Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 101254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
“Welcome to Black Inc. Airlines,” I say jovially, holding up my glass. “Let me be the first to toast my big brother and the love of his life, Skye. We’re here to celebrate the two of you this weekend, and I know that you’re going to love what Tessa and I have planned. The big bachelor and bachelorette gigs will be tomorrow night, and then we’ll all be together Saturday night for a large dinner and the prelude to the impending wedding. So here’s to Skye and Braden!”
Everyone raises their glass and cheers.
I glance at Tessa, who’s sitting in a row by herself.
She lifts her glass and smiles—though it seems forced—but she doesn’t take a drink.
She didn’t drink with me at the bar the other night, either.
Not a huge deal. My father doesn’t drink, either. He’s a recovering alcoholic. The flight attendant poured him sparkling white grape juice instead of champagne.
We could’ve done that for Tessa if I’d known she wanted it, but she didn’t say anything.
That’s on me. I should have known. Or at least asked. I’ll be more in tune with her needs for the rest of this trip.
When Glory comes by to ask Tessa if she’s finished, she nods. Glory grabs her full glass of champagne and steps down the aisle.
Braden and I could afford to drink Dom Perignon every day for the rest of our lives and we would never run out of money, but the blue-collar boy in me hates waste.
“I’ll take that, Glory.”
She hands it to me, and I take a sip of Tessa’s champagne.
I walk down the aisle and sit in the empty seat next to Tessa. She’s staring out the window of the plane.
“You don’t like champagne?” I ask.
She doesn’t bother moving her gaze from the window. “Just didn’t feel like it tonight.”
“Not a problem. Just tell me what you want. I’ll make sure that you get everything you need.”
“It’s not a big deal.” She frowns and looks down at her lap. “I’m sorry to waste it.”
“It’s not getting wasted.” I take another sip.
She turns to me then. “That’s my glass?”
“Yep. It’s delicious, too. You want a taste?”
“No, thank you. I just haven’t felt like drinking since…”
I hold up my other hand. “No explanation needed. I’ll make sure you get sparkling water for the rest of the weekend.”
“Thank you.” Then she truly does meet my gaze. “I don’t know how I’ll be able to thank you. You know, for making all the plans for this weekend.” She sighs. “This is something I used to love to do. I’m really letting Skye down.”
I lean toward her and lower my voice, even though no one can hear us on the plane. “It’s our little secret. As far as Skye knows, you and I planned this entire shindig together.”
Her shoulders slump a little. “You’re a lifesaver. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. If you need anything at all this weekend, you’ve got my number. You call or text me and I will be there. Got it?”
She twists her lips. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do. I know you’re going through a rough time, Tessa. I’m so sorry about that, and I wish I could make it easier.”
She gives me a weak smile. “You are, Ben. You’re making it quite a bit easier.”
“I appreciate you saying that, but that’s not what I meant.”
“I know what you meant.” She looks out the window. “I miss Rita.”
“Braden’s staff will take great care of her.”
“I know. I still miss her. I thought about bringing her, but she’s never flown before, and…” She sighs. “I just miss her.”
“She’s having a great time with Sasha and Penny. She’ll hardly miss you.”
Tessa frowns.
Uh-oh. The wrong thing to say.
“I mean…of course she—”
“It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean anything by it. She’s a dog. She’s having fun with other dogs. I miss her a lot more than she misses me.”
I decide not to talk about the dog anymore. Instead, “The flight attendants are going to serve a light supper. It’s seared ahi tuna on a bed of greens with sticky rice and edamame. Does that sound good to you?”
“Yeah. Sure.”
“Good. I’ll make sure you’re served first.”
“Don’t be silly. Skye and Braden should be served first.”
“Do you think they really care about that?” I chuckle and gesture toward my brother and his fiancée. “The two of them are making googly eyes at each other. They won’t even notice. I’m in charge this weekend, and I’m going to make sure you’re served first.”
She lets out a laugh. Or maybe it’s more of a choke. I’m not sure, but it’s something.
“So…you good? Do you need anything?”
“I’m fine,” she says. “Thank you for checking on me. Thanks again…for everything.”
“Absolutely. Don’t you worry about a thing, Tessa.” I give her a quick wink before rising from my seat. “I’ve got you covered.”