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“Are you going to jump or what?” Liv seethes. “Keep your fucking pants on!”
Keep my pants on? That’s hilarious. Mandy turns and gives me a sheepish, sideways glance. Judging by the look on her face, she is experiencing a few regrets this morning as well. It’s definitely one of those walk-of-shame type looks.
“Well, that was a pretty smooth ride,” Captain McClellan groans as he emerges from the cockpit and stretches. “I’m getting too old for these eight hour gigs, though.”
“You should get up and stretch your legs every couple hours,” I reply, stating the obvious.
“Oh, I didn’t want to bother anyone… or walk in on anything.” He rolls his eyes and tips his head toward Mandy, who pretends not to hear his remark. She bites down on her lower lip, indicating that she heard him loud and clear.
“Alright, we’ll just leave it at that,” I tell him, punctuating it with a look of disgust. “I don’t feel sorry for you anymore.”
I’m going to figure out how to disable those goddamn cameras next time. He has always had the hots for Liv and I know he scans the cabin in hopes of catching her in a compromising position. That’s why I normally keep things PG on these flights. Last night was a rare exception. I remember hearing there is an app for my iPhone that will let me control everything in the cabin. I need to check into that.
“I think I’m going to puke,” Liv blurts out, pushing past Mandy and racing toward the lavatory.
“Seriously? My meeting starts in just over an hour,” I glance down at the limo, which is now waiting on the tarmac. I don’t have time for this shit today.
“You can go ahead and I’ll get us a cab,” Mandy suggests.
“I’ve already called for a ride, so you and Liv can join us,” the captain immediately offers with a big grin crossing his face.
“It would be perfect if you guys could work it out,” I reply, more than happy to ditch the situation. “I have adjoining suites at the Four Seasons. You and Liv just pick whichever room you want.”
“Liv and me?” the captain asks with a chuckle.
“No, that would be Mandy and Liv. If you and Connor want a room there, just tell them to set one up for you,” I offer with a sigh.
“Nah, we have friends who are staying at Hotel Auteuil. So we’ll hang out there, while you guys enjoy the fancy stuff,” he replies with a boyish grin.
“Friends huh? Good enough.” I give Captain a knowing wink.
“Tell Liv that I hope she feels better and I’ll see the two of you back at the hotel about four o’clock this afternoon,” I tell Mandy while grabbing my briefcase and a suit bag. Hopefully I will have enough time for a quick shower and a change of clothes.
Mandy
Following Trey’s hasty exit, I share an extremely awkward moment of silence with the captain. He just stands there with his arms crossed looking me up and down as if he is evaluating me. I really don’t like being judged.
“Was this the first time you met Trey?” he asks, sensing my discomfort.
“Yes, captain.” I tell him, avoiding eye contact.
“Call me Curt and don’t worry about last night.” He lets out a belly laugh. “Trey tends to have that effect on women.”
“I’ve never done anything like that… you have no idea.” I shake my head, still in disbelief.
“Like I said, it’s all good. Trey needs to loosen him up anyway,” he adds. “He’s awfully uptight for a young guy who should have the world by the balls.”
“I’m sure he has his reasons.” People who trade a briefcase full of money for a file folder are generally headed for trouble. “I better go check on Liv and make sure she’s still alive.”
“Take your time. We have to finish up our checklist anyway.” He turns back toward the cockpit, so I make my exit for the bathroom.
“Are you okay in there?” I ask, hearing faint moans coming from the other side of the door.
“Ugh, I just want to die.” The echo of her voice makes me believe that she has her head in the toilet. Gross. She probably won’t be touching margaritas for a while. I stand there for another minute or so before the lock slides and the lavatory door opens. She is actually a mild shade of green.
“Are you okay?” I reach for her arm and help her out of the bathroom.
“No, I’m not okay. I need to get to the hotel and lie down.” She takes off stumbling down the aisle.
I finesse Liv outside into the fresh air and sunlight, while the limo driver retrieves the rest of the luggage and chats with the flight crew. The air is cool and fresh smelling compared to the hot, muggy conditions we left behind in New York. I think I’m going to like this place.
