and greeted the other FAs. The cockpit was empty. The captain and first officer were still doing their standard exterior visual safety check. Terry started the coffee and assisted the other crew members in the rear cabin.
Maggie sliced the lemons and limes for cocktails and made sure the warming ovens were turned on. She noted several extra meals and was glad there would be hot meals for the crew. A champagne brunch would be served to first class on white china with white cloth tray covers and napkins. She loved the elegant service, reminiscent of the earlier days of flying that she had heard about. Century was trying to bring deluxe service back on some of the longer flights. It was good PR, and the deluxe flights were popular and booked well in advance.
The captain and copilot came on board and began their routine preflight checklists. Maggie poured them each a cup of coffee in china mugs, one regular, one with cream.
“Morning, John, Allen.”
“Hey, Maggie, thanks,” said Captain John Wesley, as she handed them their coffee.
“Weather looks good for the trip. We’ll try to keep it smooth for you,” said Allen Delaney, the first officer, sitting to the right of the captain.
Maggie smiled. “Great, I will remind you that you said that!” She really liked them both. They were experienced, both former military pilots, and nice guys.
Boarding would begin in a few minutes, and she had nearly finished her preflight duties. Terry was working with her in first class, and Mary, Jackie, and Justin were working in business class. Terry walked up the aisle to join Maggie at the entrance of the plane. It was nearly time for boarding.
She said to Maggie, “How are you?” She thought Maggie wasn’t her usual self but wasn’t sure.
“Okay, I think. I hope I am not getting a bug,” answered Maggie.
Terry and Maggie had been friends and coworkers for many years. Terry Jamison was a senior flight attendant, as well, with just a few years less experience than Maggie. Terry was pretty, single, and knew the ropes. They felt a sisterly kinship, and Maggie enjoyed hearing about Terry’s single lifestyle. Terry knew Maggie’s family and loved her boys. They always bid the same flight and were glad to get to work together.
Terry gave Maggie a hug and said, “Let me know if you start to feel worse.”
She was a little concerned. Terry walked back to her position at mid-cabin.
Suddenly, Maggie felt nauseated, just for a moment, but then it passed. She hoped it was just the lack of breakfast, but she also felt dizzy. She tried to shake it off. She went to the galley and opened a small carton of orange juice, hoping that would help.
The gate agent, Steve, walked down the ramp to the open door where Maggie was waiting and said, “You ready, Maggie?” He noticed Maggie looked a little shaky and pale as she stood leaning against the bulkhead, drinking from the carton.
She said, “Sure, send them on.”
He stepped inside the doorway of the plane and asked with concern, “Are you sure?”
She brushed the feelings off best she could. “Yes, I’ll be fine, thanks. It must be the heat or something.” She touched her brow.
He said, “Okay, but if you want, I can call for a sub. It isn’t too late. You have a long day ahead, and it is a nearly full list.”
“Thanks, but I’ll get through. Maybe something I ate.” She smiled but inwardly had some doubts. She hoped it was nothing.
“All right, Maggie. We’re going to start boarding.”
Maggie said, “We’re ready,” throwing the carton into the trash, forcing herself into her best “meet and greet” position.
On more than one occasion, she had worked when sick. She could do it again, if necessary. Terry was great to work with and would step in if she got sick. Terry was standing near the business class entrance, ready to direct passengers to their seats and help stow carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments.
“Good morning,” said Maggie as the first two passengers came on board.
They smiled back and said, “Good morning.” It was business as usual, except for the queasiness that was becoming harder for Maggie to ignore.
.
9
Joey came out of the storage closet with trash bags, dustpan, and broom. He grabbed a pair of rubber gloves, out of habit, and put them on. He started along the back wall, eyeing the comings and goings of the crowd, on their way to work. He was often envious, thinking they had better