Page 20 of Shared By the Pilots

“I couldn’t stop screaming at my TV,” Adam said, joining him in laughter. “Khaleesi, no!”

The jetway opened and we boarded the plane to prepare for the passengers. Dex was in charge of first class today, while Adam and I were handling the economy passengers. We were nearly done with our pre-flight checklist when Luke Hendricks and his co-pilot boarded.

Luke looked dashing in his pilot uniform, but his eyes were bloodshot. Like he hadn’t gotten very much sleep. Something inside of me twisted with jealousy.

The co-pilot went into the cockpit, but Luke lingered in the forward cabin. “Hello,” he finally said to me.

“Hi, Captain Hendricks,” I said formally.

Dex opened the drink cart and pretended to count the cans so he could eavesdrop.

“Any meal requests for the flight?” I asked.

“I’m good, but Bob wants the pasta dish.”

“I’ll have it ready halfway through the flight.”

Luke stood there a moment longer. He looked like he wanted to say more to me. I desperatelywantedhim to say something, to explain himself for last night. I knew the chances were low, but I wanted him to magically come up with an excuse that exonerated him and allowed me to still like him.

But then he dipped his head and started to walk into the cockpit.

“Do you have plans tonight, Veronica?” Adam suddenly asked cheerfully. “Because I was wondering if you wanted to get a drink after we land.”

I froze in complete shock. The question from Adam was so unexpected that it was like my brain rebooted. In the cockpit doorway, Luke had paused for a moment, but then resumed what he was doing. He was only a few feet away though, and could definitely overhear us.

“I know there’s an unspoken rule about members of a cabin crew going out,” Adam said.

“I don’t have any plans,” I said. “I’d love to get a drink. Or three.”

Adam gave me a vulpine smile. “We’ll talk about it when we land. I’ve got a few ideas.”

As the passengers began boarding and we resumed our flight attendant duties, I felt a thrill of excitement in the pit of my stomach. Adam was attractive. No, that was an understatement: he wasgorgeous. He had been stiff and formal around me yesterday, so I felt blindsided by his sudden interest in me. It made it that much more appealing.

Dex and I were sitting next to each other in the forward cabin as the plane took off. He turned to me and whispered, “This is my fault.”

“How so?” I asked.

“I may have suggested to Adam that he ask you out.”

“What!” I hissed. I glanced to my right; Adam was in the other jump seat a few feet away, but he had headphones on. Still, I lowered my voice and asked, “Did you suggest it to make Luke jealous?”

Dex shook his head. “I mentioned it to Adamyesterday. Before I knew you and Captain Hendricks slept together. I’m sorry!”

“It’s okay. I’m glad you were pushy. Luke being jealous is a delicious fringe benefit of Adam asking me out. And there’s one other reason.”

“What’s that?”

“Now that I’ve said yes totwomen, I’m almost done with my promise to you. One more man and I can go back to being a picky woman destined to die alone.”

“I’m glad your priorities are properly calibrated,” he muttered.

Yet as we reached our cruising altitude and we began serving the passengers, I thought about how going out with Adam would be fun all by itself. I would rather say yes to him than some random loser who might hit on me in a bar. He was friendlier with me as we worked together today, standing on either end of the drink cart as we made our way down the aisle, serving the passengers. Whenever we locked eyes, he smiled warmly. I found my gaze lingering on him as I poured drinks. Our fingers briefly touched when he passed me a ginger ale, and that spot on my skin felt warm for several minutes later, like his touch had left a mark.

Who cares if I went out with a different guy last night? Tonight is going to be a lot of fun.

11

Veronica

---