Page 27 of Tinley's Daddy
I didn’t like the way she said “this man.”
“You are leaving with him of your own free will and he is no way forcing or coercing you to leave with him?”
“Yes. I am choosing to leave with him.” I looked over at Josh. Was he as offended as I was? Where were these concerned people when I jumped between borders for the last two years? There were people around in uniforms like here, but never did they ask me questions. Inquire about my situation. I imagined sick men with four scantily clad girls sitting on the floor of a cargo van should have garnered some questions.
The woman held up her iPad and took my photo. She typed a few more things on the screen.
“Fine.” She tucked the iPad under her arm. “You are free to go.” She sucked her teeth, looked me up and down and turned curtly on her heels and left.
The group hightailed it back toward the terminal building. They didn’t look back once.
“Let’s get out of here.” Josh guided me toward the plane. I walked up the steps and peeked inside. Eight recliner-sized leather chairs sat in two rows facing each other with the middle aisle in between them. Near the back of the plane was a couch that faced two more sets of recliners.
“Pick any seat you want.”
I sat near the window on the rear side of the plane, facing backward. Josh sat in front of me.
“Seat belt.”
I reached down and attached the two sides.
“Mr. Burroughs.” The pilot stopped in our row. “I’m Captain Jasper. First Officer Branson and I will be flying you back to the States today. We are cleared for take-off.” He pointed to the back of the plane. “Ms. Davis will be your flight attendant. Let us know if there’s anything you need.”
They both went back to work.
“Sir, can I get you anything before we take off?” The flight attendant stepped down the aisle so she could face Josh. She was attractive, with long blond hair and dark eyes. Her uniform fit snugly, and her smile was too wide for her face.
“Tinley, would you like something?” Josh barely paid attention to her. I loved him for that. “Get anything you want.”
“Can I have some champagne, please?”
Josh’s eyes grew wide, and I stifled a giggle. “With some orange juice.”
Ms. Davis nodded and waited for Josh.
“I’m fine, thank you.”
Josh reached next to me and slipped open a panel. A small table slid out in front of me.
“She’s pretty.” I smoothed my hand over the table.
Josh shrugged.
“You don’t think so?” I nudged him with my foot. “I think she likes you.”
“Yeah, well, she works on tips. So… ” He grinned.
I grinned back despite myself. I yawned and sank further in my seat. Josh stood and grabbed a blanket wrapped over the couch to our left.
He spread it out over me and tucked it in around me, all while managing not to touch me. “There you go, sw—Tinley.”
“You can call me sweetheart.” I laughed. “I can see you die a little bit inside every time you try not to.”
“How about I call you sweet Tinley?” He nudged my knee with his and sat back down.
“I’m not sweet.” I frowned.
“Yes, you are.”
