Page 70 of Too Much In Common
“Have a minute?” he asked.
Tian sat across from him.
“Tell me what has been on your mind the last few days. It is more than this flight?”
“Not much. Chris. Our relationship isn’t going to work. Not with our jobs. I received an ideal job offer flying four days a week for a charity to bring sick children to a specially designed theme park. The pay is amazing. According to the contract, they don’t have a problem with me staying on part-time with Legacy to pick up a few more hours on a regional flight or two. But I’d be moving to Indiana which ruins any little chance we had of a relationship working.”
“I am not sure what to tell you. Looking back, I made lots of mistakes with my life. In my heart, I knew some, or many, of my choices were selfish and wrong, but I didn’t care. If I had followed my heart... I’ve already told you these things. What does your heart say?”
“I want to take this job. While it blows any chance I might have had with Chris, it gives me a chance to have a family and be home almost every night and still fly. “
“Then take it.”
“What about Chris?”
“You’ve only known him a few weeks, are you that invested in him?”
“Oddly, yes. Which is so weird because, as you pointed out, we haven’t had much time together. I want it all—the perfect jobandChris.”
“You deserve it all.”
“If only, right?”
“Don’t go there.” Her father sighed in frustration. “There could be a path you don’t see yet.”
“Maybe. I should get my rest.”
Tian climbed into the bunk and fastened the seat belt across her waist. She put on her earbuds and turned on her relax mix. She fell into a light sleep. In her dreams, she flew Candace’s dream flights meeting child after child, giving them a week or a few days away from their hospitals. So different than flying entitled passengers from one vacation to another or business people to another meeting. A noble purpose making the world better one child at a time. She’d never considered that part of her discontent was the need to do something that mattered until the opportunity had presented itself.
She woke fifteen minutes before she needed to be back in the cockpit. She went to the restroom. Her father was no longer in the lounge. She opened her mail app and composed an email to send when she landed.
Mrs. Ogilvie—
I am very interested in your offer. I have a few questions. Is there a time we can talk? I’ll be back in the States on the 17th.
Christian (Tian) Johnson
Now if she could solve her relationship problems so easily.
20
The pastriesin the window looked and smelled amazing. Chris went inside the bakery and ordered using gestures. The chocolate croissant tasted as good as it smelled. He continued to the address Simone had texted.
Brit and Simone sat in the lobby with an older man Chris assumed was Tian’s father. “Thanks for meeting me.
“I can’t believe you’re here. Tian’s taking a nap.” Simone yawned. “Which is where I want to be.”
Chris handed them papers printed with QR codes. “Just scan these, and they will give you a Paris tour pass. Can you have Tian at the dock at 1630—I mean 4:30 this afternoon?”
“She’ll be there,” said Brit.
Both women stood and left.
“Stay. I assume you know who I am.”
“Tian’s father. I’m glad you could make your flight.”
“Me too.” His breathing became more labored. “I need to rest, so no beating around the bush. You mean something to my girl—her mom says, more than any other man has. I’m not sure how you two can work it out, but you better try or I will haunt you.”
