We were leaving New York, headed back to Chicago. Today was our last day in the air after five consecutive days. Last night was our only overnight stay, and we had the next three days off. The days didn’t drag like they did before Khiya joined my crew because I was able to spend time with her when we weren’t flying.
I stood at the plane’s entrance with Khiya and my second in command, First Officer Marshall, greeting the passengersas they boarded. It was hard to keep my eyes off Khiya as she smiled and handed out individually packaged disinfectant wipes. Her smooth, rich voice elicited bright smiles as she welcomed everyone.
“Good morning. Welcome?—”
“Khiya?”
One of the male passengers boarding had interrupted her.
“Harlan. Good morning. Welcome aboard.”
He looked her up and down.
“It’s been a while. A flight attendant, huh?”
I did my best not to frown at this Pointdexter looking ass nigga.
“Sir, you’re holding up the line. Can you move forward, please?” I asked.
He looked at me and nodded, then returned his attention to Khiya.
“I’ll catch up with you once we’re in the air,” he told her with a wink.
She didn’t respond to him, but she looked at me and offered an uncomfortable smile. Ten minutes later, all passengers were aboard, and we prepared for our flight. I wanted to say something to Khiya about the exchange with her ex, but it was important that I kept things professional. I shook the encounter off and focused on what was most important right now, . . . a safe flight.
A little over three hours later, we wished everyone well as they deplaned. Once the plane was empty aside from the cleaning crew, my crew and I headed out as well.
“You didn’t tell me Harlan was a clone of Steve Urkel,” I teased as we headed up the ramp.
She covered her mouth as she laughed before responding.
“You got something against nerds?”
“Hell nah. I’m one of the biggest nerds you can find, but I’m cool as fuck. He’s as lame as they come.”
“You have a point.”
“Did he try to talk to you during the flight?”
She nodded. “It should’ve been obvious, but I had to tell him I was working and couldn’t talk. I’m pretty sure he’ll be waiting for me at the gate. I don’t know what he could possibly want to talk about, because I have nothing to say to him.”
Sure enough, Harlan’s uptight looking ass was waiting for her and made a beeline toward us as soon as we appeared from the tunnel. Khiya kept her head forward and didn’t slow her pace, forcing him to keep up with us.
“Khiya, hold on a second,” he said.
“What do you want, Harlan?”
“Just a minute of your time.”
“If you can talk and walk, you got it.”
He grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop walking, but she immediately snatched it away from him. I stepped between them protectively
“Aye, bruh. Keep your hands to yourself,” I warned.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean any harm. There was a time when I thought she would be my wife, but things didn’t work out. I just wanted to see what she’s been up to.”
“If it helps any, she’ll be my wife soon. Have a good day.”
