Page 81 of Hold On

Dominic spent the next minute switching betweendo itanddon’t do it.

When Ren held out his hand, he’d landed ondo it.

“Come fly with me?” Ren gave him a tentative smile.

Was that what had done it? That smile? It was everything because it was uncertain. Ren was feeling his way too.Just like me.Dominic’s libido had roared back like a lion. Despite the warning voice in his head, despite his determination to trust no one, despite knowing this wouldn’t last, he took Ren’s hand.

A few minutes later, Dominic was slightly amazed to find himself sitting in the passenger seat next to Ren. They both wore headsets, lap belts and shoulder harnesses, and had steering columns in front of them. Ren was chatting to someone over his mic. Dominic stared at the array of instruments, all the dials and switches and buttons and… How could everything be monitored at the same time?

“Put your phone on airplane mode,” Ren said.

“How do I do that?”

Ren showed him. “It’s in settings. You can take pictures though. Right, it’s off now. See?”

“Thanks.”

“Keep your hands and feet off the controls.”

“I haven’t touched anything.”

Ren smiled. “Not yet. There’s an exit either side. The way you came in. Fire extinguisher between the seats. Bottle of water in the net at your side. No bathroom. There’s a sickbag under your seat. Try not to deposit the fish and chips anywhere other than the bag, or I’ll have to pay extra. Plus, I’m not good when people throw up and you do need me to be in tiptop condition while I’m flying.”

“Glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“You will too. We’re not going to hit any turbulence. It’s a perfect day.”

“What do all the instruments do?” Dominic blurted.

Ren glanced at him and smiled as he pointed. “Ammeter, clock, directional gyro, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, transponder, cabin air control, passenger ejector seat—”

“What?” Dominic barked.

“Joking. You okay now?”

“Fine.”

Ren looked round then flicked a switch and the propellor began to turn. Dominic stared as the blades rotated.Too fast? Not fast enough? Just right?How could he tell?

Moments later, the plane was moving and a hopefully inaudible sigh of…panic? Distress? But definitely not glee …slipped from Dominic’s mouth.

Ren turned to him. “Still fine?”

“Dandy.”Who the fuck says Dandy?Someone who’s scared shitless and trying to keep his lunch in his stomach.

“Dandy?” Ren shot him a horrified glance. “I thought we were about the same age.”

“I searched for a word and found that one.” It was better than sayingI’m scared.

The plane turned and came to a stop and Dominic could see they were at the start of the runway. “Are you at the right end?”

“Oh fuck. No! We better take off fast… Yes, I’m at the right end. Last chance to bail out.”

Dominic shook his head. He stayed silent while Ren communicated with whoever was monitoring traffic. There was no control tower as he’d seen in films.

“Foot pedals turn the nose wheel and rudder,” Ren said. “I’m not touching the control column, see?”

“What’s it for then?”

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