by S J Crabb
She scans the rows behind us and settles on the elderly woman in 18B. “Perfect, she will be my next visitor.”
Marcus laughs and 12A looks bemused. Shaking my head, I say wearily, “Don’t ask.”
We turn our attention back to 12A and Marcus says with interest.
“Why did she jilt him - do you know?”
He shakes his head.
“I heard she had second thoughts. Apparently, she saw a medium the week before who told her she would marry a fighter pilot called Tony. My brother is a painter and decorator called Gary. It messed with her brain and planted doubt in her mind She thought she was making a terrible mistake and needed to be available for Tony when he showed up.”
We all look at each other in disbelief and then burst out laughing. Marcus wipes his eyes as we hear a call bell.
“I’ll go. Wait there, handsome, I haven’t finished with you yet. I want all the gory details on my return.”
Then we are alone - well, as alone as we can be on a metal tube with four hundred other people within touching distance.
Suddenly, I feel awkward. The galley is small, and he is large in more than just his size. He fills my mind as well as my personal space and I smile nervously.
“So, can I get you anything else?”
He smiles and I almost sigh out loud.
“A coke would be good.”
Thankful for something to take my mind off the desire to leap on him and cling on for dear life, I set about getting the coke.
He laughs softly. “So, I suppose it’s an occupational hazard to get hit on by your passengers.”
I almost drop the coke and feel myself blushing. He did hear! I just shrug and roll my eyes.
“Not really. It doesn’t happen that often - luckily. I mean, if you saw the guy you would agree I had a lucky escape. I think some people think we come with the price of the ticket.”
He looks at me thoughtfully and if I could I would stamp on my own foot. What an idiot. If that didn’t say ‘stay away’ I don’t know what would.
The silence is a bit awkward so I grab the glass, fill it with ice and open the can. What the…? Coke bursts forth like the fountain at Trafalgar square and lands all over his pristine white t-shirt. I don’t know who is more shocked, me or him, as I watch the coke dripping from his hair and running down his neck.
Grabbing the tea towel, I start attacking him mercilessly saying with total horror,
“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. It’s the pressure you know. It does that sometimes. Please let me help you.”
He raises his eyes to mine and smiles.
“It’s fine. I’ll just take it off and rinse it in the sink if I may?”
Swallowing hard, I nod and holy mother of all things sexy, he takes off his t-shirt right in front of me and I absolutely stare at him shamelessly.
His body is every inch what I expected and I think I must be drooling because quite frankly I must have died and gone to heaven. Wow and double wow. This guy should work for the dream boys. Actually, maybe he does. Come to think of it he could be anything.
He raises his eyes and smirks as he catches me gawping at him like a teenager. I feel decidedly hot and just grab his t-shirt and babble incoherently.
“Don’t worry… um… yes… this is good… water… I need water… yes or soda, maybe that would work.”
Suddenly, we hear, “Good god, Becca. You didn’t waste any time. I’ve only been gone two minutes you brazen hussy.”
Marcus stands there looking like all his prayers have been answered as he openly stares at 12A’s chest. Far from looking awkward 12A just smiles sexily. Ok, he must be a dream boy and used to this sort of attention.
Marcus shakes his head and says with authority.
“Don’t panic, I always carry a spare t-shirt in my crew bag. I keep it with my paper knickers - always on hand for any emergency. You can wear that and I’ll try to get yours washed and dry before we land.”
He heads to the overhead locker and I mouth - ‘sorry’- to 12A, who just smiles as if he’s finding this whole situation very entertaining.
Marcus comes back and thrusts a similar white t-shirt to 12A. “Here, try this on for size.”
We watch with total disappointment as he covers his amazing body with the borrowed t-shirt. Then we all laugh when it becomes evident that Marcus is several sizes smaller than the man mountain in front of us. It clings to his bulges and accentuates them further. His arm burst out and I fear that it will rip if he moves.
Marcus grins.
“So, Mr 12A, tell me your name so I can stalk you shamelessly until you return my t-shirt.”
He laughs softly.
“Sorry, I’m Luke.”
Marcus grins. “I’m Marcus and this is Becca. So where are you staying in Mexico? We could all meet up if you’re on your own.”
I find that I’m holding my breath waiting for his answer.
“The Emporio.”
Marcus looks at me and we can’t stop the grin from spreading across our faces.
“Snap. Who’d have thought.”
The curtain twitches and Jo pushes her way into the now extremely crowded galley.
“Oh, sorry. Listen, Becca, I don’t suppose you could check on Jenny for me? I’m flat out with Margarets and haven’t got time. You know, this trip could end up much more fun than I thought. I’ve thought of loads of ways to get my revenge and this is just the beginning.”
Smiling apologetically at Luke, I head out to check on Jenny. Jo’s words ring in my ears as I go and I have to agree - this trip is definitely going to be more fun than I thought.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 6
Jenny is busy in the rear galley and smiles as I enter.
“Hey, Becca. How are things at your end?”
I laugh happily.
“Couldn’t be better. It appears that my prayers have been answered in the form of some serious eye candy for the trip ahead.”
She looks intrigued.
“Ok. Spill everything.”
“Well, one of our passengers, who has just stripped to the waist in the galley, is staying at our hotel. He is luckily travelling alone and in need of some company. I have left Marcus to iron out all the details because as we know he won’t let him get away in a hurry.”
Jenny laughs. “I can’t wait to meet him. Do you fancy a cuppa? I think things have quietened down a bit.”
I nod and pull out the jump seat and sit down.
“So, tell me, how have things been since the funeral?”
She smiles sadly.
“Lonely. It was just me and mum for all of my life and now it’s just me. The house feels big and cold and I don’t know the first thing about doing anything. My Aunt and Uncle have been amazing but they won’t be around forever. I know I have to try to make a life for myself but it’s scaring me.”
Reaching out, I grab her hand.
“You’re not on your own. I’m in the same position as you, really. I know I still have my parents but they live so far away. It’s just me and Malcolm the potted plant and I agree, life is scary when you’re on your own. Maybe we could spend more time together. You could always stay at my flat if you like and we could be lonely together.”
Jenny’s eyes fill with tears, and she hugs me tightly.
“You’re a great friend, Becca.”
I swallow the lump in my throat.
“You too, Jenny.”
Pulling back, I roll my eyes.
“Look at us, what a pair. You do know we’re going to have an amazing trip though. I can just feel it deep down.”
She laughs.
“Yes, despite the drama with Jo and Pete, I think it will do us all good to get away.”
Caitlyn rushes in.
“The man in 30B wants a gin and tonic. I could so use one myself right now.”
I nod in agreement.
“Just make sure we grab as much as we can on landing. Who’s having the crew room this time?”
/>
Caitlyn shrugs.
“Maybe Marcus, I’m not sure.”
Jenny laughs.
“Well, it sure as eggs won’t be you, Becca.”
I look at her in horror.
“You’re right there. I couldn’t think of anything worse. I’d be on edge the whole time.”
Caitlyn looks interested as Jenny grins.
“Our Becca is a serious OCD freak. She hates anything out of place and carries wet wipes in her handbag. The thought of one can out of place or a packet of unopened crisps on the floor would send her into a complete meltdown.”
I laugh at Caitlyn’s expression.
“It’s a good job I live alone. Jenny’s right, I hate anything out of place. It’s ok at work because it’s not my own space but at home - I’m a nightmare.”
After spending a pleasant tea break with the girls, I head off back to work and the Duty-Free service.
Once the service is over, I get another call from the flight deck.
“Becca, tell Jo no more Margaret’s. If one more comes through this door, I’m going to spin this bird in a loop the loop and make you sit with your seatbelts on for the rest of the flight. Oh, and a cup of untampered with tea would be nice with some crew biscuits.”
I laugh to myself. Somebody is decidedly feeling the strain and I feel sorry for him.
As soon as the coast is clear, I take him the tea and usher the latest Margaret out. I hear the door click behind me and know that he has locked it.
Jo hurries up with another Margaret in tow.
“You didn’t let him lock it? Oh great, now I’ll have to think of something else.”
She hurries off mumbling to herself, while I show the Margaret back to her seat.
Soon the passengers start to fall asleep and we get the chance to eat. This part always drags the most and we are at our most stupid thinking of ways to pass the time and keep the boredom away.
I brave a visit to Rachel and we sit in a couple of spare seats at the back of the cabin and chat about life in general.
Rachel is the only one of us who is married. Her husband, Lorenzo is Italian and works as a chef. They haven’t been married long but make a really sweet couple.
She stretches out and shakes off her shoes.
“It’s good to sit down and eat something at last.”
I nod in agreement.
“You’re right there. So, tell me, how is that gorgeous husband of yours?”
She smiles softly.
“He’s fine. Keeping busy with the restaurant and I’m busy here so sometimes we are like two ships that pass in the night.”
I detect an edge to her voice and wonder if there is something going on. I don’t ask though because she is a very private person and isn’t one to bare her soul. She will tell us if she wants to but I decide to keep an eye on her. Something is definitely off.
I tell her all about Luke and she looks excited.
“Wow, I can’t wait to meet him. You deserve some luck in your life, Becca. You’ve been alone too long.”
I look at her in amazement.
“What, you think he’s going to be interested in me? You wait until you see him, Rachel. He could have his pick of the bunch.”
She looks at me sternly.
“Then he would pick the best one with you. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re gorgeous and he would be very lucky to get you.”
I think about Luke. Maybe this is fate dealing me a favourable hand. Could it really be too good to be true?
I actually can’t wait to find out.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 7
By the time we land my excitement is at fever pitch. I have shared many a secret look with Luke and imagined us in every possible situation through life. By the time we land we have dated, married, had babies and live in a gorgeous cottage in Cornwall. He adores me and gave me a sweet little puppy for our twentieth anniversary. His family loves me and we are inseparable and have taken up glamping.
As we wait for the passengers to disembark, I feel worried that this may be the last time I see him. What if we have switched hotels and are staying somewhere else? It would be a disaster.
As he heads our way, I think I’m about to have an anxiety attack. He smiles as he reaches us and Marcus grins.
“Until later, Luke. You can keep the t-shirt if you like. If you do give it back don’t worry about washing it.”
I cringe at the dirty look Marcus throws his way and Luke laughs.
“Thanks, Marcus. I owe you one.”
I snort. “Don’t tell him that. You may not like what he wants in return.”
Marcus pretends to be annoyed and Luke smiles at me.
“Thank you, Becca. I hope to see you at the Emporio later.”
I swear my toes curl up and my heart does a victory dance in my chest. I smile shyly.
“Yes, let’s hope so. Have a good journey.”
He nods and turns away, leaving me with the uncontrollable urge to run after him and attach myself to his body, forever. Instead, I just sigh and turn my attention back to the job in hand.
After we clear customs and retrieve our luggage, we head off to the hotel. I feel strangely excited and put it down to the fact I may see Luke again. I felt something with him - a sort of chemistry that I can’t explain. It sends secret messages to my heart of something that may be about to happen. I hope so because I am running of ideas.
I’ve tried the online dating thing - absolute nightmare and now I think I’m scarred for life.
I’ve tried the introductions through friends. This was also a disaster and left me worrying about how well they really know me, given some of the men they have thrown my way. It’s almost as if they think - ‘Oh, he’ll do.’ The trouble is, I am very picky and have always wanted the fairy-tale. I have been waiting for that lightning bolt to strike and it hasn’t even come close. My mum tells me I should stop being so choosy and what I’m waiting for isn’t out there in the real world. Well, she obviously hasn’t met Luke. He is everything I think I want. I just hope he doesn’t turn out to be a complete dud.
By the time we reach the hotel my mind has planned out the main event in my life, the sequel and then the television series. Becca and Luke, - Luke and Becca - Love at Thirty Thousand Feet- Mile High Love- Steamy Galley. I have written the book and printed the t-shirt and feel like a girl obsessing over a boy in a boy band.
“Look at him - not a care in the world. He doesn’t even care that he’s broken my heart.”
I am brought back to earth as Jo nudges me in the side. I look over and see Pete laughing with Barry as we wait to check in. Jo’s eyes narrow.
“He thinks it’s a joke but I’m not laughing.”
Sighing to myself, I smile sympathetically.
“He may be telling the truth and it was all a misunderstanding.”
Jo snorts.
“Misunderstanding! When the love of your life calls you by another woman’s name while making love to you, then something is very badly wrong. He was obviously thinking of this Margaret woman and I will find out who she is if it kills me. I’ve been through the list of everyone at work. The closest I’ve got is Maggie Parker, but she’s married to that doctor and doesn’t stop talking about him and their perfect life. I don’t think it’s her because she isn’t really his type. Do you think it could be one of the new intake? Maybe he met her on one of his flights last month. He worked a lot because of the shortage of pilots. I hardly saw him. Come to think of it he did have a night stop in Barcelona. Maybe she was on that trip. I’ll ask Sandy in ops when I get back.”
The receptionist beckons us over and I am thankful for the distraction. I think Jo is wrong. Pete adores her and I believe his explanation. I wonder why she is finding it so hard to believe him? Maybe that’s what love does to you. When you find it, you are so afraid to lose it that it scrambles an otherwise normally rational brain. I hope they work it out because they are so cute together.
The reception
ist hands me a form and I fill out my name and contact details. As I pass it back, he hands me one of those room key things and winks.
“Here you go meez. Have a lovely stay at the Emporio. Please, if you need anything come and find me.”
He winks again and I wonder if he has a nervous tick. He holds my gaze and stares at me and smiles and I quickly grab the room key. I know that look. The look of interest that promises more than just a morning wake up call. Well, he can keep his dirty thoughts to himself. Some men see a girl in a uniform and think she is fair game. Well, not this trolly dolly. I have standards that are obviously higher than most men can reach. All except one that is. I wonder where he is?
I leave the others after agreeing to meet in room 217. Marcus got the privilege of the crew room and I think it was a good choice. He is always the last to leave anyway and drinks the most. He also doesn’t care about mess or entertaining lots of people in his hotel room. Ugh, I can think of nothing worse.
No, my room must remain orderly at all times with everything in its place just how I like it.
I appear to be the only one left in the lift as everyone else gets out at the floors below mine. I travel to the top floor and feel irritated. Typical, now I will have the furthest to travel down to the pool every day.
It doesn’t take me long to reach my room and I notice it is down a little corridor with two rooms facing each other. As I open the door, my mouth drops open and almost hits the plush carpeting inside.
Wow! This room is unbelievable.
I wander in as if in a dreamlike state. The whole of Acapulco bay stretches out before me, the lights bouncing off the sea that it surrounds. Huge sliding doors run the width of the room and lead out onto an amazing balcony. The room itself is larger than my flat at home and I could get seriously lost in the biggest bed I have ever seen. The room is immaculate and looks modern and tasteful.
Feeling like an excited girl at Christmas, I run around the room grinning to myself, exploring every inch of the best room I have ever stayed in.
