Page 10 of The Starlet
“I know.” I push out a harsh breath. “Thanks, Sandy. I appreciate the pep talk. We should leave if we’re going to make our flight on time.”
We get through security without any problems, and I sit at the gate, trying to keep my nerves in check. I try reading, listening to music, and people watching. I even try my hand at making up a scenario for strangers like Elena enjoys doing, but I’m stumped. No one is doing anything interesting. Each activity holds my attention for only mere moments before I’m bored once again.
“Sandy, I think I’m going to get a drink. Do you want anything?”
“Alcoholic?” She quirks her eyebrow.
“No, just water or something. It’s ten in the morning. Give me some credit.” I laugh.
“Sure. A Diet Coke, please.” She goes back to her magazine, and I leave my bag with her for safe keeping.
I walk through the terminal in search of a shop when I hear a familiar voice behind me.
“Hey, handsome, do you come here often?”
Elena.
My lips twitch up into a smile. Her voice is like silk as it rings through my ears. I pull her into a quick hug and release her. “I didn’t think anyone else was on this early flight.”
“Yeah, I like to get there early and get settled. Caleb will be arriving tomorrow morning, and I think Tait is coming in on the next flight. Where are you going?”
“Going to get a few drinks. Care to join me?” I motion in the direction I am heading.
“Sure.”
I tug on her small carry-on bag. “Allow me.” She dips her head and looks up at me from under her lashes, nodding once, allowing me to take her bag from her. There’s a small shop around the corner where we each grab a snack and a drink. I pay for her items as she whispers a quiet ‘thank you’. The announcement overhead states they’ve started boarding, and we make our way to the gate. Sandy stands, flustered, and takes the Diet Coke from my outstretched hand.
“I was getting nervous you weren’t going to make it back in time.” She motions toward Elena. “I see you found a friend along the way.”
“I did. Elena, this is Sandy, my manager. Sandy, this is Elena.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” they say in unison and shake hands.
We get in line, handing our boarding passes to the woman at the counter before slowly making our way onto the plane.Why does it always take so long for people to get seated?I look at Elena’s seat number and realize I am sitting across from her, but she has the window seat.
“Excuse me, sir,” I tap the gentleman’s shoulder, “would you mind switching seats with me?”
He looks at Elena and back at me. “Yes, I do mind.”
Elena stifles a laugh, and I look to Sandy for some help. “Please, will you switch with Elena so I can sit with her? You know I’d do it for you.”
I’m happy when I’m close to her. She rolls her eyes at me but switches anyway, and Elena takes her seat next to me.
“Fancy seeing you here,” she coos.
“I just thought maybe we could talk since we have a few hours before we make it to Vancouver.”
“I don’t know, that guy seems to have really wanted to sit next to me. Maybe I shouldn’t have switched with Sandy. Who knows, he could have been my next love interest.” We both look at the older gentleman with his bald spot and wrinkled shirt.
I hide my smile and go for serious. “Well, don’t let me stop true love then.” She playfully hits my arm and I smile. “Okay, so trying to get him to move wasn’t my smoothest moment, but it all worked out.”
“As long as you keep your pants together in the air this time, I think it’ll be fine,” she teases.
I hold up my finger, my face wide with surprise. “One time, Elena. That was one time, and you’re never going to let me live it down, are you?” I smile wide at her.
“Nope. Never. Split-pants McGhee over here.” She points above me, and I drop my head in shame.
“That’s the last time I tell you anything embarrassing.”