Page 12 of Forever Focused

His voice was strong - and he didn’t stutter.

“You want to be on the schedule for flights?” his aunt asked, surprised.

“Yes. I’m capable and have my pilot’s license.”

“You need to get certified as an instructor too – but I can help you with that. Does that mean I need to take you off the rotation of classes?”

“No,” Michael said determinedly. “I’m a Petersen,” he began, his voice growing hard. “This is our company, and I want to know every aspect of it from top to bottom, just like you and Dad.”

“Oh,” his mother whispered and Michael looked at her, seeing the proud glimmer in her eyes that shimmered brightly as she looked at Houdini. “I don’t know what you said or did – but thank you.”

“Man stuff,” Houdini shrugged simply, making light of their conversation so she didn’t press him for more – and it worked. His mother backed down, looking happier than she had been in a week.

“Mikey, lemme talk to your daddy and your aunt about getting another Cessna for the business,” his mother gushed, moving to hug him before racing out of the classroom and pulling Harley behind her.

Houdini stood up and nodded at him.

“You want some coffee?”

“I’d love a cup.”

“C’mon, Petersen…” Houdini chuckled, wrapping an arm around his neck like he did to his father occasionally. “You’re going to be a chip off the ol’ block, aren’t you?”

For the first time in forever, Michael laughed easily. He smiled at the other man, nodded, and felt like he was standing taller. Poppy’s father had once told him to ‘Man up,’ and he’d been sort of insulted… but understood now. He needed to grow up, be a man, and find his place.

And his place wasn’t a job, a school, or a location.

It was an idea – a mindset.

Michael might not be a cadet anymore – but he would always be a Petersen. Flyboys was built on the backs of his father and his aunt. This was their idea, their creation, and it was true. If he was going to make his life and home here, he wanted to be invested in it fully, almost like it was his own company.

Someday, it might be.

CHAPTER 6

* * *

POPPY

Texting Madison, Poppy hoped for a bit more insight into the rumors floating around town. She had heard from her father that Michael was working on getting his instructor permit and had thrown himself into the business. She heard from others that he was seen around town more and more, almost like his old self, except every time she went to Flyboys to take off for a location – Michael wasn’t there. He was either at lunch, out flying, busy, or simply off work today.

How’s it going?

How’s Michael – is it nice having him home again?

I missed the twerp more than I imagined I would.

We should meet for lunch or something – my treat.

Ooooh! I’d love that.

Expensive girl date, for the win!

Keep it cheap… LOL.

Meh. What fun are you?

I’d love to talk…

---