He was so fervent, and it seemed that the landing was a fluke, and Toby took his good fortune and grabbed the offer with both hands—metaphorically speaking, of course—nodding.“Thanks, if you’re sure, then yes, I’d love to do it again.”How Toby would get Niall to open the café in the morning might take a little more effort.
Don’t forget the wind!
His bird sounded hopeful it would be an issue while Remy handed over the details and checked he had the number to ring at eleven pm to confirm the flight like he’d done today.Staying up late wasn’t going to be an issue, he was so excited he’d be lucky to get any sleep at all.
“—I’ll see you then.”Remy turned, lifting a hand in a wave, heading back to where a car sat.
A blare of a horn reminded Toby that his Uber was waiting.He got in and apologized as he closed the door.Toby had his phone out and chewed his thumbnail, considering whether texting or ringing Niall was the best option.
He opened his phone and dialed Niall.Belly dancing with jumping beans, Niall answered after the second ring.“How did it go?”
“It was amazing.”It was the truth, when up in the air, he’d never wanted to come back down.
“I’m sensing a but?”There was a sound of movement before he continued, “Tell me why you’re ringing me rather than waiting to tell me face to face?”
His friend knew him too well.“Remy offered me another balloon ride in the morning,” he rushed to say.
“Why?What happened?Did you get hurt?”Niall’s voice was creeping up in octaves.
“It was a little jarring on the landing, but nothing bad, no one got hurt.”He probably had bruises on his ass, but he kept that to himself.“Remy said because I didn’t moan about that, if I wanted, I could have his place in the morning.”
“That’s the only reason?”
Niall was skeptical, Toby could hear it, and he sighed a little dejectedly.“He felt I didn’t enjoy it the same as the others.I did,” Toby added quickly, not wanting Niall to think his money was wasted.“The alphas…”
“Assholes, all of them, if they couldn’t see what a fabulous catch you are.”
Toby chuckled at Niall’s outrage on his behalf without him saying what happened.“It wasn’t just that, I suppose I was disappointed that I didn’t meet my mate,” he confessed, because this was one of his best friends and he’d understand and not judge Toby.
A big sigh came down the phone.“I’ll cover for you in the morning so you can do the sunrise flight, okay.”
Toby sniffed back the sudden rush of tears.“You’re the best.”
“I know.So, tell me everything.”
Toby was sick with excitement, and that was probably also because he’d eaten late the night before and hadn’t really slept after Pierre had once more confirmed that there would be a balloon flight.His bird half had squawked and flapped its displeasure for hours after.
None of it was deterring Toby as he dressed much as he had the evening before.It wasn’t like any of those people were coming this morning.He’d a fresh T-shirt under his zip-up hoodie and, of course, clean underwear.He had a go cup of coffee in his hand as he waited once more at the curb for the Uber.
The unknown from the day before was gone, which allowed him to settle as the Uber drove through nearly empty, dark streets heading back to the same launch site.
A smile tugged at his lips, seeing that he was one of the first to arrive fifteen minutes later.He exited the car eagerly, waving at Remy, before heading to the restrooms to pee.There wasn’t going to be a repeat of the day before.He’d had to pee behind an apple tree after the landing.Not ideal, and he wasn’t sure if he’d be lucky enough to find a tree this morning, so he wasn’t taking any chances.He didn’t want to think about another hard landing or the possibility of wet pants.
This is a blessing.
Not on your life, is it!
Honestly, you need to stop.You’ll ruin it for me if we continue to argue.
His bird made a noise which, to him, was all huff but then went quiet.
Sorting himself, he washed his hands and tucked the empty go cup under his arm.When he reached the growing crowd, he sought Remy out, sniffing his way through the crowd as the sky lightened.Absolutely hating the gathering ball of disappointment forming at what his senses were telling him, despite how lucky he was to be doing this again, andfor free.
“Good to see you, Toby.”
“Hey, I was wondering if I could leave my go cup with you?If you don’t mind.”
“Of course.I’ll pop it in my car to keep it safe for your return.”Remy took the cup.“Are you excited?”
