![\"\"](\"https:\/\/readmore.cx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BUTTONI-USA-2-e1742767963719-1536x885-1-300x173.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The chatter died down; heads turned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you doing in here? Did you get lost looking for the admin building?\u201d<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t move. I kept my face neutral, my hands resting loosely by my sides.<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Mark,\u201d I said, my voice even.<\/p>\n
He chuckled, shaking his head as if he was dealing with a slow child.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeriously, Jules, this is the Red Flag briefing, the big leagues. Did Dad send you to drop off my lunch or something?\u201d<\/p>\n
He stepped closer, invading my personal space, pointing a finger at the door.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to clear out, sweetie. We\u2019re about to talk tactics. Real flying stuff, not the paperwork Dad said you were better suited for.\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned to the room, spreading his arms wide, performing for his audience.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy sister, everyone\u2014looks like she\u2019s trying to find a husband since the flying career didn\u2019t work out.\u201d<\/p>\n