“I’m sorry I’m late,” Victor says as he catches his breath.
“Don’t worry about it,” Elliott says as he gets out of his seat to hug Victor. “The flight is delayed. And it looks like we’ll get a seat in first class because everyone is going to the next flight, which leaves in an hour.”
Frank looks up at Victor with a sly grin. “So why were you late? You’re always on time or early. Was it that Leo guy we met the other night?”
“N-No. W-Why would you say that?” Victor stutters.
Frank gives Victor a shit-eating grin, “Elliott, look at him blush. It was Leo!”
Victor glares at Frank as he takes a seat next to Elliott. “Shut your hole, tramp. So, what’s the delay?”
Elliott shrugs as he responds, “Mechanical. Crew. Catering. You know how it goes.”
Victor looks beyond the podium and sees the flight attendants standing by the door to the jet bridge. “Oh fuck,” he groans.
Frank and Elliott look over. Elliott sees who Victor just noticed. “Well, this is going to be an awkward flight.”
Frank leans over Elliott and asks Victor, “Isn’t that James’ sister?”
“Yes, that’s her,” Victor replies as he tries to hide himself.
Frank leans over more, practically laying on top of Elliott. “Do you think she’s going to tell James that you were on her flight?”
“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Victor responds. “She never really liked me. I think she was just jealous that I took her brother’s attention away from her.”
Elliott smacks Frank’s behind and then Victor’s arm. “Looks like you got her attention.”
The female flight attendant walks over to Victor and his friends. She stops a few feet away and places one hand on her hip. “Hello, boys. Victor.”
Victor tries to hold back how awkward he feels. “Hey, Michele, how are you?”
Michele looks at Victor with an amused expression. “I’ve been good. I transferred from Seattle last year. How have you been? It’s been a while since we last saw each other.”
Victor can feel Elliott’s and Frank’s eyes on him as he maintains his attention on Michele. “Things have been good. Just been busy with work. I see you’re working this flight.”
Michele turns her head to the departure board behind the podium. “Yeah, we have a mechanical. Should be done in an hour.”
“What’s wrong?” Elliott inquires.
Michele doesn’t look at Elliott as she turns her attention back to Victor. “A flat tire. They are changing it now. It looks like youmight be sitting up front with me. I’ll make sure to take good care of you.”
“Are you staying the night when you get to Dallas?” Frank asks.
Michele keeps her attention on Victor. “Yes, we are. Are you guys staying in Dallas too, or connecting somewhere?”
“Dallas,” Elliott answers. “We got a couple of rooms at one of our layover hotels.”
“The Grand?” Michele asks, still looking at Victor.
“Yes,” Frank replies enthusiastically.
Michele puts a sly smile on her face. She can sense Victor’s nervousness. “Well, if you boys want to join my crew in the van, you’re more than welcome to.” She looks over his shoulder and says, “Looks like I’m needed.” She looks back at Victor with a smirk. “See you on board.”
As Michele walks away, Frank and Elliott start talking over Victor to each other. “Oh my God, that was so awkward,” Frank states.
“So awkward,” Elliott replies.
Victor slowly slides down his seat while covering his eyes. “Why am I being tested?”
