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“That would be wonderful, thank you,” Stella said as she stepped in. “We’re staying at the DoubleTree Suites downtown.”
“I will get them on the phone right now and extend your stay until Tuesday. If you want to leave your return flight information with me, I’d be happy to reschedule you both on first-class tickets for your return flight Tuesday morning,” she said.
“Thank you very much. I’ll email it to you. Is this email on your business card correct?” Stella asked.
“Yes, it is. I’ll look out for your email. And again, I’m so sorry for all the trouble.”
“No worries at all. Have a wonderful day,” Stella said, smiling.
I was impressed with how she handled herself. I hadn’t ever seen her talk with the type of confidence she just had. She used no filler words, and not once did she stumble over what she was trying to say.
She was perfect in the way she addressed that woman, especially since my anger and frustrations were getting the best of me.
“Come on, Christian,” she said. “Let’s go check into the hotel, get a bit of rest, and I’ll take you out to dinner tonight.”
“That won’t be necessary, though I could use the nap,” I said.
“Christian. You gave up your first-class seat to me. Let me treat you to a nice dinner.”
“Stella, I’m honestly not sure that is a good idea,” I said.
“I’m not going to jump your bones. We’ll stay away from the alcohol, and all will be well,” she said.
“Fine. I’ll let you take me to dinner tonight. But, only if I can get some rest. I’m exhausted.”
“That’s fine. I could use a nap, too,” she said.
“The two of you are aware it’s almost 5 in the afternoon, right?”
We both turned to look at the secretary before I looked over at a clock on the wall. She was right. Even though we’d left San Diego that morning, by the time all the bullshit was over and we took into account the time change, it was almost dinnertime as we spoke.
“Alright. Quick dinner, then bedtime. Sound good?” I asked.
“Wonderful,” she breathed.
I flagged down a car and told the c
ab driver to take us to the nearest place where we could get some decent food. We lugged our things into the restaurant and sat down to eat, and suddenly I felt myself slip into a natural pattern with Stella. We laughed over a drink and talked about how awful the flight had been, and I could feel myself falling back into that same familiar scenario that had happened a week ago.
“You really didn’t have to give up your seat,” she said.
“It really wasn’t anything. I wasn’t going to let you ride economy,” I said.
“Why not?” she asked.
“Because everyone knows economy sucks. I didn’t want our first business trip to be that horrible for you,” I said.
“Well, that’s very kind of you to say. Next time, just double-check the tickets so we can both fly first class,” she said.
“Trust me; I learned my lesson with that one.”
“So, what are we going to do with the weekend? I don’t think either of us planned on having it,” she said.
“I plan on taking many baths in that jet tub I know is in that hotel room. Maybe a nice dip in the pool. Possibly getting away with a naked steam sauna trip.”
“We aren’t in Europe, you know. If someone walks in and sees that thing you’re swinging between your legs, they're going to run out screaming,” she said.
“It’s better than them walking out laughing,” I said, grinning.
