Page 55 of Country Winds
When they reached the gate, they checked in at the desk. The attendant looked at the ticket Ellie had printed out.
The young man furrowed his brow as he read her name, and he looked up. “I saw you on the Lee Daniels show. You’re the voice of Nyx in Myth Hunter.” He grinned. “I’m so addicted to that game.”
Ellie smiled. It felt strange to be recognized by fans. It was one thing to be at a convention with rabid gamers and another to be recognized by the general public. “Yes, that’s me.”
“Awesome.” He looked at his screen, then up to her. “Tell you what, looks like we have a couple of seats in business class available. I’ll bump you up at no additional charge.” He leaned forward. “Because you rock.”
“Thank you.” Ellie felt delighted at his generous offer. She looked up at Tucker, who nodded, and she looked back at the attendant. “We appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome.” The young man gave them new tickets and gestured to the gate. “You’d better get going before they close the gate.”
Ellie gave him a smile and a little wave as she started for the gate. She and Tucker hurried, scanned their tickets, and headed down the gangway and onto the plane.
They found their seats, and Ellie was pleased no one else sat in their row.
Tucker settled in his seat, buckled his seatbelt, and stretched out his long legs. “Nice having the extra leg room.”
“And the seats are bigger and comfier.” Ellie settled in and secured her seatbelt. “I guess there are perks to fame, even when you’re not a big star.”
“You’re a rockstar in your field.” Tucker met her gaze and smiled. “Enjoy it.”
Ellie sighed. She still couldn’t believe that anyone would recognize her. She was just a voice actor, and the fame could be fleeting. However, if the right projects came along, she might also be recognized for those.
“I feel like we’re on an adventure together.” She put her hand over Tucker’s. “This has already been fun.”
“Yes.” He turned his hand over and linked his fingers with hers. “And here’s to many more adventures together.”
She smiled, the happiest she could ever remember being.
* * *
The plane landed at the San Diego International Airport in no time. Tucson and San Diego weren’t that far apart. They rented a car and then drove to the hotel near the convention center, where the huge event was being held.
The hotel was beautiful. Zephyr Game Labs booked and paid for her room, a great perk. Their room was on the twelfth floor, and Ellie used an app on her phone to open the door.
Ellie caught her breath when she took a step in. It wasn’t just a room, it was a gorgeous suite with a living area filled with ivory-colored furniture, two couches, and three armchairs.
“This is amazing.” She stepped completely in from the hallway onto the entryway's ceramic tile. A massive bouquet of brilliant exotic flowers, a basket filled with Godiva chocolates, and a bottle of champagne were on a mahogany table in the entryway.
Ellie walked onto the ceramic tile floor to the basket of champagne with chocolates and the bouquet. She felt Tucker’s presence as he moved behind her and closed the door.
She picked up an envelope with her name scrawled across it. The envelope was made of heavy ivory stationery, and she opened it. She pulled out a matching piece of paper and read it out loud.
“It says, ‘Enjoy the chocolates, flowers, and champagne as a special treat from Zephyr Game Labs. Myth Hunter wouldn’t be the same without your talent and contribution.” She looked up at Tucker, who was now standing beside her. “The company president signed it.”
“That’s a nice welcome,” Tucker said.
“This is all amazing.” Ellie kicked off her shoes and walked onto the deep, plush ivory carpeting. “This is the best carpet I’ve ever walked on.”
She turned to Tucker. “You have to take your shoes off and feel this.”
The corner of his mouth tipped up in an amused smile. “All right.” He toed off his athletic shoes and stepped onto the carpet. “I’d have to say you’re right.” He walked to the couches. “If I wanted carpeting in my house, it would have to be like this.”
Ellie plopped onto the couch. “Oh, this is so comfortable.”
Tucker joined her, his body against hers. He put his hand on her knee and squeezed. “If we didn’t have to leave soon to make it to the convention for your appearance, I’d say we should try out the bed.”
Ellie flashed a grin. “Who says we don’t have time?”
