Lost in Flight by Neeny Boucher

felt rested.  He made his way over to his parents’ place to let them know he was back and headed into town to get some supplies.   He always told himself he should be used to the looks and double takes by now, but it still irritated him.  If someone spoke directly to him or made eye contact, he’d respond.  Otherwise, he ignored pretty much everyone and just did what he had to do.
    The double takes and whispers were more pronounced today, but he got to the grocery store unimpeded.  He was in the produce section when he saw Stephany Gilmore and hid.  Riley had a history with Stephany Gilmore.  They’d gone out in high school; she’d taught him things he was both grateful and ashamed of. 
    Whenever he turned up in town, Stephany made her way to the farmhouse.  She would leave things at his house and make excuses to come back.  Sometimes he was pleased to see her and other times, not so much.  This was a not so much time. 
    Riley always felt his luck deserted him in Shanwick and just as he thought the coast was clear, Stephany Gilmore cornered him in the frozen food section.  She was a well-endowed blonde, with baby-blue eyes, and a butt that filled out her jeans.  Like him, she’d been married and divorced, but unlike him, she was looking to settle again.  In the last six months, she’d told him on multiple occasions, he was her top candidate and he’d told her that he wasn’t.
    Stephany gave him a beaming smile and fluttered her beautiful blue eyes, saying, “Hey you.  Didn’t know you were back in town.  You here long?” 
    Putting a smile on his face, which felt more like a grimace, Riley said, “Agh, hi Stephany.  Just back for a short time.” 
    She pouted and looked up at him.  “You going out tonight?  Maybe we could meet up later?”  Stephany left the rest of her suggestion hanging in the air.
    Clearing his throat a bit because it really was a “should I or shouldn’t I” moment, Riley said, “I can’t.  Sorry, Stephany.  I’ve got family things to do.” 
    He could see the disappointment in her eyes and she pouted, “Some other time then?” 
    When he nodded, her face lit up.  He inwardly cursed himself when he mistakenly said, “Sure.  Maybe some other time,” and watched Stephany’s eyes turn calculating.  He knew he should just say “no” and be done with it, but he was young and single.  Sometimes he needed company – not tonight, but he was keeping his future options open. 
    Riley wasn’t as gentlemanly as his brother, Steven, but every now and then, he did try.  The comparison was moot anyway.  Steven would never get himself into the trouble that came naturally to Riley.
    He headed to the Martins to see Jack and Johnny.  As he slowed down outside the Martin house, the front door opened and he froze.  At first he thought he was imagining things and he blinked twice.  Nope.  He wasn’t.  It was definitely her . 
     
     

Chapter Eight – Dirty, dirty up
    Christina, Shanwick, The Past, Friday 5 October 2012 (Two days ago)
     
    “You cannot be serious?  That is ridiculous, Johnny.  Ri-dic-u-lous.  Are you seriously saying that Wonder Woman and Black Widow have a tactical advantage because they have boobs?”
    Johnny and Christina had been arguing about superheroes as they put the finishing touches on the house.  “It’s true, Dina,” Johnny smirked.  “You know it is.” 
    “Pfffft.  I know no such thing, Johnny, and quite frankly,” retorted Christina, “I think that’s just BS.  Black Widow doesn’t even have superpowers and Wonder Woman’s outfit isn’t exactly conducive for battle.” 
    “Which is why their boobs are their real weapons,” Johnny nodded seriously.  “They provide a tactical advantage.  Men look and it gives them that split second extra time to attack.” 
    Johnny blinked his eyes open and closed at her like his point made complete sense, and she was a moron for thinking otherwise.  Christina stared at