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22
The Providence Airport wasn’t as busy as Jane thought it would be on a Thursday morning. There were only 20 or so people in the security line when she arrived and since she only had a carry-on, she didn’t have to worry about checking bags. She was through the line in a few minutes.
Jane wasn’t a great flyer; in fact, she was terrible, but she knew she needed to suck it up for this wedding. She had done crazy things over the last few years for clients, but this certainly topped the list. She couldn’t believe that she was being sent to L.A., for 48 hours, just for Kat and Mike to do a sampling that had already been done by their wedding planner. Her chef had flown out the day before, giving him time to prep everything without time constraints. Molly had booked hotel suites for them in Beverly Hills and had arranged for the chef to have a fully equipped kitchen in his suite. Everything was ready to go. Jane had secured floral arrangements, as well, to show Kat that everything was coming together.
Austin was booked to travel with her to L.A., but she didn’t see him at the airport. She had been so nervous about the flight that she had arrived extra early. She figured she would be there before Austin, anyway. They were booked in first class, but she wasn’t sure if she was sitting with Austin or not. She assumed that they would be together, but didn’t know for sure. She knew her flying fears could get the best of her, and sitting next to Austin might calm her nerves. Besides, they could use the long flight to talk about upcoming events.
As boarding time approached, Jane glanced at her watch again. Austin was nowhere to be seen. She tried calling him once more, but the calls all went to voicemail. He was going to miss their boarding call. What the heck was going on? He knew this was a big deal. Her stomach was in knots. She did not want to get on that plane without him.
“First class passengers are able to board now,” announced a voice over the intercom. Jane looked up, watching passengers walk toward the gate, their tickets ready to scan. She couldn’t wait any longer, and she needed to get herself on the plane.
Her hand shook as her ticket was scanned. As she walked through the gate toward the plane she felt her heart and pulse-pounding. She was trying to breathe slowly to prevent a panic attack but flying terrified her, especially if she had to travel alone. She had been so focused on making sure everything was set for L.A., that she hadn’t allowed the idea of actually flying to sink in. But now it was front and center.
“Welcome,” a friendly voice said as Jane stepped onto the plane. “What seat are you?”
Jane just handed her ticket to the flight attendant, waiting for her to point out her seat. “You’re right there,” she smiled. “You have a window seat. Can I bring you some coffee or juice as we get boarding under way?”
Jane breathed, smiled, and shook her head “no.” She quickly walked toward her seat, placed her handbag on the seat, and managed to lift her carry-on luggage into the storage area above. When she sat down, she kept taking deep breaths without trying to appear frightened senseless. She didn’t want to embarrass herself, and she needed to stay calm. To distract herself, she grabbed the flight magazine from the seat in front of her and began flipping through the pages. She was able to get herself breathing regularly and began feeling calmer and calmer.
“There are only a few more people left to board and then we’ll be ready for take-off,” one of the flight attendants announced in an overly friendly tone to the first-class passengers. “Please let me know if I can get you anything.”
Jane looked at the empty seat next to her and then turned to look out the window, hoping she would be able to relax. She was trying her best to keep herself in check, and not allow her nerves to get the best of her, but it wasn’t easy. She could handle just about any kind of stress, but airplanes were not her thing. She looked out at the gorgeous sky, taking in the beautiful sunrise, but aware of the beating of her heart.
“Sorry I’m late,” a familiar voice whispered.
She immediately turned her head and locked eyes with Austin, who looked like he had literally just rolled out of bed. His hair was disheveled and tousled, and he had sleepy, puffy eyes. Jane wasn’t used to seeing him look like this, not to mention he wore an oversized gray hoodie, black joggers, and a backward baseball hat. The second he sat down, all her emotions and fears came rushing forward. She put her hands over her face and couldn’t stop the tears from falling.
“Oh my God, Jane,” he said with concern, “are you OK?” He reached over to touch her shoulder, not sure what was going on.
Jane was sure she wouldn’t be able to get a word out without sounding like a blubbering fool, so she just shook her head up and down, trying to let him know she was OK, and that he didn’t need to worry.
“Sir,” a soft voice asked, “does your girlfriend need anything?”
“Would you mind getting us some tissues or napkins, whatever you have, but other than that, I think she’s good,” he answered politely, not correcting the flight attendant as he rubbed Jane’s shoulder, “but thank you.”
Austin continued to comfort her as the flight attendants began getting ready for take-off. “Jane, are you sure you’re OK? What else can I do for you?” Austin asked.
Jane slowly sat back and turned toward him, knowing that she must look horrible with her entire face stained with tears. As she looked over at him, he sat staring back at her with concern on his face.
“I thought I was going to have to do this alone,” Jane answered quietly, not wanting everyone around to overhear.
“What do you mean?” Austin asked confused.
“This,” Jane said, pointing outside. “Flying.”
“Oh, shit,” Austin whispered. “You don’t like to fly?”
Jane shook her head back and forth. “No. I’m so sorry, I got myself all worked up about it, and then when you finally showed up it was like it all came out. I didn’t realize just how scared I was about it. I’m sorry about this.”
“Oh, God, Jane,” Austin said, placing his hand on hers, which sent shivers through her body. “I’m so sorry I was so late.”
Jane froze for a second, not knowing what to say. She looked out the window quickly, wanting to distract herself from what she felt, but she couldn’t help it. His touch had been like an electric current.
“I forgot to set my alarm last night, and I woke up with my driver calling me from the driveway. I booked a car service, and thankfully he kept calling until I picked up. By the time I got here and saw your texts, all I could think about was rushing to the plane. I nearly missed boarding altogether. I’m so sorry I didn’t get back to you to let you know I was on my way,” he explained.
Jane smiled, thankful that he was here with her. “I’m just glad you made it,” she answered, feeling herself calm down a little bit.
Austin looked out the window. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve flown hundreds of times,” he smiled. “There’s nothing to be scared of, I promise.”
