and will feature one hell of a TWIST you will never see coming.
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