Frustrated, Ally leaned back into the headrest of her seat, wishing she had stopped for something before she boarded.
“You know what, I’ll pass - I don’t have any cash on me right now.”
She swallowed, her throat already beginning to feel dry at the thought of two hours without anything to drink.
“Here, I’ve got it.”
Ally looked up as she heard a man’s voice pipe up from somewhere nearby. Across the aisle, one row behind and diagonal to her own seat was the guy with the plaid sports coat she’d bumped into while boarding.
And much to her embarrassment, he was extending a couple of dollars towards the flight attendant.
“Thank you, that’s very kind,” she said. “But I’m fine really.”
The flight attendant hesitated a little at the guy’s outstretched hand, unsure what to do.
“Please - I insist.” He nodded and the attendant duly accepted on her behalf.
“Thank you,” Ally smiled and took a sip from the plastic cup once it was set on her tray table, while trying to think of how to properly thank the generous stranger.
“Not a problem,” he said, as the cart moved on.
“Here, let me pay you back.” She tapped her phone screen, and began to pull up her mobile banking app. “If you just tell me your email address, I can Revolut it to you now.”
“It’s only two dollars, I think I’ll survive. In fact, I have more if you really want that wine.”
She chuckled. “If we hit any turbulence I may take you up on that.” The man reached for his wallet once again, not seeming to pick up on her lighthearted tone. “Hey, I was just joking, honestly.”
“Well, the offer is there.”
“Thanks.” Ally moved her gaze to the back of the seat in front, avoiding more eye contact. The feeling of being indebted to this stranger for his kind act was foreign to her.
It had been a long time since she’d wanted anything that she’d been unable to provide for herself. Even long before her mother died really.
Even during her last relationship, Ally was more often than not the one footing the bill when they went out for dinner.
“I take it you don’t fly this airline often?” The helpful stranger spoke again.
“First time.”
He offered a knowing smile and Ally found herself unsure of what to do next. For some reason, she didn’t want their conversation to end.
“What are you reading?” she asked, noticing the book he had resting on his lap.
When he held it up, she recognised the name of a bestselling author.
“Oh, snap. I’ve actually just started his series; I’m almost done with the first book. I was hoping to finish it … aw, damn.” Just then she remembered her device was in her carry-on bag. The one the flight attendant had whisked away earlier.
When the stranger looked puzzled, she explained this to him.
“I just realised my e-reader is in my luggage. They made me check it.”
“They took mine too. The flight’s so busy I guess,” he shrugged, while Ally wondered what she’d do now to pass the time.
The guy turned back to his book, but then stopped. “I can read aloud if you like. I’ve been told I have a voice for radio. Or is that a face.”
She couldn’t help but giggle at his cheesy joke. It reminded her of what Mel referred to as a ‘dad joke’.
The kind of joke that would embarrass a teenager if it had been their father making it. Having grown up without a dad, Ally was never able to fully relate to the expression. The thought of a little embarrassment seemed like a small price to pay.
