Read Online My Sister's Best Friend (Best Friends 3) by G.L. Snodgrass - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: G.L. Snodgrass
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Nathan’s military ID and my driver’s license.
“Have a nice night Corporal,” he said with a smile as he waved us through.
Naval Base Bremerton was like a different world, old trees and older buildings. It reminded me of a college campus nestled next to a shipyard.
“The Ball is on this base this year,” Nathan said.
“This isn’t where you work?” I asked.
“No I work on Bangor it’s about 10 miles from here, but where I work we can’t have visitors and the Olympic lodge is perfect for things like this.
He pulled into a parking spot to the right of a large white building that looked like it could have come out the movie Gone with the Wind. Thick pillars held a portico before an ornate entrance. My heart skipped and a hundred butterflies took flight in my stomach.
“Hold it together Ashley,” I mumbled to myself as Nathan opened my door for me and helped me down. Slipping my arm into his, we started for the party, my heels tapping the asphalt of the parking lot. The night cool air nipped at my bare shoulders sending shivers up and down my spine. I was already loving everything about the night.
Two Marines stood at attention holding the front door open for us. A princess, this is what a princess feels like I realized. I knew it was only for one night, tomorrow I would go back to my waitressing job in a small town. But tonight, tonight I was a princess.
Nathan handed over our tickets then escorted me inside.
I tried to swallow and felt faint. All the men looked so sharp, so perfect in their uniforms. The woman looked happy and glad to be alive. As if they felt special and I realized they did. Their gowns were colorful and sophisticated. These were men and woman who sacrificed a lot, money, time, and in some cases blood. They deserved this and they were determined to enjoy themselves. I was able to take a breath at last. I would fit in. Charlotte had assured me everything would be okay, but I couldn’t really relax until I saw it for myself.
Nathan looked at me and gave my arm a quick squeeze letting me know that everything would be ok. John and Charlotte were already seated at the table for eight. Soft music from a live band drifted across the ball room dance floor.
“Here Ashley,” Charlotte said indicating a seat next to her. Nathan pulled out my seat for me then joined me on the other side. Special, that was the word for the night, Adult, grown up, and special.
Two other couples joined us within a few minutes. A young Private named Carpenter with his date Kristi and an even younger African American private named Eric McDonald and his date Charlene.
“You ready for your big moment McDonald,” A large man asked as he walked up to the table. His Barrel chest was filled with medals, his left arm decorated with enough gold braid to make a small rung.
I flashed Nathan a questioning look. “Private McDonald is the youngest Marine in attendance tonight. Later Sargent Major Thompson as the oldest Marine will be given the first cut of the cake, he will pass it to McDonald here. Symbolizing the passing of traditions from one generation to the next.
“Have a nice night Corporal,” he said with a smile as he waved us through.
Naval Base Bremerton was like a different world, old trees and older buildings. It reminded me of a college campus nestled next to a shipyard.
“The Ball is on this base this year,” Nathan said.
“This isn’t where you work?” I asked.
“No I work on Bangor it’s about 10 miles from here, but where I work we can’t have visitors and the Olympic lodge is perfect for things like this.
He pulled into a parking spot to the right of a large white building that looked like it could have come out the movie Gone with the Wind. Thick pillars held a portico before an ornate entrance. My heart skipped and a hundred butterflies took flight in my stomach.
“Hold it together Ashley,” I mumbled to myself as Nathan opened my door for me and helped me down. Slipping my arm into his, we started for the party, my heels tapping the asphalt of the parking lot. The night cool air nipped at my bare shoulders sending shivers up and down my spine. I was already loving everything about the night.
Two Marines stood at attention holding the front door open for us. A princess, this is what a princess feels like I realized. I knew it was only for one night, tomorrow I would go back to my waitressing job in a small town. But tonight, tonight I was a princess.
Nathan handed over our tickets then escorted me inside.
I tried to swallow and felt faint. All the men looked so sharp, so perfect in their uniforms. The woman looked happy and glad to be alive. As if they felt special and I realized they did. Their gowns were colorful and sophisticated. These were men and woman who sacrificed a lot, money, time, and in some cases blood. They deserved this and they were determined to enjoy themselves. I was able to take a breath at last. I would fit in. Charlotte had assured me everything would be okay, but I couldn’t really relax until I saw it for myself.
Nathan looked at me and gave my arm a quick squeeze letting me know that everything would be ok. John and Charlotte were already seated at the table for eight. Soft music from a live band drifted across the ball room dance floor.
“Here Ashley,” Charlotte said indicating a seat next to her. Nathan pulled out my seat for me then joined me on the other side. Special, that was the word for the night, Adult, grown up, and special.
Two other couples joined us within a few minutes. A young Private named Carpenter with his date Kristi and an even younger African American private named Eric McDonald and his date Charlene.
“You ready for your big moment McDonald,” A large man asked as he walked up to the table. His Barrel chest was filled with medals, his left arm decorated with enough gold braid to make a small rung.
I flashed Nathan a questioning look. “Private McDonald is the youngest Marine in attendance tonight. Later Sargent Major Thompson as the oldest Marine will be given the first cut of the cake, he will pass it to McDonald here. Symbolizing the passing of traditions from one generation to the next.
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