Page 3 of What are the Chances

“Can I help you?” I ask. What was this man’s problem? Was he expecting another gesture of gratitude, another ‘thank you’?

The corner of his mouth curling into a smirk, he points to the far seat, the one closest to the window.

“Um, that’s my seat.”

“What?” I ask, turning my head toward the window.

“I was already in my seat, but I had to use the restroom,” he explains.

“Come on. You’re holding everyone up, man,” someone says from the line. I look up as the chair thieving stranger turns his head to the man standing behind him, looking angry and frustrated. I resist the urge to laugh, thankful I’m not the only one who was holding everyone up. Instead, I stand up and allow him to take his seat. I flash the man—who made the snide comment about my new seatmate holding everyone up—a grin before turning my attention back to my row.

“Do you mind just sliding in front of me, dear boy? I’m quite comfortable, and these knees aren’t what they used to be,” a soft, sweet voice says.

I was so wrapped up in what was happening with my suitcase and the red-headed stranger, I hadn’t noticed I was already sitting next to someone. Once the man finally makes his way into his window seat, I sit back down, making myself comfortable with my new seat mates. Next to me, in the middle seat, is a plump, elderly woman, a book in her lap and a fuzzy, dark blue pillow wrapped around her jewelry-filled neck.

As we wait for the rest of the plane to load, I try to catch the chair thief’s eye, but it’s almost as if he’s purposely avoiding me. His eyes remain focused on the tray table locked in front of him.

Cool, I get it. I could come on a little strong.

Before I can slip my headphones in, hoping to make this long flight a little more bearable, the woman beside me rests her wrinkled hand on my arm.

“I’m Alma,” she introduces. “What are your names? If we’re going to Ireland together, we might as well get to know each other.” She glances at the stranger sitting on her other side before turning back to me.

I smile at the seemingly sweet, elderly woman and watch as my stranger catches my gaze. This was going to be horrible for him but totally great for me.

“I’m Charlotte, nice to meet you.”

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