The stewardess clunks a cart into Andy’s shoulder and he curses but she takes no notice as she hands him a miniature bag of pretzels. “You want something to drink?”
“Water.” I hold up the three-inch bag. “Is there anything else to eat?”
“Sorry, short flight.” She doesn’t look sorry at all as she hands us our drinks.
After the cart moves down the narrow aisle, Andy squeezes my knee, stands, and reaches into the overhead compartment.
When he sits, he’s holding a paper bag containing two blessed sandwiches. “Roast beef or chicken salad?”
“Oh my God, chicken. Thank you.” I hold our lunch while he lowers a tray attached to the seat in front of him.
When we’re finished, I take his strong hand and kiss it, feeling better and thinking wicked thoughts. “Are we booked in the same hotel room?”
“Ah, no. Actually, we’re staying with my mom.”
Yikes.Had I known, I would’ve worn something other than the clothes I went into the woods with. “What’s she like?”
He smiles and his eyes get soft, obviously a man who had a great childhood. “Don’t worry. You’ll like her… and she’ll like you.”
After a moment the look disappears and a tiny frown appears. “But we can’t tell her we’re sleeping together and she’ll expect us to go to church with her on Sunday.”
Seriously?“I don’t do church.”
“I don’t either but down there, it’s different. Please. For me?”
“Fine.”But it isn’t.
Me and God got this agreement. He has pretty much ignored me my whole life so I return the favor. I can’t figure how anyone could picture a kind and merciful God with all the suffering in the world. If there is a God, which I highly doubt, He must be deaf, dumb, and blind.
I shift in my seat, my leg falling asleep. “So, other than being a holy-roller, what else can I expect from your mother?”
I guess my voice holds an edge but can you blame me? In addition to losing a golden gig and being abducted, now, I’m going to be dragged to church.
“Don’t be like that. Wait until you see the place.” His eyes shine. “There’s a wide porch with a bench swing, big green lawn, and a small town where everyone has your back.”
Great. Now he’s Andy of Mayberry.
The plane, which seemed fun at first, makes me a bit claustrophobic. I don’t mind small spaces, I just hate how I can’t get up and leave.
“Excuse me.” I slide across his body and when caught between his legs, my stupid clit twitches. Those ladies are going to need to shut the fuck up because apparently, when we land, we’ll be back in the fifties.
In the restroom, I glance in the mirror. The dark circles under my eyes remind me I haven’t slept much in the last few days so I refresh my makeup as best I can in the tiny space.
When I get back to my seat, I put my head on Andy’s warm shoulder and sleep the rest of the flight.
“Seats up please.” The rude stewardess wakes me as she walks up and down the aisle, pushing on the backs of chairs.
I’m about to spout off but Andy kisses me and his smile melts my heart. I know he’s going to break it because I really, really suck at picking men.
When we land, I figured he’d rent a car but as we come out of the gates, a small woman of about fifty greets him with a huge hug that lasts a long time.
“Andrew. Dear lawd. It’s been too long.” While they continue to embrace, I stand there, awkwardly holding my bag and staring at the Starbucks, the bar, the drop ceiling…
Finally, Andy sets her aside and says, “Mom, I’d like you to meet Sienna. She’s the client I told you about.”
Holy shit.Client?
All my hopes fall down the drain, like a diamond ring in a public restroom but I plaster on a fast smile, the one I use on stage. “Hello Mrs. Quinn. It’s so very kind of you to take me in.”
