Page 45 of Too Much In Common
Chris smiled but didn’t laugh. “Yes.”
She counted on her fingers. “I think it is Thursday. I could check my phone, but it is too much effort. I need to take a nap. Wow, that hit fast.”
“I guess pilots don’t sleep on planes.”
“Yes and no. Since the flight is over eight hours, we had a three-pilot crew, so we rotate. We all had to be in the cockpit for takeoff and landing, but then we each had a rest period. And we have a bed. I laid down but didn’t sleep very well. I’m not used to sleeping on a flight.”
“So, I guess asking you to lunch is out.”
She checked her watch. “I am planning on taking a nap until three-ish. Can you do an early dinner?”
“Not today. I’m on duty from a half an hour before school gets out through about eight o’clock. Maybe dessert?”
“I don’t want to eat that late. How about something else?”
“I’ll text when I’m done, then?” He pulled into the underground garage.
“That works. Are you doing the personal safety class again tomorrow?”
“I’m on schedule—”
“We could make that a date.”
Chris pulled into his space. “I wish. I am on duty before and after. How about a late breakfast tomorrow?”
Tian sighed. “Dad is flying in to do some paperwork at the main offices. I was going to meet him.”
“What about Wednesday lunch?”
“Yes. I can do lunch on Wednesday.”
He’d take what he could get. Obviously, they needed to plan ahead if they were going to spend time together. “May I walk you to your door?”
“Then you can keep me from falling asleep in the elevator.”
It had been too many days since he’d held her. Kissing always made him more alert. “I am sure I can keep you awake.”
“Really?” She yawned again. “I’m sure the building has policies against jumping in elevators, and I know there is a security camera.”
Chris wrapped one arm around her waist. “I could find out if you are ticklish.”
“Then I’d scream, and Javier would rush to see what the problem was... Too messy.”
He brought his lips to her ear. “I could whisper jokes in your ear and make you giggle. Then Javier would just have to wonder.”
She leaned against his shoulder. “I think I am too tired to giggle.”
“Then I’ll keep you upright.” Some days the express elevator was too quick. Chris wheeled Tian’s bag to her door, and she brushed a kiss on his cheek. He would have liked more, but as tired as she was, it would have been a disservice.
13
To give them privacy,Tian invited her father to the apartment for lunch. After eating a meal where they mostly reminisced and caught up, they retired to the living room.
“This is such a nice place. How could you afford it?”
“Simone qualified for a special grant because of her media attention after she was attacked on the plane. We had some fears that the hundredth anniversary articles would spawn some attention to all three of us. But it’s been mostly positive.”
“How is Simone?”
