George watches me, probably waiting for me to say,Oh yeah. When I turn twenty-five, I’ll get right back in that airplane. Maybe buy one of my own because I’ll be so rich.
But lying to my brother is already one too many people.
“Yep,” I say. “I’m twenty-four. And I don’t know when I’ll fly again.”
As I turn to check on my tables, the pilot’s stern voice stops me once again. “I’ll take you up.”
Brows raised, I face him. “I’m sorry, what?”
I must have misheard because that sounded a lot like George—the man who avoids me like smelly garbage—offered to spend more time with me. In an enclosed space. Where he’d have to acknowledge my presence.
“I’ll take you up,” he repeats.
“Are you joking?” Then I remember something and cross my arms. “Aren’t you grounded?”
George’s expression reveals nothing. “For a week, while the FAA runs an investigation. After that, we can go.”
Wait. He’s offering to fly with me? Again?!
What reality is this?
No. I must have misunderstood.
Or maybe he’s looking for some extra cash, too. Needs a side gig like I do. I bet the first trip was a favor for Shawn, but this one will cost me.
But that doesn’t make any sense. George is a Bunsen. He’s worth millions, if not more.
Still, playing along with his game and acting like this is a real offer, the answer is the same as much as I wish it was different.
“I just said,” my voice comes out careful, hiding the annoyance that I have to reiterate my financial situation to a man who would probably laugh at the small number in my savings account, “I don’t have the money to pay you.”
George’s silver eyes hold mine. “I’ll take you for free.”
What. The. Hell?
As I reel from his offer, George’s gaze breaks away and flicks toward the bathroom door, where my brother disappeared. Understanding dawns.
He’s guilty. Or Shawn put him up to this. Probably both.
“That’s…generous of you.” I clear my throat and try for a smile that feels more like a grimace. “But I can’t accept.”
It’s too much. He doesn’t owe me anything for our flight going wrong. I’m not a friend he’s doing a favor for. And I certainly don’t want to owe him. My debt is already too deep.
Then there’s that pesky heat in my lower belly to contend with.
I need to stay far away from this man until I can keep my eyes from tracing the way the sleeves of his T-shirt stretch over his biceps.
George’s jaw tenses and relaxes before he speaks again.
“I want to take you up, Beth.” He leans forward now, and I’m reminded of how broad his shoulders are. “I own the plane but don’t get to use it much. This is my excuse.”
Hewantsto take me up?
Lies. This is a favor for Shawn. I know it is.
But damn it, I want to say yes anyway. Anything to get in the air again.
“I’m about to start another job.” I speak the words out loud partly for him, but also for myself. This is a step I need to take, and articulating it makes the decision real. “I won’t have much free time.”
