“It’s good!” she insisted. “My parents are hosting a fundraiser for the Annapolis Marine Life Gallery. It’s going to be at the Charles Carroll House.” Her face brightened with pride and nerves. “You know, the big historic estate right on the Severn? With the terraced lawns and those old sycamores? They’re setting up lanterns and white tents across the gardens, with artwork displayed along the stone terraces overlooking the water.”
She tucked a loose strand behind her ear, cheeks rosy. “It’s for conservation and coastal art and education programs, preserving the bay, restoring oyster reefs, funding marine-life rescues. All the things I grew up caring about. It’s important to them.” Her voice softened. “I want you both there.”
Fly and Than exchanged a look, one part fondness, one part surrender.
Fly leaned back. “Yeah. I’m in.”
Than nodded. “Of course.”
Mei’s smile bloomed like sunlight. “Good, because you’re going to need tuxes.” Both men groaned. “And,” she added, tapping her fingers, “I need a new dress. So.” Her smile turned mischievous. “You’re both coming dress shopping with me.”
Fly dropped his forehead to the table. “Kill me now.”
Than just looked like he’d forgotten how to breathe.
Mei laughed, bright, sweet, everything, and for a moment, all three of them were exactly what she said.
Friends.
An hour later, the Yard had settled into its late-afternoon lull by the time Fly reached the waterfront, sunlight stretching long and gold across the river. He’d traded his PT gear for a clean Academy polo and khakis, hair still damp from the shower. The slight breeze carried the smell of salt and river silt, grounding him in all the ways this place had from the moment he’d stepped onto its hallowed ground.
As he crossed the path toward the docks, voices rose around him like familiar music.
“Gallagher! You still owe me a rematch in the ring,” a 2/C called, jogging by with a grin.
Fly lifted a hand. “Anytime, Boyd. But you’re bringing the ice packs this round.”
Boyd laughed and kept running.
Two plebes from his company straightened as he passed.
“Evening, sir!” Both spoke at once, too loud, too eager.
Fly slowed enough to give them a real look. “Carry on, gents, and hydrate. You look like raisins.”
They flushed and stumbled over their thanks as he moved on.
A pair of female mids stepped onto the walkway, books hugged to their chests. One nudged the other.
“Fly!” Jessica called, a beautiful blonde right up his alley, her eyes brightening the second they landed on him. The attraction between them sparked, quick and easy.
“We start the capstone presentation at zero-eight tomorrow! You ready?”
He gave her a mock grimace. “Absolutely not. That’s why I’ll nail it.”
They laughed, rolling their eyes as if they’d expected nothing less. Jessica lingered a step behind her friend, then drifted casually into pace beside him.
“What are we doing after?” she asked, voice low and playful.
Fly slipped an arm around her shoulders with an ease born of confidence.
“Anything you want, Jess.”
She smiled up at him. “I have a couple things in mind.”
“Don’t wear me out. I have a race coming up.”
She bumped his hip, teasing. “How about I give you a run for your money.”
