When Stacy arrived at the Atlanta airport it was as crowded as expected on a Friday morning. She managed to finally get to the ticket desk without too many bumps and bruises. The desk clerk was smiling in an annoying fashion. Stacy just stamped a grin on and validated the ticket.
She walked to the tram and stepped on when the doors opened. She hated to fly. Her stomach was in so many knots. She took a deep breath and popped a peppermint in her mouth to try to calm the butterflies in her stomach.
The gate was not very crowded and she found a seat facing the windows. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, but the air was crisp with the November chill. She sat staring at the planes going by on the way to their gates or to the runway. Why on earth was she going through with this crazy thing? She pulled out her reader and tried to immerse herself in the latest romance novel she had downloaded, but her mind kept going to the fact that she had to step on that plane in a few minutes.
When the desk attendant called her seat number she jumped. Here we go she thought to herself. She got up and walked to the desk. The attendant smiled and took her ticket.
“Ms. Cauthen, welcome. Congratulations on winning the contest. You are in the First Class section. We will go ahead and seat you.” She followed the attendant down the walkway to the plane. Her nerves were so jumbled that she even forgot to thank her. She sat down and was instantly aware of the feel of the seat. She tried not to look too nervous.
When the engines roared to life she grasped the arms of the seat making the gentleman that was seated beside her grinned. “I take it you don’t like to fly.”
She tried to smile through her nerves but it came out as a grimace. “I wouldn’t actually say I didn’t like to fly, it would be more like I hate to fly.” She closed her eyes tightly as the plane lurched into motion.
“Well, let me try to get your mind off it then. I’m Chet Pentman and your name is.” He extended his hand.
She took his hand and shook it, then immediately grabbed the seat again. “I’m Stacy Cauthen, nice to meet you.”
“Are you flying to Denver on business or pleasure?” He looked at her and felt sorry for her. His wife was the same way.
“Well, as it happens, I won a contest and of course it takes place in Colorado. You?”
“I’m on business. I own a corporation that has a division in Denver. My wife comes with me sometimes, but she decided to stay home this time. She has a horror of flying too. That’s why I knew the signs. It usually helps if you get your mind somewhere else.” He smiled at the look on her face.
“Thanks, but I don’t think anything can help this fear.”
“Well, tell me about the contest.”
“It was the “Win a weekend with a star” contest. My best friend entered me in it and I won. I get to spend the weekend at a secluded cabin with a star.”
“That sounds exciting. Which star?”
“Slade Collins.”
“My wife has a secret crush on him. I remember hearing about this contest. She was so envious of you for winning. I reminded her that she couldn’t go anyway.”
“That would’ve been awkward.” She smiled thinking of how he probably would’ve responded to his wife winning. He was a nice looking man and very nice. His wife was lucky.
“It would definitely be awkward since she is very pregnant.” He grinned and she saw the excitement in them. “She is seven months and expecting twins.”
“That’s great. Congratulations. I know you both are excited.”
“We’re very excited. Wasn’t expecting to have twins the first time we got pregnant. But that just means more for us to love. It’s one of each too, so we’re set.” He smiled and pointed out the window.
She slowly turned and noticed they were already in the air. She couldn’t believe it. The takeoff was usually the worst and he had kept her mind off it.
“I can’t believe it. Thanks for that.” She smiled and relaxed.
“No problem. I do this for my wife every time she flies.” He sat back and smiled.
They talked about his corporation and her accounting business. They both had heard of the others business. When their breakfast arrived they ate in silence.
After their meal she laid her head back and closed her eyes. The next thing she knew, he was tapping her on the shoulder to tell her they were landing.
She looked out the window as they descended into Denver. “I didn’t want you to miss the snow covered mountains. That is not something you normally see in Atlanta.”
“Thanks. It’s breathtaking. I just wonder where the cabin is we will be staying.” She looked at the mountains and sighed. She was excited about the snow. He was right. Atlanta did not have much snow.
When they landed the stewardess told Stacy to stay seated until the plane was empty. She thought that was odd, but she stayed seated. Chet grabbed his bag out of the overhead compartment.
“Thanks for helping me get through this flight. Maybe I’ll see you in Atlanta and good luck with the babies.” She shook his hand.
“I appreciate that. Have a great trip. I can’t wait to tell my wife who I flew with. She’ll just have a fit.” He smiled and walked out the exit.
When the plane was completely empty the stewardess escorted her out and up the walkway. She heard a big commotion in the terminal. What was going on?
She emerged from the doorway to the flashing of camera and cheers. She stepped back and frowned. She looked at the stewardess. “What’s going on?”
The stewardess grinned. “This is your welcoming committee. Congratulations on winning the contest. I’m so jealous.” She patted her arm and walked to the desk.
A gentleman walked up and put his arm around her. “Stacy, I’m Andrew Smith, Slade’s manager.”
“Nice to meet you. Why are all these people here?”
“They are here hoping to see Slade. He is in a private lounge waiting on us. So come with me and let’s get the show on the road.” He grabbed her elbow and led her to a cart. They sat down and sped away from the crowd down the corridor.
The cart stopped at a door marked private. He helped her down and grabbed her bag. She wondered when she would get her other bag.
“Come on. Slade is just inside.” He smiled when she put on the brakes. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m just a little nervous. This is all so overwhelming.” She finally got her legs to move and she walked through the door.
“Don’t worry. He’s just a normal guy.” They walked into a brightly lit lounge. Slade got up from the bar stool and walked over, extending a hand to her.
“Hey, I’m Slade Collins. You must be Stacy Cauthen.” He smiled a dazzling smile and she lost all train of thought. He was so handsome and in person he was just plain dreamy.
Stacy finally regained her composure. “Nice to meet you too.” Her brain was still on Atlanta time.
Andrew stepped up to them. “Ok guys. We need to do a quick reporter thing, and then you guys will get in the car and head to the cabin.” He smiled at Stacy. “Are you ready for this?”
“I guess so.” She smiled weakly and followed him out the door with Slade following.