Page 40 of Crossing Lines

When we’re a few minutes from the airport, Nina’sphone rings. The word Mom flashes across the screen. She silences it, but it rings a second later. She silences it again and then turns off her ringer.

I’m not sure what that’s about, but there’s a tightness to her and a blankness to her face that wasn’t there before. I don’t like it, not one bit.

When we arrive, Zeki’s already waiting on the stairs outside.

“Surprise,” he says, sliding his sunglasses to the top of his head.

“Didn’t think you’d make it.” I pull him into a hug, surprised that he’s not only on time, but early yet again. In all fairness, he’s been early for every meeting we’ve made since he’s come to town. Maybe he really is turning over a new leaf…

“I hope you’re ready for the best plane ride of your life, Nina,” Zeki says.

“The best?” she asks, still in a somber mood.

Zeki leads her up the stairs. “Would I lie to you?”

“Welcome,” my cabin attendant says, interrupting whatever her response would be. “Please settle in and I’ll come over for your drink orders shortly.”

My jet can fit twelve people comfortably, with the plush chairs and couch. Zeki ushers Nina into a seat and he sits across from her. He gives me a look that tells me I’m stupid if I don’t take this chance to sit next to her.

So, I do just that and sit next to Nina.

“You couldn’t find another empty seat?” shegrumbles.

“I could,” I say, “but the balance of the aircraft would be off, then.”

She glances at me. “Is that really a thing, or did you just make it up?”

“It’s real,” Zeki says, supporting my lie. I shoot him a grateful look and he says, “Don’t worry, Evren won’t manspread on you.”

“Thank God for small miracles,” she mutters.

When the cabin attendant returns to take our drink orders, I order cappuccinos for Nina and me, and Zeki orders a Bloody Mary.

Nina gives Zeki a considering look. “Ordering alcohol at seven in the morning is certainlya choice.”

“Yes, a brilliant one.” Zeki grins and then yawns. “Shit, it’s too early to socialize. I’m going to take a nap, but eventually we do need to go over our ideas for Ben.”

“We can do it on the way back,” I say.

Zeki nods and chugs his Bloody Mary before ambling over to the couch and closing his eyes.

“Who’s Ben?” Nina asks me.

“A new sponsor I’m trying to sign on. His company, Glam Pop, wants us to prove our brands align before agreeing since his customers are mainly women.”

“And what are your ideas?”

“Why? Are you finally willing to work with me?”

Nina rolls her eyes and the captain interrupts whatever she was about to say by making an announcement that it’ll take four hours to reach Memphis. When wespeed up to take off, Nina tenses, closes her eyes, and grips the armrest.

“Are you a nervous flyer?” I ask, surprised.

“Now what would give you that impression?” Nina snaps.

Prickly until the end… I like it. I grab her hand in mine and make small circles on the back, trying to distract her. She glances at me.

“You don’t have to comfort me.”

---