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When we arrive back at the house, I’m so stiff I can barely crawl out. Max grabs my hand and pulls me out and up, rubbing my back lightly before sliding into the driver’s seat to park the car in the commodious garage behind the house. When he finally gets back, I say, “Your Dad wants to take me flying.”
Startled, Max swallows a few times, then says, “Really? What did you say?”
“I don’t want to do it, but I don’t want to say no, either.”
“He doesn’t fly much anymore. Too painful for him.”
“Physically or emotionally?”
“Both.” He frowns. “Why don’t you offer to let him show you the planes. You can even sit in them. But tell him you’d rather watch him than go for a ride. He may be satisfied with just sitting in the cockpit for a bit. When was he planning to take you?”
“I think he’s planning on this afternoon. While you’re meeting with your office.”
The family pours into the hallway cheering as we push in the door. Max gives a thumbs-up and I give a tired but happy smile.
Moving over to his mother, Max puts his arm around her and whispers in her ear. She raises her eyebrows as he moves away, saying, “We could use some tea.”
Viktoria turns to me. “I am so sorry, Cress. I had no idea you don’t like hardboiled eggs.”
“Not your fault,” I mutter, my face burning. I’m sure they’re all thinking I’m some kind of freak. After all, who doesn’t like hardboiled eggs? Besides me.
“No beans and no eggs. You are a picky eater,” Ian chaffs me as Max glowers.
“Leave her alone,” he snaps.
“A little tease. You don’t mind, do you Cress?”
I want to fit in, so I shake my head no as Max squeezes my hand.
“Ignore him, la mia stellina. Otherwise, you’ll just encourage him.”
Meggy had left the hall just after the cheering. Now she’s back. “Mrs. Mac says tea will be ready in a few minutes.” Then she herds us into the lounge to await the feast.
* * *
After a ridiculously lavish spread that more than makes up for my rejected lunch, Max and JL retire to the library. They are supposed to meet with Clay at ten a.m. Chicago time.
Brian has been nattering about flying and now he turns to me. “Ready for your wee flight?”
Startled, I blurt, “Max told me you didn’t fly anymore.”
“Not much, anyway. But I have two brilliant planes, and I only do quick hops to keep my hand in. No more than ten minutes in the air.”
“You remember I don’t like heights.” Despite my best efforts, my hands are trembling, so I shove them under my thighs.
“I remember, but we won’t fly very high. I promise you, it will be a fun experience.”
“Can you just show me the planes? Then I can watch you do some acrobatics in the air.”
“Of course. I love to show off my girls. And maybe, once you see them, you’ll change your mind.”
Fat chance, I think. But getting to know Max’s father is good reason to go out if not up. I grab a jacket. Brian is already halfway out the door, yelling to Viktoria. “Vik, I’m taking Cress for a visit to the fleet. Be back soon.”
“Have fun,” drifts out faintly from somewhere.
“We’ll walk over to the old barn. You probably passed it this morning. It’s what I use for a hangar. Not too far from here.” Brian strides off, leaving me in the dust. How does this seventy-eight-year-old man move so fast?
I run to catch up, but eventually I stop and double over, trying to catch my breath. Brian, by this time, must realize I have disappeared because he turns around, looking for me. When he spots me, he calls out. “Cressie, darling. Why didn’t you say something?” He trots back in my direction.
