The engines hummed and she gripped the armrests of her chair to stop herself from bouncing up and down in excitement. They were really doing this.
“Are you a nervous flier?” David asked.
“I don’t know. I was three the last time I flew anywhere.”
“No kidding?”
“I’m so excited.” She grinned at him as the plane taxied out of the hangar. Then after a moment’s pause, the engines roared to life and the plane hurtled along the runway. This was actually happening! Her ears popped as they lifted off the ground and climbed to cruising altitude. Zita peered out of the window at the ground getting smaller and smaller beneath them. “That was so much fun.”
He shook his head. “I’ve never thought of takeoff as being fun.”
“You don’t like it?”
“No, I’ve just never paid it any attention.”
“I guess you fly a lot.”
“Yes. These days, it’s mostly for business, but we used to go on family vacations when I was a kid.”
Zita had dreamed of flying somewhere exotic when she was a child, but she’d always thought it was just that— a dream. Until now. The plane leveled out and she peered out of the window. “We’re flying northwest.”
He smiled but said nothing.
Lewis came down the aisle and asked, “Would you like a drink? Champagne? A cocktail, perhaps?”
Zita glanced at David.
“Anything you want,” he said.
“A cocktail, please.” She felt like being decadent. “Something fruity, if you have it.”
Lewis nodded and turned to David.
“I’ll have whatever she’s having, and can we have some cheese and fruit, please?”
“Certainly.” He disappeared into what Zita assumed was the galley.
“This is amazing,” she said.
“I’m glad you like it. There’s in-flight entertainment, or a bunch of books in the compartment over there, or if you want, you can take a nap in the bedroom at the back.”
“There’s a bedroom?” Her smile grew wider.
“Yes.”
She got to her feet and held out her hand. “You should show it to me immediately.”
His eyes widened and then he grinned. “If you insist.”
***
After she and David had made sure the bed was satisfactory, they returned to the sitting area. As they sat, Lewis appeared with their drinks and food. He must have been waiting for them. A flush spread over Zita’s cheeks. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Lewis winked at her and she laughed.
She took a sip of the watermelon concoction; it was extremely refreshing. She could get used to this service. “How long until we land?”
“Tired of flying already?” David asked.
