Page 38 of Game Changer

Chapter15

Zara

Ifind Glasgow airport quite busy this morning as I wheel my case across the concourse behind me. It’s not until I take note of the number of children around that I realise it’s the start of the half term holiday. This will be the mass exodus to the Mediterranean that takes place two or three times a year. When me and Joe were young, our parents would take us to Spain for the easter break and Greece or Cyprus in the summer.

I smile watching all the kids excited about their holiday as I remember us running rings around mum and dad. And then being so wound up on adrenaline and sugar that we crashed out as soon as we sat down on the plane.

Today my adrenaline is pumping for another reason entirely. I’m excited to see Buckie, but nervous because I’m not part of the glamorous world he inhabits. He knows how to act for the cameras, what to do and say and what not to. I’m worried I’ll mess up somehow.

I get to my check in desk, offload my case and head for the Sky Lounge to relax away an hour before my flight. I’m glad not a lot of parents like to foot the bill for the lounge, so the place is quite quiet.

I pick up a couple of pastries and a frothy latte and take a seat by the window looking out over the runway. Pulling out my phone, I send a text to Buckie.

Hey Buck. I’m checked in and the flight boards in an hour, so I’ll see you soon. Can’t wait. I’ve missed you. X

He sends a message right back and I smile at the little heart he starts it with.

? Can’t wait babe. I’ve left a key card at the front desk for you. I’m out this morning, but I’ll be back as soon as we’re done. Safe journey. Love you. xx

I reply with my own sentiment.

Love you too handsome. XX

I send a message to my staff WhatsApp group to let them know that I’m boarding my flight soon. I rarely go away anywhere and when I do, I’m always still available, but this time I want to be as offline as possible.

Hey guys. I’m about to board my flight. Unless the premises are on fire or you’re dying, I don’t want to hear from you. I’ll be back on Wednesday and I’m sure you’re all more than capable of holding the fort till then. See you soon. Z J

Switching the phone to airplane mode, I sit back to watch the planes take off and land. And try not to overthink how the next few days will go.

* * *

I’ve never minded taking a flight to London. It only takes a little over an hour and it seems as though you’re only airborne for moments when it’s time to land. My flight has been quieter than I would have expected given that it’s half term but I’m not complaining. I’ve had the whole row to myself. The screens at the front of the plane lets us know that we’ll be landing in fifteen minutes. I can already feel the plane drop in altitude as we near the airport.

I’m busy packing up my notebook and some paperwork I’ve been working on when a member of the cabin crew appears beside me.

“Good morning Miss Archer,” she says smiling. “May I take a seat?”

“Uh, of course.”

She takes the seat beside me and pulls the tray down, placing a small black bag on it. “I’ve come to give you this invitation.” She opens the bag and pulls out a black box emblazoned with a VIP monogram.

“Invitation?” I ask, the confusion in my voice evident.

“Mr Buchanan has organised a VIP service for your arrival at Heathrow. This is your invitation to take part in the experience.” She hands the box to me. “One of our VIP service associates will meet you at the gate and you’ll be taken to your suite. Your baggage will be picked up and brought to you at the VIP lounge. You can enjoy a champagne breakfast before one of our drivers will take you to your destination.”

I’m stunned. “Um, wow. Thank you.”

“You are very welcome. Thank you for flying with us. The captain will be turning on the seatbelt sign shortly, so I need to get back to my post. Enjoy your VIP treatment.”

“Thanks again.”

As soon as she’s gone, I open the black box and find an invitation inside. It’s heavier than a standard invitation and when I open it, I see why. There’s an embedded LCD screen inside and I press the little button in the corner. The video that plays lists all the things that will happen during my stay at the airport. The flight attendant’s explanation was nothing compared to seeing it in pictures. I’m excited. I’ve never had this kind of treatment before. What a lovely thing for Buckie to do for me.

The seatbelt signs come on and the pilot makes the descent towards the runway. Now I have butterflies in my belly. As we land, a small cheer comes from two kids at the rear of the plane. Everyone else laughs and joins in and before long there’s a full round of applause.

I stay in my seat until almost everyone else is off. I hate being pushed around as people scramble to be first off. It’s not as though this is an international flight. We don’t need to clear customs or anything.

When the coast is clear I put my messenger bag over my shoulder, grab my invitation and head out. The flight crew give me smiles and nod their heads as I disembark. I even get a tip of the hat from the pilot, and I thank him for the safe flight.

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