We both fall fast asleep, for I don’t know how long, then we are awakened byturbulence.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are experiencing heavy turbulence on our approach to New York City. Please make sure your seat belts are fastened and your tray tables are in their upright positions. Thankyou.”
Daniella stretches and lets out a yawn. “Looks like we were both tired. We didn’t eat oranything.”
“Yep. It’s been a long week of events. I was wipedout.”
The plane dips a little as it goes over an air pocket. Daniella grabs myarm.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain. It looks like we are flying through a storm headed for New York and surrounding areas. All flights out of New York this evening have been cancelled. Please be sure to check with your individual airlines for moreinformation.”
Daniella’s eyes dart. “Cancelled? What are we going to do? Where will wego?”
I pat her thigh and her expression softens. “Don’t worry. I actually have an apartment here in the city. We can gather our luggage and head there and figure stuff out in themorning.”
Daniella lets out a sign of relief and sits back in her seat, still gripping myarm.
And after more turbulence during the final descent, we finally land, Daniella and I pick up our luggage at baggage claim, and haul it over to the rental car counter to rent a car. Then, we stop at the ticket counter and arrange for travel back out tomorrow afternoon, giving the storm time topass.
“Come on, let’s head to myapartment.”
Daniella looks tired, hungry, and slightly afraid. I want to do my best to ensure I make her feel protected. We stop for Chinese takeout since we missed out on our meal on theplane.
“It’s not even raining here. Why did they cancel flights?” she asks as we walk up the stairs to myapartment.
“Because the storm is headed here from the west. We will be fighting weather the whole way back to California. They had to cancel to besafe.”
She shrugs her shoulders. “Okay, Isuppose.”
Inside, my apartment is cold. I haven’t been here for months, so it may take a while to warmup.
Daniella looks around and smiles. “You have great taste, Antonio. Here and at your home in Beverly Hills.” She starts to remove her coat and then decides against it after she shivers. “Is there only onebedroom?”
“The heat should kick in soon. And yes, only one bedroom. But you can have it. I’ll sleep on thecouch.”
She chuckles. “I won’tbite.”
“Yes, but Imight.”
