I hold it just out of her reach.“I’m sure you can.Now, come.”I place my hand at the small of her back, guiding her toward the exit.She opens her mouth to argue, then seems to think better of it as we join the line of passengers filing out of the plane.
As we step onto the jetway, the chill mountain air seeps through the seams.Olivia unconsciously moves closer to me, and I take the opportunity to adjust my position so my arm is almost—but not quite—around her.
“We’ll need to rent a car for the drive to Silverbell Hollow,” she says, automatically reaching for her phone the way she would when arranging my travel in New York.
“Already taken care of,” I reply, watching her expression.
She pauses, her hand still on her phone.“What do you mean, taken care of?”
“I made arrangements while you were sleeping last night.”
A flicker of surprise crosses her face.For six years, she’s been the one handling all my transportation, from company jets to town cars.“What kind of arrangements?”
“You’ll see when we get there.”
She studies me for a moment, clearly thrown off balance.She’s used to knowing every detail of my schedule, not the other way around.
“Just so you know I hate surprises,” she says, a hint of her usual directness returning.
“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” I tell her.
We follow the other passengers to the small terminal.Asheville Regional Airport isn’t much compared to JFK or LaGuardia, but it’s festively decorated, wreaths hanging from every column, and a massive Christmas tree dominating the baggage claim area where it takes us a good while to secure our luggage.Holiday music plays softly through the speakers—“White Christmas” sung by someone with a smooth, jazzy voice.
Near the exit stands a man in a crisp suit holding a sign that reads ‘CASTELLANO.’Olivia doesn’t notice him at first, still looking for signs to the rental car counters.
“This way,” I say, steering her toward the man.
She frowns.“The rental counters are?—”
“Mr.Castellano?”The suited man steps forward with a professional smile.“I’m Mark Jenkins from Blue Ridge BMW.Everything’s ready for you, sir.”
“Thank you, Mark,” I say, shaking his hand.“I appreciate the personal service.”Olivia glances between us, confusion evident on her face.
“Our pleasure, sir.The vehicle is just outside in the VIP pickup area.”He reaches into his jacket pocket and produces a set of keys with the distinctive BMW fob.“All the paperwork is in the glove compartment, as requested.Would you like me to show you the features?”
“That won’t be necessary,” I reply, taking the keys.“I’m familiar with the model.”
Olivia is watching the exchange with growing suspicion.“You arranged for a rental delivery?That seems excessive.”
I don’t correct her misunderstanding.“It saves time.”
Mark smiles again, this time directing it at Olivia.“The X7 is one of our finest vehicles.I’m sure you’ll both enjoy it.”
We follow Mark outside with our luggage to where a sleek midnight blue car gleams in the winter sunlight, its metallic paint catching the light.“Here you are, sir,” Mark says, gesturing to the vehicle with a hint of pride.“As requested, we’ve included the winter package with heated seats, steering wheel, and all-weather tires.Perfect for mountain driving this time of year.”
As I load our luggage into the car with some help from Mark, I hear Olivia comment, “It’s certainly elaborate for a rental.”
I close the trunk and walk around to open the passenger door for her.“Only the best for my girlfriend.”She rolls her eyes but gets in, running her hand appreciatively over the leather interior.
As I slide into the driver’s seat, she gives me a surprised look.“You’re driving?”She sounds genuinely baffled.In New York, I never drive.Always a car service, always a chauffeur.
“Small town, small roads.”I adjust the mirrors with practiced precision.“I actually enjoy driving when I’m not in Manhattan traffic.”
“Huh.”She studies me like I’ve revealed some new, unexpected dimension.“I didn’t know that about you.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Olivia,” I say, starting the engine and nodding at Mark, who walks away.“That’s what this whole month is for.”
She shakes her head slightly, then turns toward the window.As we navigate out of the airport and onto the highway, silence settles between us for several minutes.Finally, Olivia clears her throat.
