Page 22 of The Marriage Pact
“It seems a shame to waste it, though, doesn’t it?” he replied.
Kaitlyn didn’t need much persuading, and, by the time they reached the airport, they’d drunk most of the bottle between them.
“Aren’t we going to the terminal?” Kaitlyn asked, for she was used to this airport, having flown through it back and forth from San Francisco dozens of times over the past few years to visit her mom.
Alex smiled.
“We’re going to the VIP lounge. It’s around the back. We won’t be there long. The jet’s already waiting.”
Kaitlyn hadn’t really thought about their means of getting to New York. Alex had just told her they were flying. She’d wondered if it would be business class. But a whole private jet to themselves?
“Oh… I wasn’t thinking… all right,” Kaitlyn said, feeling both curious and a little dumbstruck at the thought.
He pointed out the jet to her on the runway, a small aircraft emblazoned with his company logo. It was some advertisement…
“The flight won’t take long. We’ll be in New York by lunchtime, and then we’ll go straight to the apartment,” he said as the driver opened the door for them.
Their bags were whisked away, and Kaitlyn found herself ushered into the VIP lounge, where well-dressed men and women sat around little tables sipping drinks and talking in low voices. They were offered more champagne, but Kaitlyn asked for a cola. She was already feeling somewhat lightheaded fromthe car journey. There were snacks, too, all sorts of delicious things, and she opted for a blueberry muffin and some fresh pineapple that was served on a plate with a linen napkin.
“It’s certainly different from economy,” she said as the two of them sat at a table in the window, watching the planes take off.
“And so much easier,” he replied.
In no time at all, the plane was ready, and they were driven the short distance across the runway in an adapted golf buggy, where they were greeted by a steward who led them aboard.
“Can I fetch you anything, ma’am?” he asked as Kaitlyn took a seat on a large leather armchair opposite Alex.
The interior of the plane was like nothing she’d ever seen before, except in movies: an executive lounge, with tables and chairs, television screens, and even a small bar in one corner. Alex ordered a martini from the steward, and Kaitlyn asked for another cola. There were olives and other little snacks, and napkins printed with the company logo.
“I need to make a few calls,” Alex said as the jet taxied along the runway.
Kaitlyn nodded, still in awe of her surroundings. Was this how her life was going to be from now on? It was all a little overwhelming. What would the apartment be like? Alex was on the phone with Hilary, who Kaitlyn thought must have the patience of a saint, given everything Alex was asking her to do. She flicked through the channels on the TV and browsed the magazines and newspapers neatly laid out on the table between them. Nothing was too much trouble for the steward, who continued asking if she needed anything.
“If it’s too warm, you can control the aircon with this,” he said, handing Kaitlyn a small remote.
“Oh, it’s fine. I’m used to economy,” she said.
The steward nodded. The flight wasn’t long, though Alex was on the phone for most of it, something about Mexican investors and Jamaica. It all sounded very serious, and Kaitlyn wondered if this was how he always was — busy. They hadn’t discussed what day-to-day life was going to be like in New York. Kaitlyn still didn’t really know what she was going to do all day if Alex was at work and someone else was responsible for just about everything to do with the running of their lives.
I suppose I’ll… concentrate on my art.
It was a nice thought. Kaitlyn hadn’t had time to devote herself entirely to her art for some time. There’d always been something to distract her. Necessary distractions, though, and the desire and need to take care of her mom, but nevertheless, the chance to devote herself entirely to her projects would be a welcome one.
“We’re coming in to land now,” the steward said as the seat-belt signs came on.
Alex finished his call with Hilary. There was obviously no such thing as flight mode on a private jet.
“Look at that skyline,” he said, pointing out of the window.
It was an impressive sight, the Manhattan skyscrapers standing like a forest, jostling for height and space.
“Can you see your apartment from here?” Kaitlyn asked.
Alex pointed to one of the tallest buildings, smiling as he nodded.
“That’s it there, and next door, you can see the Macarson building. That’s our company headquarters. My office is on the twentieth floor.”
Kaitlyn could hardly take it in. She’d be living up in the sky.
