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The voice on the other end assures me that they can, and I hang up with a sense of relief. Running a private jet is no small feat, but thanks to my partnership with a bigwig investor and the severance package from my previous job, I've managed to make it work. The luxury jet appeals to the crem d la crème, which means I get to charge just a little extra. That extra would hopefully mean I could have the jet paid off in about three years. Then it was all gravy.
As I start packing a bag for the trip, the idea of spending a few days in tropical paradise begins to take hold. It's been a while since I've had a chance to relax and unwind, and Hawaii sounds like just the ticket. I’ll get paid for the downtime. If it ends up being a one-way, I’ll take a week off. I earned it.
Just as I'm zipping up my suitcase, my phone rings again. I glance down and smile. It’s Sam. Sam is an old friend from college, and we've been through thick and thin together.
"Hey, buddy, what's up?" I answer.
"Hey, Nate, just wanted to see what you're up to," Sam replies. "You free tonight?"
I glance at the clock on the wall, weighing the pros and cons of a night out with Sam against the looming deadline of my early morning flight. In the end, the allure of spending time with an old friend wins out.
“I have to be up early, but I can go out for a bit,” I tell him. “Same place?”
“I’ll be there,” he said.
"Alright, see you in a bit."
We hang up and I take one last look around my room, making sure everything’s in order before I leave. I'm not exactly an early riser. I've learned it's easier to roll out of bed and go.
I walk out of the house, happy to see the rain has stopped. Hopefully, it stays that way, and it will be clear weather for tomorrow. The radar looks good.
The sports bar is the usual space we meet up at when Sam and I are both in town at the same time. That doesn't happen often which is why I have to take advantage of it when I can.
The bar is crowded when I arrive. The music blares and people are laughing and shouting to be heard over it. I spot Sam at our usual spot at the far end of the bar. He's nursing a beer and talking animatedly to the bartender.
“Hey Sam,” I call out, clapping him on his back as
I take the vacant stool next to him.
"You're a sight for sore eyes," he responds, looking genuinely pleased to see me. “Long time no see.”
“Tell me about it,” I respond, signaling the bartender for a drink.
"How have you been?" he asks. "It seems like every time I land, you're taking off."
"Because that's exactly what it's like," I chuckle. "How's the commercial world?"
He shook his head with a grown. Sam still flew for one of the major airlines. That was how we met. I no longer flew commercial. Sam was one of the few people that stood by me when my life fell apart a couple of years ago.
"It's a grind, Nate. You know how it is... delays, disgruntled passengers, and don't get me started on the paperwork," He gave an exaggerated shudder for effect. "Honestly, your idea of going private doesn't seem too bad right now."
I laughed, tilting my beer to him in acknowledgement. "It's got its pros and cons, man. Definitely nice to be in charge and have a little more freedom. And instead of two-hundred angry people, I just have to deal with a few."
Sam looked thoughtful. "Well, you're looking well. The tan suits you."
"Perks of the job," I replied with a grin. "Just got back from Miami. I didn't have a lot of time, but I got a few hours in the sun. Hell, these days I hope to fly anywhere the sun is out."
"I don't blame you."
"Once you pay off that jet, we need to talk about going into business together."
Sam’s words take me by surprise. I turn to look at him, studying his face for any signs of joking. He meets my eyes with a seriousness that makes me realize he isn't kidding. He's sincere. The idea is tempting – Sam's a great pilot and an even better friend. But venturing into business with him? That's another ballgame altogether.
"I've been looking at the figures, Nate," Sam presses on, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "There's good money in private aviation. You're already reaping the benefits. With two pilots, we could double the profit. You wouldn't have to work all the time."
"We'll have to see," I shrug. "I'm not sure what position I'll be in. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, fine. It's just getting old."
