The door to the bedroom opens, and Kat appears looking fresh-faced.
“All yours if you want to freshen up. It’s about thirty minutes until we land.”
I unclip my buckle and drag myself from my seat. I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep.
I made it through a chunk of my emails before deciding I’ll head Stateside tomorrow. Play it safe, and put some distance between myself and Kat… for both our sakes.
“Thanks, I will.”
I brush my teeth and wash my face. A shower can wait.
I re-enter the cabin and return to my seat. The air pressure is changing as we begin our descent.
“Are you staying with Cal and April?”
“No, I’m going to head back to New York. There are a few issues that require my attention,” I lie.
“I thought you were taking a step back?”
“A step back, not totally disengaging. It’s still my company. I’m just choosing to get involved in the more urgent and serious matters. Not the mundane.”
She nods.
“What about you?”
“I’ll head into the office once I’ve dropped my belongings at the hotel.”
“On a Saturday evening?”
“Get ahead of the chaos. December is one of our busiest months. Parties, conferences, people away on shopping trips. Until Christmas Eve, customer turnover is thick and fast. Everything needs to run like clockwork. If not, it can easily fold like a pack of cards.”
The seatbelt sign pings on, and the pilot’s voice comes over the tannoy.
The wheels hit the ground, and we cruise towards one of the hangars.
I look out of the window and spot Mason waiting for me. Freddy, Francesca’s driver, is also there.
When we come to a halt, Claudia reappears.
I stand up, grabbing my things. I want to put as much distance between Kat and me as possible.
“Thank you, Claudia. Have a great Christmas,” I say, smiling at her.
“You’re welcome. You too.”
I move to the door and make my way down the steps. Mason steps forward, reaching out to grab my bag. I hoist it higher on my shoulder, and he shrugs.
“Thanks anyway,” I say with a smile.
“Good trip?” he asks, holding open the rear door.
“Informative,” I say.
“Thank you.” Kat’s voice echoes across the tarmac.
I turn to face her.
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”
