JOSEPH
“Icould have driven us to the airport.” Joseph had never ridden in a limo before. He built cars for a living, and he’d seen better.
“I know, honey. But why would you?”
Joseph shrugged and looked out of the window. “I guess you’re right.”
Katherine moved across the limo to take the seat next to him. She covered his hand with her own. “Joseph, don’t worry so much. Everything is prepaid. They can’t pull the rug from under us.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” she promised.
Joseph frowned and leaned closer to the window. They had just passed the exit for the airport.
“Hey, driver!” he called.
Katherine leaned forward to see what he saw. “What is it, Joseph?”
“We passed O’Hare.”
“Oh, no.” Katherine smiled. “We’re going to a different hanger.”
“A different hanger? What do you mean by a different hanger?”
“You’ll see. Honey, try to relax.”
Joseph sighed. “Okay, fine. I’m relaxed.”
For Katherine, he would try.
He took a deep breath and sank into the plush leather. Soon, they were turning. They drove through a few gates and came to a halt in what looked like a big parking lot. Joseph leaned forward and looked out of the opposite window.
“Holy shit!” Joseph cursed.
There was an airplane with “CHASE” painted on the body.
The back door opened, and the driver reached in to assist Katherine. She got out, and Joseph got out after her. He looked up at the airplane. He never dreamt he’d be traveling on a private plane.
Joseph walked to the rear of the car and waited for the driver to pop the trunk. Katherine joined him, grabbed his hand, and pulled him away from the car. “The bags are being handled. Come on.”
She led him up the steps to the aircraft and stepped in. Joseph stepped in after her, and he felt like he’d entered another dimension. He’d entered a world of supple leather covered in mink throws, a beautiful flight attendant carrying a tray of champagne, and more space than he’d ever seen on an airplane. There was even a full bar at the rear of the aircraft.
“Miss Chase, Mr. Storm, welcome aboard,” the flight attendant greeted with a smile.
“Thank you, Bernice. It’s good to see you again,” Katherine replied, grabbing two glasses of champagne.
Joseph smiled, gave her a nod, and followed Katherine down the aisle. She took a seat in a huge leather lounger and patted the one next to her. When he sat, she handed him the glass of champagne.
“This is something else,” Joseph admitted.
“Yeah. It is pretty nice.”
Joseph looked over at Katherine. She was an anomaly. She’d been surrounded by luxury most of her life. She’d gone from a mansion and vacation homes to his shitty apartment. And she never once made him feel like it wasn’t good enough.
Bernice approached with a plate of warm towels. “Can I get you something to snack on before takeoff?”
Katherine shook her head. “I’m fine.”
