by S J Crabb
Pete pulls a face.
“She’s overreacting as usual. Apparently, I called her by another name when we were in the middle of it one night. I don’t know why, I don’t even know a Margaret. Well, you can imagine what happened next and now she thinks I’m having an affair with Margaret, whoever she is.”
We burst out laughing as he shakes his head.
“I know, it’s bad, isn’t it? The trouble is, no matter what I say she doesn’t believe me. She’s intent on finding out who Margaret is and won’t let me near her.”
Barry’s shoulders start shaking and I cling to the back of the seat for support. It’s actually really funny but must have been devastating for Jo. She is crazy stupid in love with Pete - sorry was and sees this as the ultimate betrayal.
I try to get a grip and smile sympathetically.
“I’ll try, leave it with me. You do know you will have a rough trip though.”
He shakes his head miserably.
“I know. As soon as they called me out when Dennis went sick I knew it would be a bad move. I’m just hoping that I get the chance to convince her it was all a mistake.”
I smile but he sees the doubt in my eyes and sighs.
“Anyway, I just thought I’d protect myself as much as possible before she gets started.”
I leave them to it and head back to the galley. Marcus has already got things sorted so I make us a quick cup of tea as well as the ones for the pilots.
Just before I finish, Jo appears looking annoyed.
“You know, Jenny is still a mess back there. This flight is going to be hard work in more ways than one. I’ve told Caitlyn to keep an eye on her and let me know if she crumbles.”
She spies the drinks and a wicked spark ignites in her eyes.
“Is that for Pete?”
I nod and she smiles wickedly.
“I’ll take it in.”
Shaking my head, I look at her nervously.
“Do you think that’s such a good idea?”
She shrugs.
“I’m a professional, Becca. Just because he turned out to be some sort of cheating playboy, it doesn’t mean I’m about to compromise my professional standards.”
She grabs the drinks and smiles wickedly.
“He won’t know that though. As far as he knows, I will have put something rank in his drink and my bet is he won’t drink a drop. It’s all psychological you know. Sometimes, doing nothing reaps the greatest rewards.”
Marcus raises his eyes and throws me ‘the look’ as she heads off to the flight deck.
“She’s right you know. He will be a nervous wreck by the time we land and she won’t have done a thing. It’s the power of the mind.”
A call bell goes off and we eagerly look to see if we need to fight to the death to get to 12A. No such luck and I get lumbered while Marcus carries on filling the ice bucket.
I make sure that I wiggle through the cabin with my best runway walk past 12A. I am slightly disappointed to note that he is looking out of the window.
Once I have helped a lady retrieve her bag from the overhead compartment, I walk slowly back.
This time he has his headphones on and his eyes shut. Short of pretending there is turbulence and falling across his lap I just head back to work.
As I walk, I wonder why I have been affected by him so much. I’ve done this job for ten years and seen many a hot guy on board. I have never reacted with this desperation before. I blame that date from Tinder. It obviously sent me over the edge and flagged up that I am back to square one again. After being cooped up with a brick collecting maniac for four hours, it’s surprising that I haven’t rushed out and joined a convent.
Who collects bricks? Ever! I sat through four tedious hours of feigning interest while Rufus told me every type out there and how they are made. I could tell you the differences in their manufacture and their histories and list their selling points. I wouldn’t mind, but he said he was into building a future with someone and enjoyed walks in the country and West End shows. The last time I checked, Bob the Builder wasn’t playing. Well, that’s a part of my life I’ll never get back.
I try to push all thoughts of men from my mind as I start the drinks service. Mostly the passengers are nice and I enjoy my job. I try not to glance over at row 12 but can’t resist when I draw near. I see Marcus hand him a can of coke and a packet of pretzels. I stifle a grin as I see Marcus in full charm mode. If 12A is gay, he won’t stand a chance. I feel happy to note that he just smiles and turns back to the screen he is watching. Marcus catches my eye and winks as we move on.
Once the drinks trolleys are stowed away, we start to organise the meals. As we work Jo appears with a bottle of champagne.
“Here you go, Becca. This one’s for a passenger in your section. Marcus, I need you to heat up Pete and Barry’s meals and make sure I get to take them in.”
Marcus grins and I roll my eyes. Whatever!
I look down at the envelope and do a double take. Whoa, I’m in luck. Marcus is none the wiser, and this champagne is for 12A. This is it. The moment my life will change forever. He will look up and our eyes will meet. He will hold my gaze and the world will stand still. We will bow to the pull of the inevitable and he will immediately declare his undying love for me. This is it - I can feel it.
With a deep breath, I walk towards him, my heart pounding and my knees buckling. I ignore an outstretched arm willing me to stop and have only one focus in mind. 12A!
I pretend to look around as if locating the seat. I glance down at the envelope and then check the numbers above the seats.
Then I gaze at him and flash him my sexiest smile.
“Excuse me, Sir. You have been sent a bottle of complimentary champagne.”
He looks up in surprise and his gaze falls to the bottle. I see a look of resignation enter his eyes as he sighs and smiles thinly.
“Thank you.”
Taking the printed sheet from the envelope, I start to read the message.
“There’s a message I need to read out, apparently.”
He looks at me with interest and his eyes twinkle and a slow smile breaks out. God, that smile is captivating. I have almost forgotten there is anyone else on board. I realise I am staring and cough nervously.
“Right then, here it is.”
I take a deep breath.
“Congratulations on your wedding my old mucker. Take a gulp of this to get you in the mood to...”
Suddenly, I’m aware of the shocked faces around me. The lady behind looks at me with shock as her husband snorts and looks away. There is silence and I feel the blush creeping up from my toes to my cheeks. 12A looks amused and grins, a mouth-watering, panty melting grin that almost makes me pass out.
“Thanks, I think I’ll take that.”
He reaches out and as I hand him the note his fingers brush against mine. Fighting the urge to grab them and never let go, I try to compose myself.
“Um, well, good. Yes, that’s good, um very good.”
To my extreme horror, I am now rambling incoherently and his amused stare isn’t helping. Shaking myself, I try to snap out of it and smile professionally.
“Would you like me to open it?”
Trying not to think of opening anything else for him, I look at him coolly.
He shakes his head.
“Not on my account, but you could offer it around to my neighbours here.”
The shock appears to have dissolved around me at his words and the woman behind giggles.
“Oh, super. We love champagne, don’t we, Rory? That’s very kind of you.”
The others murmur their thanks and I smile.
“Ok then, drinks all round.”
I head off and think about what just happened. He’s just got married. Of course, he has, why would I think he would be single? In fact, he should have been married off years ago. Guys like him don’t stay unattached for long.
Big disappointment crashing down and my world has now ended. D
reams dashed and hopes unfulfilled—again!
Marcus is as upset as I am when I tell him what happened.
“Do you think it was a gay marriage?” he asks hopefully. I shake my head.
“No, I think the note was designed to rhyme with her. It would explain the vacant seat beside him. Where do you think she is? She must have missed the flight or something. Maybe they are going to Mexico to get married and she will join him later.”
Marcus looks thoughtful.
“I expect he ‘came out’ when faced with declaring his love before God. It weighed too heavily on his mind and he couldn’t go on living a lie. I expect he’s going to Mexico to discover himself and bag a hot new boyfriend. Oh well, it’s a win-win for me if it is.”
Despite my devastation, I laugh.
“Keep on telling yourself that, Marcus.”
He shrugs.
“Oh well. I’m over him already. The guy in 16C keeps on giving me the signals, so I’ll transfer my attention to him instead.”
He sets off with his meal cart and I envy his ability to switch feelings so quickly. However, I’m devastated and I don’t know why.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 4
Throughout the meal service, I keep on thinking of 12A. I wonder what it must be like to marry somebody like that. His wife must be some sort of supermodel and totally gorgeous. I’m not even sure how I reach the end of the service because I don’t remember a thing.
By the time I head out to serve the coffee my mind is obsessed. I try not to let him affect me, but as I walk towards him with my coffee pot, I feel the butterflies in my stomach and my heart hammering.
I smile, with what I think is a professional, cool, detached smile and say brightly,
“Coffee, Sir?”
He looks up and I almost drop the pot. The smile he flashes me is one hundred percent sex god.
“Thanks.”
His voice is deep and sexy and his accent is more public school than I would have thought. He may have a certain rough charm but his accent is smooth and privileged. Could he get any better?
My hand shakes as I pour the coffee and I try to take deep breaths. What is the matter with me?
It must take all of two seconds but this exchange will keep me company in my private thoughts for the whole trip. This is my moment with my dream man and I will replay every wink of the eye, every smile and every gesture on repeat for the rest of my trip.
Then I move on and leave my head in the seat next to him.
Back in the galley I try to compose myself and pretend he isn’t here. I am becoming some sort of stalker obsessed mad woman after just one look from a stranger.
Deciding a change of scenery is in order, I head off to visit Rachel in First Class.
She sees me coming and smiles happily.
“Hey, how are things back there?”
I shake my head and roll my eyes.
“Well, a bit hot actually. There appears to be my fantasy male sitting in 12A who had grabbed my attention and I can’t focus on anything but him. The trouble is, he is on his honeymoon or on the way to his wedding. Life sucks.”
She grins and raises her eyes.
“You need a man, honey - desperately.”
I nod miserably.
“It would appear that I do. I am obsessing over a stranger and can’t think straight.”
She leans forward and whispers.
“There’s a super-hot guy in row 1. He appears to be on his own and seems cute. Why don’t you go and check him out? Take him this drink, I was just heading that way.”
I smile thankfully. Great, some distraction therapy - just what the doctor ordered.
I head to the front of the aircraft and note the difference in this cabin. Everything is calmer and more organised than the obvious chaos behind it. People are stretched out on their reclining bed seats and watching films, or playing on their iPads.
I reach row 1 and look at the guy working away on his computer. He seems nice, not in the panty-melting, sex god man of my dreams way of 12A. No, more like your professional businessman on a trip. The type to take you to dinner and buy you flowers, before providing you with 2.5 children and a nice house in the suburbs. After 12A he seems boring.
Sighing inwardly, I smile and offer him the drink.
“Your drink, sir.”
I note the surprise in his eyes as he reaches out to take the glass from my tray.
“Oh, thank you. I haven’t seen you before; where have you been hiding?”
I laugh, feeling a little awkward.
“In another section. I’m just helping out here for a while.”
He leans back and looks at me as though he is ripping the clothes off my body. Far from being hot, it just feels creepy. He licks his lips and interest sparks in his eyes.
“So, tell me. How long is your stopover in Acapulco?”
My heart starts beating a little faster. Wow, he doesn’t hold back. I can see the meaning behind those words and just smile sweetly.
“We have a week, luckily. Are you on business or pleasure?”
Pleasure! Why use that word. He is now almost panting.
“Business, but I am up for a bit of pleasure if it comes my way. Where are you staying, maybe we could meet up for a drink one evening?”
Oh no, trust me to start a conversation with Mr sleaze. Just the way he is raking me with his eyes is making me feel cheap.
I shake my head and smile coldly.
“I doubt that. We have very strict rules on staying with the crew. I won’t be allowed to mingle with the passengers. It’s against company policy. Anyway, enjoy your trip.”
I turn to go and he calls me back.
“Here, take my card. Even if we can’t meet up in Acapulco, maybe we could continue this conversation back at home. I promise you I’m not some weirdo. I just happen to enjoy meeting gorgeous women who spark my interest. Call me if you want a night out.”
Taking his card, I smile politely.
“Thanks. Anyway, I had better get back.”
I feel his eyes burning a hole in my back as I make my way back to Rachel. She sees the card in my hand and looks excited.
“Wow, that was fast work. I told you he seemed nice.”
I shudder and pull a face.
“Nice isn’t the word I’d use. He was really creepy as it happened. A fast worker who made his intentions clear after just one look. Not my type at all.”
She looks thoughtful.
“He may be ok for some hot sex though.”
Pushing her, I make the cringe face.
“Yuk, wash that thought from your mind. He was totally creepy and definitely not my type. I’m heading back to the normality of the masses and leave your rampant businessmen to you.”
As I head back, I realise that I still have the card in my hand. Maybe she does have a point. He may be my only option and is fifty times better than brick man. I could use him for sex and move on. Ok, now I feel sick. That’s not me despite how much I wish it was. It’s exactly why I am still single after all these years. I want the perfect man and the dream life. I don’t settle for second best and it’s got me absolutely nowhere.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 5
Marcus grins as I head back to the galley. Pulling a face, I rip the card in two and throw it in the gash bin.
“Don’t ask! Some creepy guy in First Class just propositioned me with the promise of a wild night in Mexico. It would probably end up with me beneath him or against some wall in a dark alley.”
I see Marcus smirk as I hear a cough behind me. Spinning around, I see 12A leaning against the galley wall with amusement in his eyes. I feel the heat rising and just stare at him in horror. Did he just hear that? From the expression on his face he did and now he must think I’m some sort of cheap hussy.
I stutter.
“Um… can I get you anything? I mean, a drink or something, you know, like a drink.”
Marcus grins and I feel the embarrass
ment consume me. Why does this man reduce me to a gibbering wreck?
He smiles and my heart beats a little faster.
“Sorry, I just wondered if I could grab a glass of water.”
In a rather high voice, I squeak. “Of course.”
I turn to grab a glass and Marcus says quickly.
“I believe congratulations are in order.”
I freeze and wait for his answer as if it’s the answer to world peace. I think I must be holding my breath because time stands still.
He says in a soft voice.
“Thanks. The trouble is I appear to be on my honeymoon without a bride.”
Marcus looks interested.
“Where is she then?”
12A laughs softly.
“I’m not sure. Probably still explaining to my brother why she jilted him at the altar.”
I almost drop the glass I’m filling with water as Marcus gasps.
“Wow, this is one story I must hear. Carry on and leave nothing out. I want to hear every detail.”
He shakes his head.
“It’s a long story. The result is I am now on their honeymoon all alone and just looking forward to the fact that I am well away from the storm back in England. It was a tough call but somebody had to volunteer, otherwise it would be a waste.”
I hand him the glass and my hand shakes as he smiles at me.
“Thanks.”
He doesn’t move and just takes a sip and I swear my heart pants as I watch his lips wrap around the glass. I am now officially out of control.
Suddenly, we hear, “This way, please. Now, remember, the password is Margaret.”
What?!
I see Jo leading a woman towards the flight deck and she winks as she passes. The woman is giggling and says, “Oh. My. God. I can’t believe I’m going in. I’ve always wanted to see inside a cockpit. It’s my ultimate fantasy.”
We all look in disbelief as Jo leads the woman inside. When she comes out, I pounce on her.
“What’s going on?”
She grins wickedly.
“If he wants a Margaret, then I have approximately one hundred ready to go. I’m telling them that only people named Margaret are allowed in today so they must answer to that. By the time he gets to Mexico he will hate the sound of that name. Every person I send in will be his worst nightmare.”
