I’m just going to get up early and head to the airport. At least I’m packed already.
Let me know when you arrive safely at your hotel.
It’s nice to know someone would notice if I went missing. I recently read a news story about a flight attendant who didn’t show up for her assigned trip, and her body wasn’t found in her hotel room until three days later.
Such crimes are probably a bigger danger for flight attendants than plane crashes. Which is why I should always carry a sock and soda everywhere I go. Thankfully, I also had that short self-defense course yesterday from my new pilot friend.
Will do. We have a layover in SFO. You could come see me there.
I’m surprised I didn’t think of it until just now.
I wish I could, but you know I’ve got work, babe. I’m already taking time off to come up for your birthday next week.
I smile at the vision of the two of us taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island and eating a candlelit dinner from atop the Space Needle. I can wait.
I should probably be focused on working my first trip anyway.
Though it’s not raining this morning, I’m afraid of walking to the airport in the dark, so I take the shuttle again. My brain may be on high alert, but my body already aches from lack of sleep. At least I make it to my plane with time to spare, and I won’t be rushed through my preflight inspection.
The gate agent checks my badge, then punches in a door code to let me down the jet bridge. This is it. This is real. My first flight.
I roll my luggage behind me into the chilly walkway, which smells a bit like Grandpa’s mildewy basement. An unwelcome smell to many, maybe, but it soothes me. Aromatherapy.
I’m relieved to find the aircraft door open and lights on. During my initial training flight with an instructor, we’d used a flashlight for preflight. This plane is warm and whirring with power.
I fight the same kind of silly grin I felt the first time I danced as Clara inThe Nutcracker. In fact, I kind of want to leap down the aisle.
My carry-on catches on the first row of seats, and I pause mid grand entrance to wrestle with luggage. Eventually we limp into the belly of the plane. I used to be much more graceful than this.
“Right here, baby.” A middle-aged Black woman waits at an overhead bin in the center of the small plane. Her deep tone is as strong as her large curves are soft. It’s a comforting combination.
Even though I do remember where my luggage is supposed to be stowed for proper weight and balance calculations, I appreciate her support. I’m sure there will be other things I forget. “Is it that obvious I’m new?”
She nods sagely before helping me angle my suitcase downward to fit inside the compact space. “Don’t worry. We’ve all been there.”
After slamming the bin shut, my arms fall by my sides and my shoulders sag with relief. “I had stress dreams last night. I flew a couch into an espresso machine.”
Her laughter practically drowns out the plane’s engine, alleviating my fears more than melatonin ever could. I get four days with this lady. This is going to be fun.
“No coffee? That’s not a stress dream—that’s a nightmare.” A male voice chimes in from behind.
I spin around to find the pilot I met yesterday sipping from a giant tumbler. What was his name again? “Nathan?”
He lifts his mug. “Claire.” His dark eyes don’t glint with surprise but with the enjoyment of surprising me.
“Are you working this flight?” Of all the crazy things I’d imagined happening today, this was not one of them. I’m reminded of how Angel suggested he might be interested in me. Thus, I determine to keep things professional between us.
Crooked smile. “Somebody has to keep you out of trouble.”
I gasp in mock offense. Okay, professional is out the window, but I’ll keep things light.
The other flight attendant plants her hands on her hips. “Wait. Aren’t you brand new, Claire? When did you two meet?”
My mind replays the embarrassing moments that brought Nathan and me together. To keep him from telling any of them, I rush to explain. “We met yesterday. He showed me how to take the hotel shuttle to my crash pad.”
Nathan’s eyes slide my way knowingly, but his lips keep my secrets.
“Hey.” Another deep voice calls from the front of the plane. “You guys havin’ the crew brief without your captain?”
