bit of an exaggeration, but being crammed in those small spaces in the back of the plane wasn’t the least bit fun.
She put her bag away, then lifted the blanket, pillow, and small cosmetic bag that was on her seat. She set them on the small table next to her and then sat, sighing at how comfortable it was. There was a decent sized television in front of her. She wished she wasn’t so tired, because it would be heaven to relax in this amazing seat for the entire flight and watch movies while an attendant brought her drink after drink. It must be nice to live on the other side of the poverty line. She wouldn’t know, and with her passion for service work, she’d never find out.
But somehow she’d get someplace in life; she’d work her tail off and try to earn a bit more money. Having this small piece of paradise was making her more determined than ever before. She was just settling in when the flight attendant appeared and took her drink order. There were so many choices, but she’d go with her favorite for now. “I’ll have a cranberry and vodka,” she said. She should get a coffee and wake up, but as great as this was, sleep was necessary. She had a long layover when she reached San Francisco, and she’d rather sleep in the safety of this plane than in that busy terminal.
“I’ll be right back.” The woman disappeared and Daisy leaned back, closed her eyes, and listened to the quiet voices around her as they put bags away, chatted, and ordered their own drinks.
“Now this is the way to get home,” she whispered to herself.
“This is the second best,” a man’s voice said. She didn’t need to look up to recognize that voice. She’d only spoken to him for a brief time, but it was unforgettable.
She looked up and gazed into the eyes of the man she’d been sitting with in the lobby. Of course he’d be on her flight and in this cabin. How had she not thought of that?
He slid down into the seat beside hers, the only thing separating them a tiny half-wall that appeared to be removable. She suddenly felt alone, as if it were just the two of them in this tight little space she’d thought was large a few seconds earlier. She wasn’t thinking that way anymore.
Daisy gazed at him then lifted her glass, downing it in three swallows. He smirked as he began putting away his carry-on and computer. She didn’t know what to think about all of this. Had he arranged it? And if so, why?
“Would you care for a drink, Mr. Anderson?” the flight attendant asked. Anderson? She’d just been talking to her grandfather about the Andersons. But, she told herself, she’d recognize him if he was one of those Andersons. It was a common name, and nothing to fret about. The man obviously had money, but from his clothes, he didn’t have Seattle Anderson money.
“I’ll take a whiskey and Coke,” he said. His attention barely strayed from Daisy, confusing her even more.
“Can I get a refill?” Daisy piped up. She had a feeling she was going to need a dozen drinks before this flight ended.
It was ridiculous to be attracted to this man, and beyond that, pointless. It couldn’t lead anywhere, and as much as she tried to tell herself she was an independent woman who could do whatever she wanted, she didn’t have one-night stands. She envied those who could. She wished she could be reckless with zero guilt.
“I’m Hudson, by the way,” he said after a moment. Now, he was going to give her his name. She didn’t say anything, and he didn’t seem bothered by that. He got more comfortable before zeroing in on her again.
“Why the scowl?” he asked. “Don’t care for the accommodations?” His smirking question raised the hackles on her neck. He might belong in first class, but it was more than obvious she didn’t. That didn’t make him better than her, just wealthier. She’d bet she was nicer and that was better than money.
“My scowl doesn’t come close to comparing to that smug look on your face. You appear as if you own the world, and always get your way. It’s less than attractive,” she informed him in her haughtiest voice.
She expected a blistering comeback. That wasn’t what she got. Just as the flight attendant appeared with both of their drinks, he grinned, then let