Page 28 of Rescuing Mia
Fortunately, as I step into my cabin, a sense of excitement washes over me. This is real. I’m free of orders, mission plans, and targets to take down—or rescue.
My cabin aboard theSerenityis small but well-appointed. It has a comfortable bed, a desk, and a porthole that offers a glimpse of the endless blue expanse beyond. I stow my gear with practiced ease, the motions familiar and comforting, a ritual that now marks a new beginning.
As I make my way back to the deck, I can’t help but feel grateful for this opportunity. After years of service and sacrifice, I’m finally able to appreciate the sun on my face, the salt in the air, and the promise of new experiences on the horizon.
And yet, even as I revel in this newfound freedom, my mind can’t help but wander back to the missions and to the bonds forged in the heat of battle.
Blake’s face flashes before my eyes, his laughter echoing in my ears. I wonder what he would think of me now, trading in tactical gear for swim trunks, a wetsuit, and a camera.
He left the teams before me. He’s been out for a while now, working for a company that specializes in—stuff.
That means he’s doing cool things but can’t share more than that. It’s been too long since I sent him a line, and I make a mentalnote to check in on Blake after this cruise. Maybe I can do stuff too, once I’m done figuring out what I want for the rest of my life.
He’ll understand, especially after transitioning to civilian life, himself, and he might have pointers for me on what to do with myself after this.
One thing’s for certain: he’ll want me to embrace this new chapter in my life. If there’s one thing we learned in the SEALs, it’s that life is precious, and every moment should be cherished.
I make a promise to myself. To live each day to the fullest, seek out new adventures and experiences, and never take a moment for granted.
Because who knows what comes next?
All I know is that I’m ready to face whatever it is head-on with the same courage and determination that served me so well in the SEALs.
Once everything is secure, I head back up to the deck, eager to watch as we leave the bustling port of Manila behind. The sun is high in the sky, the heat tempered by the cool ocean breeze that drifts across the deck. I close my eyes momentarily, savoring the salt-tinged air and the distant cry of gulls.
“Quite a view, isn’t it?” A voice beside me breaks through my reverie, and I turn to see a man leaning against the railing, his gaze fixed on the receding shoreline.
He’s older than me, with salt-and-pepper hair and a weathered face that speaks of countless hours spent under the sun, but his eyes are bright and keen, and he has the lean, muscular build of an experienced diver.
“It never gets old.” I extend my hand. “Rigel Hanson.”
“Pete Bailey.” He shakes with a firm grip. “You here for the diving?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’ve been dreaming of these reefs for years.”
Pete chuckles, a knowing look in his eye. “You and me both, friend. I’ve been on my fair share of these excursions, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like it. The colors, the life… It’s like entering another world.”
We fall into an easy conversation, swapping stories of past dives and the wonders we’ve seen beneath the waves. Pete is a wealth of knowledge, and I hang on his every word, eager to learn from his experiences.
As we talk, two young women approach, their eyes sparkling with excitement and fixed on me.
“Hi there,” the first one says, her blonde hair cascading over her sun-kissed shoulders. “I’m Jessica, and this is my friend, Samantha. We couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. You sound like you really know your stuff when it comes to diving.”
Samantha, a stunning brunette with emerald-green eyes, nods in agreement. “We’re pretty new to diving, but we’re so excited to learn. It’s been a dream of ours to explore the underwater world.”
I smile warmly at them, their enthusiasm infectious. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Rigel, and this is Pete. We were just talking about some of our favorite dives.”
Jessica steps closer, her hand brushing my arm. “Maybe you could tell us. We’d love to hear your stories and maybe get some tips from a pro like you.”
Samantha giggles, her eyes roaming over my body appreciatively. “Yeah, it would be great to have a strong, capable man like you to help us along the way. This is the adventure of a lifetime for us.”
Pete chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “Ah, to be young and full of stamina again. I remember those days well.”
I laugh, enjoying the light-hearted banter but not really feeling any stirrings of attraction or desire. If I wanted, I could have both women in my bed.
Probably at the same time.
And while that is somewhat interesting, I find myself oddly disinterested. Which is really weird.