Page 18 of Arrogant Arrival

“Jo…hear me out.” Jim comes closer and places his hands on my shoulders. “My Ma and Yia-Yia–”

“You’re what?”

“My mother and grandmother. Anyway, please listen to what I’m asking of you.” I nod and he continues, “Those crazy Greek women are determined to try and get me to settle down. They’re also very Greek and…would love for me to marry a Greek girl and have little Greek babies. However, if I have a girlfriend with me…it would make them pairing me with someone in the Mother Land very difficult.”

“That all sounds horrible and completely inopportune for you, but I’m afraid I won’t be of any help for a variety of reasons. See, I’m not Greek. And you lied to me, so I don’t like you. Plus, I don’t date pilots, remember?”

“But you look Greek. Not all Greek Americans speak Greek. Bianca doesn’t. You don’t have to like me. And about the pilot thing, we wouldn’t actually be dating, just pretending.”

I don’t know why it stings that he’s only asking for me to be hispretendgirlfriend. Why can’t he just want me to go because he’s missed me? Has he missed me? I know it was supposed to be a one-night stand and I know I left things between us in a very heated way, but after what we shared…

“You want to use me?” I cross my arms.

“Only for a little while.”

“Are you kidding me right now?”

“That came out wrong.” Jim holds his hands up.

I think back to the woman who is sitting next to him. “The guy sitting with you. Is he Greek?”

“Dex? No. Bianca’s parents are more open than mine. I mean, they even got a divorce. My father only got away from my mother because he passed away by what we’re assuming were natural causes.” The way he says it has me more nervous to meet his mother. What does he mean they assume he died of natural causes? That little tidbit scares me more than the potential of being around this man for nine days. “My family is very traditional Greek. Whereas Bianca’s is more American Greek. My family in Greece are…” he sighs, “…they believe in older values. They hold on to the culture, traditions, and are old fashioned.”

“Is your Ma going to be there?”

“Yeah, yeah. She’s here on the plane with my Yia-Yia.” Jim waves his hand as though that’s not important, but clearly it is since this woman is the one who has him trying to con me into being his fake girlfriend.

“They’re on the plane?”

“Yeah.”

“Think they’re not going to notice? How you magically pop up with a girlfriend? Come on.” I start to walk away, but Jim steps in front of me.

“I plan on surprising them with the news. Anyway, Ma has been on me about marrying a Greek and continuing Greek traditions for as long as I can remember. I don’t want to bore you with all that. In fact, I don’t want to bore you at all. We can have averyexciting time in Greece. I can show you all the beautiful sights that regular tourists don’t get to experience.” Jim takes a loose strand of my hair and twirls it around his finger. “Drinking coffee on the beach, dancing into the morning hours, and eating some of the best food you’ll ever have in your life. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?”

No, actually it sounds kind of nice. “I’ll need to think about it. I have a job. I can’t take a full week off. I was going to stay a couple of days on my own, but nine days?”

“Sure, you can. Just don’t get back on the plane…” When I scowl at him, he holds his hands up. “I’m kidding. Have someone cover your shifts.” I roll my eyes and start to step around him. He hurries to say, “I’ll pay for all of your expenses and ticket back. Seven days, full expenses paid in one of the top destinations in the world. All you have to do is to pretend to be in love with me. Come on. What do you have to lose?”What’s left of my heart. That’s all.“I’ll have to think about it.”

“Great, you have nine hours. That should be enough time, right?”

Wrong. I only needed nine seconds to know there’s no way I’m spending nine days with him and his crazy family.

While all the passengers drift off to sleep, I can’t help but think about his offer. Seven days as Jim’s girlfriend. Correction—his pretend girlfriend. I haven’t been in a fully committed relationship to even know how to pretend. Not only do I have to pretend to be his girlfriend, but hisGreekgirlfriend. It’s so absurd. I plan to avoid him for the rest of this flight, when we land, and hopefully, the rest of my life.

As Jim walks by to exit the plane, Trip pats his shoulder and shakes his hand again. “Thanks for the info, man. I’ll definitely look into it.”

Jim smiles broadly. “Yeah, you should. I love being a contract pilot. You get to do what you love, but on your own schedule.” He leans toward Trip. “It’s great. Especially for a family man.” He smiles at Kendall and then exits the plane.

A family.I turn to look at Kendall holding their son while smiling at Trip. So much love between those two. I try to swallow the lump in my throat and ignore the ache in my heart. Once all the passengers have left the plane, everyone discusses what they’re going to do for our layover, and just then, something inside of me clicks.

“What about you, Jolene?”

I look over my shoulder from picking up some trash left in a seat. All eyes are on me. Not wanting to admit that I have no plans, or anyone to spend this time with, I straighten my back and smile. “I’m actually spending some time here in Greece.”

“How long?”

“I’m spending nine days with a friend and their family.” I blush and give a small smile.

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