Page 67 of For Fox Sake

The sun is shining through the windows, intensifying the brightness of the gold and white interior. A long sofa lines one side across from a row of sleek cream leather seats and shiny wood desks. In the back, steps lead up to a closed door. Another room?

“Where do I sit?” Ari asks.

“Wherever you want.” Jake gestures broadly. “You can pick first.”

She purses her lips and then walks over and sets her backpack in the middle of the couch, her eyes as wide as saucers. “Will you sit with me?”

“Absolutely.” Jake grins at me over her head, clearly enjoying her awestruck, wide-eyed gaze.

I’m melting inside. I don’t want to. I want to hold on to the wariness so that I don’t fall for Jake more than I already have.

I’m still so attracted to him, I ache with it.

At the last minute, before we left the house, I stuffed a box of condoms in my luggage.

It might be the stupidest thing I’ve ever considered. It can only be temporary. We live on opposite sides of the country. I might never see him again. And yes, he lied, by omission, but in spite of that, I trust him. At least, enough to bring me to orgasm.

Because I’m an idiot? Maybe. What am I thinking? I’m thinking I haven’t been laid in years, I haven’t been attracted to a man in years, and this might be my only chance before I die alone.

The door in the back of the plane slides open.

“Jakey!” A woman rushes out, running into Jake and hugging him hard.

He opens his arms and holds her tight. “Hey, Piper, I didn’t know you would be here.”

Piper Fox. The artist. She and Jake have the same dark hair and the same dark honey eyes.

She pulls back and then smacks him in the arm. “If you ever leave again like that I will... I don’t know, something bad.”

“I’m terrified,” Jake says, his voice dry.

“You should be.” A man appears in the doorway.

He’s shorter than Jake, sleek and trim, in a three-piece, navy-blue suit, but he’s got this palpable energy waving off him like he owns not only the plane but the whole planet. This must be Oliver.

Jake groans.

Oliver stalks toward him. “Did you really think I wouldn’t be here?”

“A man can hope.”

Oliver glares at him, crossing his arms over his chest. “We need to talk.”

Ari tugs on my hand. “Momma, I have to go potty.”

All three gazes whip our direction.

Piper is the first to move. “You must be Ryan.” We shake hands. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. And Ari?” She crouches down at eye level and waves. “I’m Piper.”

Ari leans into my legs. “Hi. This is Shirley.” She holds up her Velveteen Rabbit.

Piper grins, shaking the little rabbit’s fingerless hand. “Nice to meet you both.” She shoots a glance at Jake. “My little sister had a rabbit just like that.” She smiles down at Ari. “I think we’re taking off in about ten minutes, so you have some time. The bathroom is right through that door and to the left.”

Ari looks up at me. “Will you come too?”

“Of course. It’s nice to meet you all.” I give an awkward half wave to Piper and Oliver, whose boiling glower has mellowed to a simmering scowl.

Probably best to let them talk without an audience. Thank god for little bladders.

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