Silence.
“I was told to call this number.” Still waiting for an answer.
The call disconnects. He pulls the phone away to look at the screen, unsure of what happened. When he returns his phone to the charger, a text message comes from an unknown number.
I’ll see you soon. –L
Who’s L?Victor asks himself.
While Victor ponders the text he receives another text message.
“Trade request approved?” Victor is perplexed. “I don’t remember submitting a trip trade request.” He opens up his schedule to see that he is now working a flight to São Paulo,Brazil. “And I’m the Lead Flight Attendant? When did I put in this request?”
Five days later, Victor is working in First Class on his way to São Paulo. His passengers have just finished dinner and are drifting off to sleep on the long flight. He dims the lights in his cabin and gathers any dirty dishes or glasses from his sleeping passengers.
One of the flight attendants approaches him. “The gentleman in 11D would like to talk to you.”
“Do you know what he wants?” Victor asks as he places the dirty dishes on the counter in the galley.
The flight attendant shakes their head. “No, but he specifically said your name.”
Unsure of the request, Victor walks into business class. When he approaches 11D, he stops and sees the mystery man sitting there reading a book. He’s dressed in matching dark blue slacks and vest. His maroon shirt is a few shades lighter than his maroon tie. Victor stands a few feet away for a moment.
The man looks up from his book and gives Victor a gentle smile. “Good evening, Victor,” he says in his Brazilian accent.
Victor snaps out of his trance and approaches the man. “Hello, sir. I understand you wanted to speak to me?”
The man closes his book and sets it in his lap. “Would you like to take a seat?” He gestures to the ottoman on the other side of his business class suite.
Victor hesitates at the offer. “Is there something I can do for you? Was there something wrong with the service?”
The man smiles and holds his gesture. “No, no, my friend, please have a seat.”
Victor cautiously takes a seat in front of the man. “I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to look at your name before I came over. My flight attendant made it sound like it was urgent.”
“My name is Leopold Oliveira. But you can call me Leo. And it’s not urgent at all.”
“How may I be of assistance to you, Leo?”
Leo takes a sip from his cocktail and keeps his hazel eyes on Victor. After a few small drinks, he finally asks, “Are you feeling any better?”
Victor seems confused and concerned but maintains eye contact with Leo. “I believe so. Why do you ask?”
“Well, I understand you’ve been dealing with some difficult life changes. Honestly, he was an asshole, and you deserve better.” Leo winks at Victor.
“Are . . . are you asking me out?” Victor is unsure where this conversation is going.
Leo chuckles, “I’m here to answer your call.”
Victor sits back, leaning against the wall behind him. “My call?”
“Yes, you did call, didn’t you?” Leo smiles whimsically.
Victor becomes puzzled. “What call are you talking about? I didn’t call you.”
“Of course you did, about five days ago,” Leo pauses, letting Victor connect the pieces. “Do you know how tricky it was to get on this flight? Unfortunately, all the first-class seats were booked, so I had to settle with business.”
“Was that you who answered the phone and didn’t speak?” Victor ponders.
