Page 29 of Choosing the right Man

We’ll present to the casino two days after we arrive. So the first day we’ll go to the site and tour it. Mason has already been there multiple times, and Dell will show me other places the company has designed. It’s apparent how successful Mason is. But even if I don’t admit it out loud, I believe this design is the best one yet. I have a bit of pride, but I’m trying to tamper it.

The SUV arrives at the airport quickly, but when I look at my phone I see it’s been half an hour. We don’t pull up to the main terminal but to a private entrance.

“We’re here,” Rex says as he opens my door. I get out and look at him with confusion. “You’ll be flying on the corporate jet.”

“Oh.” There’s awe in my voice. He laughs.

“I like that look on your face. I’ve yet to ride on one of those fancy jets, but when I do, I’m sure I’ll look just like you.”

“If I have any influence, I’ll make sure you get a ride,” I tell Rex as I reach into my pocket for some cash.

He shakes his head and won’t accept it. “I’m a personal driver for Mr. Alexander. The pay is taken care of,” he says.

Is it odd he picked me up? Doesn’t he have more important people to take care of? I’m certainly not going to ask Rex. I thank him, grab my bag, and walk inside the private terminal. It’s a beautiful building.

A woman shows me to the back door, and when I walk outside, I’m stunned again at what I see. A huge white jet waits,the stairs down, carpet running to them. She’s leading me to it while someone else takes my bag and pushes it to the back of the jet where a loader is waiting.

“This is what we’re flying in?” I ask, feeling quite intimidated.

The girl laughs just as Rex did. “Yeah, she’s a beauty. I see a lot of private jets come in and out of here. It’s more fun to work in this area than the main terminal, and this jet is one of the nicer ones. I’ve been inside, and you’re in for a real treat. Too bad it’s such a short flight.”

“How long does it take?” I ask.

“Only about an hour and a half,” she says as if it’s a sin to fly that short of a distance in this beautiful machine.

“I’ve never flown on a private jet before. I flew first class to Hawaii once what feels like forever ago, but other than that I...” My words trail off. I really don’t know what I’m trying to say.

“I totally get it. I’ve worked here for five years, and I’ve seen the inside of a lot of these jets, but I’ve never gone anywhere on one. Someday...” she finishes wistfully. I want to promise I’ll get her a ride, but I might not want to promise things I have no chance of delivering on.

I thank her for her help, then step into the large jet. I hear voices and follow the sound. Dell and Jenny are already on the jet, drinks in their hands, their heads close together as they laugh about something. I approach them, hoping I don’t look as awestruck as I feel.

The jet is decorated in creams and soft blues. It looks classy yet comfortable. A table and chairs are secured to the floor in the back of the main room. There are also several comfortable chairs and couches with tables beside or in front of them. Work can easily be done while we’re flying.

“I’m Janice. Go ahead and take any seat,” a young woman wearing a pretty blue dress says. “What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll . . . uh . . . have a water, I guess,” I answer.

“No way. It’s not a work night. Get a pink margarita. I promise you they’re to die for,” Dell calls out. He sounds as if he’s had a few already.

“I guess I’ll take that,” I tell Janice. She smiles and disappears.

“What are the two of you laughing about?” I ask.

Jenny giggles. “Oh, Dell was telling me about how he’d been installing a new stereo in his truck, and his three-year-old son was helping him. Dell didn’t pay attention for maybe five minutes, and when he looked up, his side mirror was gone. His son had figured out how to use the screwdriver and disassembled the thing that quickly. Dell was so proud of him for figuring it out that the boy didn’t get in trouble.” Jenny laughs.

I join them in laughter. There’s a small tug in my tummy as Dell continues telling stories of his children. I realize I won’t ever be a mother. It wouldn’t be right to bring a child into the world when I’m not sure my relationship will survive. And though I’m far from ancient, I can practically feel my time clock ticking away. Maybe I’m too selfish to have a child.

The rest of the crew joins us over the next half hour, and somehow, I manage to drink two of the pink margaritas. I have no idea what’s in them, but Dell’s right, they’re delicious. I’m feeling pretty good by the time Mason steps inside the jet.

I look at him and his eyes spark the slightest bit. I must show some of my feelings because he instantly responds. I set my drink down and decide it might not be the best idea for me to get tipsy when I’m around this man. I can’t afford to let down my defenses.

“Is everybody ready?” he asks as he tears his gaze from me and looks at the rest of the group.

“More than ready, boss,” Dell says.

“Then let’s get this bird in the air.” He walks to the front of the jet and I let out a sigh of relief. As long as I stay with the packI’ll be fine. I pick my drink up again. A little liquid courage to get through this flight is just what the doctor ordered.

Chapter Nineteen

---