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Astrid hooked her pinky through mine. “Promise, no matter what, we’ll keep each other grounded. We won’t let each other, or the guys, become our parents.”
I turned into the parking lot and parked before I answered. Once the car stopped, I twisted and draped my arm over the steering wheel.
“Done.” I leaned over the console and caught her lips in a quick kiss. “But I don’t think we’ll need to keep it. We’re all our own people and so far away from our families it isn’t funny. Now, enough about them. Tonight’s about us, and about you. Are you ready?”
Her eyes lit with excitement as she looked toward the field where a few helicopters were waiting. Each had a pilot walking around or talking to each other.
“Yes, I’m beyond excited. People are my favorite subjects, but I can’t pass up the opportunity to capture the sunset over the mountains, if only to say I’ve done it.”
And that made postponing our date worth it.
I climbed out of the car, and she waited for me to open her door for her. Beck would be proud.
We checked in and once the waivers were signed, were quickly ushered toward the closest helicopter. I’d already paid for the tickets, so the process was pretty fast.
“This is so cool,” Astrid said with a little hop in her step once we stepped outside. I squeezed her hand.
“Hi there. I’m Edward,” the pilot for the helicopter met us and extended his hand. I dropped Astrid’s so I could take it and took in this guy who was about to hold our lives in his hands.
He was young, maybe early twenties. Charismatic, and open. I disliked him immediately, even though he barely paid Astrid any attention.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Jonah, and this is my girlfriend, Astrid.” I slid my arm around her shoulders as she shook his hand next.
“Hi,” she said, quietly.
“So, how long have you been flying?” I asked, glancing between his youthful face and the helicopter. I had just thought we’d have a seasoned helicopter pilot, not someone who should still be in college.
He smiled, one side hitching up higher. Edward had my number. “I’ve been flying for seven years. I started taking lessons at sixteen, and I got my license after flight week with the civil air patrol. You’re in good hands.”
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Astrid squeezed my waist as if to let me know she was fine.
When I didn’t say anything else, Edward clapped his hands together. “Great, well, let me get you all started. Come over here and I’ll get you set up.”
He showed us the inside and handed each of us headsets after we climbed in.
“The entire ride is about thirty minutes.” He glanced up at the sky with the quickly setting sun. “You picked the perfect time. We’ll catch the sunset and there are just enough clouds to really get some good colorful pictures.”
“I brought my camera. Does the glass create a glare?” Astrid pulled her camera out. “Also, which side is the best to get pictures of the sunset?”
“You’re on the best side. And maybe. It really depends on your camera and where the sun is.” He shrugged apologetically.
“Got it.”
“Awesome. Give me just a second, then we’ll be off.” He went back to work on checking controls and getting into the pilot’s seat.
“I think if I’m close to the glass, I can focus it so no water spots or anything comes through. The glass seems crazy clean though. I’m impressed.” She leaned closer to the glass, careful not to get too close. Fogging it up would probably make it not so crystal clear.
In less than five minutes, Edward’s voice came over the headset. “Let’s rock and roll, love birds.” The blades gained in speed and noise as the seat vibrated. Then we were lifting off the ground.
Shit. I think my stomach stayed on the ground. I’d never been on an airplane, but this just didn’t seem very steady or safe.
Once we were a decent way up in the sky, the entire thing dipped left and my stomach rolled. Oh, hell. This was a bad idea.
Astrid never glanced at me once. I hope she brought a new memory card, because she was taking shot after shot. And I was glad. Because if she glanced at me and saw a green face, it would kill the whole romantic vibe.
I rested my head back and closed my eyes. That helped, marginally. Watching the world turn this way or that was messing with my stomach.
Edward pointed things out and gave us a fine narration. I paid attention to none of it, except when I thought Astrid was going to glance my way, I smiled. At least, I think I smiled.
