“Test pilot. Got booted from that…as if that’s surprising.” Shaking his head, he let out a sigh. “Of course, once again I was too cocky in my own skills. But Ice saved my ass. Sent me back here.”

/ I just know my boss is sick of me and my bullshit, but don’t worry sir I’ll be clocking in, in 40 minutes.

Draping his arms over his own knees, he turned his head to look at her. “I know. But I’m sure I can manage to somehow piss off yet another Admiral, and land myself grounded for good. Wouldn’t take much, and Ice probably won’t be around much longer to save me.”

“I know. I’m sure it’ll all be fine. Hopefully. I just…have this feeling that I’m not going to be needed or wanted anymore after Ice is gone.” Shrugging his shoulders, he leans his head down to rest it on his own arm. “I’m not too sure I can squeeze my way back in on my own.”

“That’s enough about me.” Putting his best grin on his lips, he let his hand rest on top of hers. “I’m sure business is good as always. The Navy will never stop drinking. What about Amelia? Is she doing okay in school?”

“Where uh, where is her dad now anyway? He still around? Taking care of her, helping?” It was a genuine question. Pete cared a lot, about both Penny and Amelia.

“You know I don’t like that. And you know if you ever need me, you can call me. Or, I guess you can find me. I’ll be around. I promise, even if I get grounded that I’m not going anywhere this time.” He reached out, offering his pinky to her. “That’s a promise I won’t break.”

“I’m getting too old to be running around, you know?” Cracking a smile, he gently nudged her. His eyes wandered over her facial features for a moment before he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I missed you, you know?”

He was still just looking at her. Signature grin still glued to his lips. “Is Amelia home? I mean, I know it’s late but…I’d like to see the kid. I can imagine she’s probably studying with a flashlight by now.”

“Of course I do.” Standing up himself, he offered his hand out to her and helped her up. Making sure he had the keys to his bike, he walked back with her to their vehicles. “I’ll see you there in a few.”

Pete wasn’t too far behind, pulling up maybe a minute after Penny. Putting the kickstand down on his bike, he shut it off. Stuffing his keys back into his pockets, he stood and waited for Penny to open the door.

“Hey kid.” Smiling a somewhat awkward grin, he waved at her. He was sure Amelia had her own feelings about him. Especially since she was aware of the history between himself and Penny. “How’ve you been, kiddo?” He asked, moving to lean himself up against the counter.

“Uh, yeah. A water would be nice.” Nodding his head, he cleared his throat a little. He always thought of Amelia as one of his own. And just like Penny, Amelia could always ask him for anything and everything, whenever she needed. “You doing good in school, kid?”

“I can sure give it my best shot, kid.” Taking a seat at the table, he made himself comfortable. Taking a sip of water, he ran his fingers through his hair. “Show me what you’ve got. I’ll do my best.”

“Well looks like you’ve come along nicely.” Picking up the pen, he started scribbling a few ideas down for her to write about. He didn’t want to completely write the paper for her. “See where you can go from there, and how about I come back tomorrow to help you more, huh?”