Page 11 of Rekindled

Five

"Good morning, Mr. Avery," the flight attendant greeted as I climbed the first step leading up to the G550's entrance.

"Good morning," I replied, adjusting the black wool scarf around my neck. On each shoulder were the straps of my leather backpack. I had plans to change into something more comfortable once we were in the air headed to Anguilla. I needed the reprieve and that Caribbean island with its white sand and crystal clear waters would give me all I desired for the holiday weekend and then some.

"My name is Michelle and I will be your personal flight attendant for this flight. I'm happy to report that everything is on schedule," she informed as I made my way past her. "The crew fueled the jet, visibility is clear, and the flight plan is all set for your trip to Anguilla."

"Appreciate it." I removed my backpack off my shoulders and dropped it on the soft leather seat across from me.

"Last, the crew has stored your roll on safely in the cargo hold. Can I get you anything to drink before we take off?"

"Coffee, black, with two cubes of brown sugar, please."

"Right away."

I nodded her exit and took my seat, swiveling my chair to face the window and exhaling all the air I had in me when I did.

In total that week, I'd gotten all but twelve hours of sleep, if that. There were a few artists I wanted to bring in front of execs before the year ended, and that took spending late nights and early mornings attending open mics and strolling through nightclubs, scouting talent and keeping artists on my label's roster happy. As the new Senior Director of A&R at Dope Records, it was my responsibility to introduce hot new talent and maintain the flourishing talent we already had. I loved my job, wanted my title the moment I received my first check at Dope Records as an in-house producer. I was working my dream job, but even your dream job can exhaust you. Hence, my escape from the city to an island for the holidays. I'd be alone, and I was fine with that. Would have loved to spend the time with another warm body, but understood that was the sacrifice of success sometimes. And because I wouldn't want to take just anybody, I was flying solo to one of the most romantic island's on God's planet.

"Mr. Avery." The flight attendant, Michelle, returned with a steaming mug of coffee in her grip. I reached for the mug and took it off her hands, thanking her.

"Please let me know if there is anything else I can get for you." She smiled and turned to head toward the cockpit, pulling the divider closed behind her.

Flying private was a simple decision. Waiting in line to check-in my bags, having to deal with delays surrounded by impatient strangers, sitting in overbooked flights with only the amenity of extra leg room, I just didn't have the patience for any of it. I worked hard for reasons like this. To offer myself the luxury of traveling when I want and with enough space and privacy to be comfortable.

The G550 was my preferred way to travel these days. Vanilla-colored seats and butter brown carpeting beneath my feet, access to a tiny kitchenette and a couch that folded out into a bed. Stunning marble sinks and varnish wood paneling highlighted by soft backlighting in the bathroom. The extra space, personal flight attendant, and seats that moved in the direction I wanted them to move made me feel like a big deserving kid. And whenever you spend your time making money and not having enough time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, you need to tap into your youthful side every once in a while.

My phone buzzing in my jean pocket pulled my attention from my thoughts. I leaned back in my seat and slid my hand into my pocket to retrieve my device. The moment I saw the name sprawled on my screen, I chuckled.

"Well, well, well," I said when I answered.

"Kai, my man," my best friend, Zyair said in response. "Merry Christmas Eve."

I'd known Zyair for several years, over a decade. We started at Dope Records around the same time as in-house producers before he branched off to form his own production company that today was growing beyond his wildest dreams. He was very talented and a great friend. So I was happy to hear from him.

"Merry Christmas Eve, Zyair. What's going on?"

"Colorado iswhat's going on!"

I perked up in my seat immediately. "Oh, you're out there this year again?!"

"I am," he replied. "And it's beautiful, as always. Snowfall happened hours ago, so the area is scenic just in time for the holidays. Was calling to see what you were up to this holiday weekend and wanted to know if you wanted to come and chill out here. We're at the cabin and would love for you to join us."

I blew air out of my mouth. "I'm actually on the G550 headed down to Anguilla right now."

"Damn, Anguilla?!" he retorted. "Now how the hell can Colorado compete with that?"

I laughed. "It can't."

Well, maybe a little. Colorado was a place that held so many significant memories for me. I'd spent at least three winters in that state with my ex-girlfriend, Maven. The cold was bearable because I always had her in my arms, keeping me warm inside and out. It had been a few months since I'd seen her, though. I shook my head, wondering why I'd even thought of her.

"You there?" Zyair asked, helping to regather my focus.

"Uh, yeah, yeah."

"I asked who you heading out there with."

"Oh, I’m flying solo," I informed. "I was just trying to escape the city. Staying in the condo just reminds me of all the work I have to do in the new year and I didn't want that feeling for Christmas, you know?"

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