Joining Nathan in the flight deck had been awkward at first. I’d been afraid of the attraction Angel mentioned, but she must not have heard the airline lore. He’s in love with someone else. So now I’m free to laugh and joke with him. He can be a bestie and will never suggest I cheat on my boyfriend, the way Andrew James did.
Nathan’s eyes flash. “Why unfortunate? Is he getting traded?”
The first officer is obviously more fascinated with that guy than I am. I shrug.
A middle-aged woman nods to Nathan. “Thanks for the flight. Nice landing.”
“You’re welcome.” He leans back into the cockpit. “Did you hear that, Cap? I’ve earned two more points already.” Then he’s back, eager to continue our boring conversation. “What did Andrew James say?”
I wave at one last passenger carrying a little kid. She’s followed by Desiree, who stops midway down the plane to grab her bags.
“Was that the quarterback for the Niners in 1A?” the other flight attendant calls.
Vincent joins us. “Andrew James?”
Oh man. They’re all football fans.
Nathan grabs his jacket from the closet behind me. “Yes, it was,” he confirms before focusing on me again. “I know you’re not supposed to take selfies with passengers, but please tell me you got a selfie. I would have.”
“I did not.” I stride down the aisle to retrieve my luggage.
Desiree pulls my suitcase from the bin and rolls it to me. “Is it because you didn’t want to break a rule on your first day? It’s not an FAA regulation that you can’t take selfies with celebrities. You wouldn’t have gotten in trouble. Maybe a light slap on the wrist if you were reported.”
Nathan follows and grabs his bag. “It would have been worth it.” He retrieves Vincent’s bag too and leads the way toward the main cabin door.
Vincent stacks his lunchbox on top of his suitcase and exits onto the ramp. “Did you even recognize the quarterback, Claire?”
I stack my tote using the J-hook to attach my lunchbox. This way I can roll four days’ worth of food and belongings after me with one hand. As for recognizing our famous passenger ... “The only football player I know of is the Stanford player who once took ballet lessons with me to improve his game, and I’m not sure if he ever made it to the NFL.”
Nathan stops in the doorway, blocking my exit. “Did he tell you what he’s doing in SBP? The Niners are on a bye week. Maybe we’ll see him at the resort.”
Evidently none of us are leaving until I confess. “I assume Andrew James is golfing, because he’s staying at the Sea Pines Golf Resort. He invited me to dinner even though I told him I had a boyfriend. We could all go surprise him there if you want. Get a group selfie.”
Silence. I hadn’t realized how quiet an airplane can be when the engine is off.
Nathan stares, mouth agape. His square jaw snaps back into place. Then his lips kind of twitch.
Vincent roars with laughter. It fades as he heads down the ramp.
Desiree curves around me from behind to look at my face. “You have a boyfriend?” She lifts her chin to face Nathan. “You know that?”
If I didn’t know better, I’d assume she was implying he’s interested. Maybe they don’t know about Joey.
Nathan’s mouth curves into a full smile, clearly unconcerned. His dark eyes humor me. He’d be like one of my big brothers if they were closer to my age. “Yes, I know.”
“We’ll go to dinner with you, Claire,” Vincent calls from where he’s reached the ground below. “Come on, Nathan. You owe me a steak.”
“What?” The first officer turns and strides down the ramp. “I earned two points after landing. We’re tied.”
Mmm ... steak. If only my paycheck allowed for such a splurge.
“You’re right.” Vincent chuckles again. “Since I’m captain on Claire’s first overnight, I’ll treat everyone.”
I leave our plane behind. I’m liking the job so far and loving the people I work with. I’m especially looking forward to this dinner I’ve earned.
My hotel room feels like an oasis, and not only because there’s a fireplace in the corner and a balcony with an ocean view. But also because it’s private and spacious and I don’t have to organize everything into tight little compartments.
I kick my shoes toward the sitting area and strip off my uniform to fling wherever it may land. I’m not usually a messy person, but after a day of cleaning up after other people, it’s a relief not to have to clean up for myself.
