Chapter 1-Tiffany
Have you ever had one of those days when Fate keeps molly-woping you upside the head?
Like everything that could go wrong does, and all you can do is get into the fetal position and take the beating.
Yeah, I'm having one of those days.
It started with my red-eye from San Diego International to William P. Hobby being delayed by five hours because a passenger thought he could sneak several baby boa constrictors aboard. I don't know how the fool passed the TSA, but the incident forced us to deplane and have maintenance do a heavy aircraft sweep.
Already running on 2 hours of sleep, I was beyond pissed, so much so that my inner Samuel L. Jackson was two seconds away from jumping on the intercom and expressing how I felt about those motherfucking snakes on the motherfucking plane.
The delay pushed my preplanned slot back, rescheduling me to co-pilot a flight from the one airport I avoid like the plague: Hartfield-Jackson.
"Come on, Tiffany...breathe. I can do this. Think about them. Be brave for them."
My father once said no one owes me anything in this life. My mother encouraged me to explore my passions. Uncle T reminds me daily how beautiful and courageous I am and that I shouldn't let anything stand in the way.
My parents and Uncle are the backbones of what made me into the accomplished woman I am today. I've proven myself time and time again how resilient I am through tragedy and adversity.
But I don't know if I can do this.
A thunderclap tremors the parking garage. I nervously grip the steering wheel, taking calming breaths. A downpour falls from the early morning sky, moist and stale air filling my barely used vehicle.
"I'm strong." I coach, taking measured breaths until the beating in my chest sets an even pace.
My nerves begin to ease until a thick lightning bolt strikes the clouds. I curse and close my eyes, blocking the horrific memories from my thoughts.
At least my Fate was gracious enough to let me leave my vehicle at this airport. The last time I drove this car, I had returned from my parents' funeral two years ago. I went from the gravesite to the airport, took the next flight out of Atlanta, and never looked back.
I have only been waiting for the next flight in Atlanta for two hours. I thought it was brave of me to return so soon. I thought I could face the storm outside and the one raging within me. But I was wrong.
At least I have the solitude of the parking garage to keep me grounded. This moment is to remind me that I'm here and okay. And that anything out of my control is just that. It's out of my control, and I can do nothing to change that.
A loud tapping sound interrupts my thoughts.
"Tiffy! Hi! Tiffy! It's me, Melody!"
I close my eyes, trying to ignore the overly talkative and annoying flight attendant, Melody Tyson. Because of her energetic personality, she is known around Easey Air as "Manic Melody." We've shared several flights and had one awkward conversation in the bathroom, which convinced her we were friends.
"Helloooo! Tiffy! Can you hear me?" Her insistent tapping made my eye twitch. I'm already on edge, exhausted, and extremely afraid of flying a 150-passenger plane in this weather. I can't deal with Manic Melody right now.
My inner Tyrese Gibson emerges.
What more do you want from me, Fate!?
I go still, hoping she might think I'm sleeping and leave me alone.
Please, just give me this moment of peace, Lord. I promise I'll visit them—not right now.
Peace suddenly surrounds me. I hear Melody's retreating steps. Even the heavy storm outside seems to have lessened to drops.
Thank you!
I smile, grateful for the quiet.
"Hey Tiffy, can you unlock the door? It's a little cold out here."
Opening one eye, I see the heffa on the passenger side, trying to open the door.
"Attention, Easey Air personnel. The weather advisory was lifted for the following flights..."
Listening to the PA system announce my slot and several other flights, a tiny part of me had hoped my flight would be canceled. But I know life doesn't work that way. I decided to switch gears and think more positively. I should be excited to see Uncle T in a few hours, not sulking in my car.
"I can do this." I encourage myself again, staring at my reflection, "Three hours from now, I will be in Chicago, getting drunk with Uncle T and sleeping for at least two days. Get your sexy butt out of this car and let nothing stand in your way!"
"Yass, girl!" Melody shouted outside.
With a deep sigh, I grab my belongings and exit the vehicle. With determined fast steps, I roll my suitcase toward the revolving doors of Easey Airline's state-of-the-art Employee sector.
"Hey Tiffy! Wait...darn, you move fast!" I can hear Melody's fast-approaching steps behind, trying to catch up.
I move faster.
Practically running past the doors, I slip on the biggest smile on my face. I may feel like shit on the inside, but nobody will ever know, especially at work. I have worked too hard to let anyone see me sweat.
Co-workers wearing various shades of green uniforms buzz about the massive multi-billion dollar airline. The area swarms with diligent worker bees happily completing tasks using the latest systems.
Easey Airlines' pristine reputation makes it one of the best workplaces. The founder, Paul Easey, believes that if you care for the employees, they'll take care of your business. He was right. Everyone takes pride in their jobs, and the generous benefits and bonuses make the strict, lengthy hiring process worth it, too.
"Buenos Dias, First Officer Andrews. You're a sight for sore eyes." Manny greets me as I approach his station after going through TSA clearance.
Manny Montez is head of Security at Easey Air-Atlanta Hub. His strength overcompensates his below-average height of five feet four inches. When I started working for Easey Airlines, we instantly hit off.
"Morning, Manny," I smile warmly.
"Good morning, Manny!" Melody exclaimed, startling both Manny and me. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "I was trying to tell Tiffy how shocked I was to see her in the parking lot, but she looked so sad—"
"Um, let me check my suitcase, and we'll chat at the cafe, Manny." I interrupted, whispering to my work father.
"Okay," Manny and Melody said in unison.
"I have to clock in. Do you guys mind waiting until I get back?" Melody asked.
Manny and I looked at each other.
"Um..sure, Melody," Manny answered, and I glared at him.
As soon as Manic Melody left, Manny and I high-tailed to the check-in counter to drop off my bag before grabbing breakfast and dashing to a secluded table in the cafe.
"Okay, Mija, cut the shit," Manny demands, making me nearly burn my lips.
"Manny, what—"
"We've worked together for five years, yeah? Don't you think I know when something is wrong with you?¡Dime!"
I shrug off his concern, determined to keep my feelings hidden." I'm fine, Manny."
My work father raises a challenging brow. "Don't lie to me."
"I'm telling the truth." I lie. "I'm better than fine... I'm taking a vacation."
Manny scoffs, "I'm sorry." He dramatically cups a hand around his ear. "Did you say the v-word?"
"Yes, I did, you drama queen. I'm co-piloting Flight 759 to O'Hare, and then ya girl ain't returnin' until....possibly November." I reveal, unwrapping the sandwich and keeping my promise to God to see my parents.
Manny squeals, drawing a few glances our way.
"Gracias a Diosfor answering prayers!" Manny exclaims with prayer hands. "I was worried you'd pass out from workaholism. You're in the air so much the clouds are getting jealous."
I chuckle between bites of food." Stop the dramatics. You work just as much as me."
Manny shrugs, "Si, but you know I enjoy my leisure time. Can you say the same?"
I roll my eyes, ignoring his question.
I love flying; aviation is part of my identity, and my travels have allowed me some time to sightsee. However, there are some drawbacks. I never realized how demanding being a commercial pilot can be. Dad made it all seem effortless. Working upwards of 19-hour days and traveling across time zones has led to months of sleepless nights. Whenever I do manage to sleep, I dream about what happened that night. I've tried to avoid sleep by using caffeine pills, but that only makes everything worse. The stress reinforces how much I need this vacation. What good are my accomplishments if I collapse from exhaustion?
"So what made you take the time? Besides me nagging you." Manny continues, taking a sip from his cup.
"I miss my uncle. Usually, we meet up in Cali, but he's in Chicago this year."
Manny nods," Well, I'm extremely happy for you. When you return, I expect several souvenirs and a lunch date with a photo slideshow."
"Me too!" Melody exclaimed as she suddenly appeared, squeezing herself into the seat beside me. "OMG, is that an egg-white, cheese, and sausage croissant? How did you know it was my favorite?" She grabbed my half-eaten sandwich and took a big bite.
Manny slowly pushes his uneaten sandwich toward me while I fight against the fire of a thousand suns to stop myself from unleashing everything on Melody.
Manny clears his throat to break up the tension.
"What?" I groan out, still glaring at Melody, finishing the rest of my coffee.
How is, um, Terry, these days?" Manny asked
Uncle T and Manny dated briefly but abruptly ended a few years ago. Terry and Manny refused to tell me why, and eventually, everyone moved on with their lives. I was disappointed it didn't work out. Terry and Manny made a beautiful couple. They are practically perfect for each other. Manny is nurturing and strong. He balances my uncle's high-strung personality and challenges him when it matters.
"Uncle T is good. He's wrapping up his eighth film tonight."
Melody gasps. "Wow, that's awesome!"
Manny nodded. "Yes, you must be so proud of him."
I smile, thinking about my uncle. "Yeah, I'm very proud of him. His production company has taken off, and he has been working nonstop."
"Now I understand where you get it from," Manny grins. "Terry has always been extremely talented and driven."
"Have you seen any of his movies?" I asked Manny.
Manny blushes deeply. "Oh, um...I-I"
"I don't believe I've seen one, but I'd love to," Melody interjects.
"I don't think you'd enjoy the type of movies Tiffany's uncle makes, Melody," Manny added.
Melody frowned. "Why not? I love movies. I can watch anything---"
"Because my uncle makes adult films, Melody." I interrupt. "More specifically of the homoerotic variety."
"Oh," Melody's mocha-brown face blushes. Well...I watch those, too," she whispers.
Manny and I burst out laughing.
"Wow. You learn something new every day. So, have you heard the latest gossip on Kent Easey?" Manny asks, changing the subject entirely.
"No, I haven't. What's tea?"
"The spoiled Easey Air prince has graced us with his presence. A few attendants caught Kent looking annoyed in the executive suite. It seems he's riding on a commercial airliner."
My eyes widen at the news." Isn't he the same asshole who said on the news that riding commercial flights was for commoners?"
"I believe the word he used was peasants, but yeah, that's him," Manny adds.
"Ugh, what an out-of-touch jackass. He can only fly private because his father is Paul Easey. Hell, I'd fly private too if my Dad owned a multi-billion dollar company, but I wouldn't shit on the people who made me wealthy." I spat, crossing my arms in disgust.
"Why is he here? Where is he going?" Melody asks, her tone quieter than usual.
Manny shook his head. "I have no idea. But I would guess it had something to do with that interview where Kent called us peasants. I heard Paul was pissed."
"Good, I hope his arrogant ass gets the worst seat on the plane. I feel bad for the flight crew that has to service his stuck-up ass."
Melody smirks mischievously. "Arrogance aside, I'd love to service his ass."
Manny chuckles.
I roll my eyes, grinning. "Stop the madness, Melody. Have you no shame? There's nothing attractive about that man."
"Aw, come on, Tiffy. Don't act like that."
"Yeah, mija, I've seen how you stare at him in those commercials. I thought you were going to jump through the screen and hump him." Manny smirks.
I fix the cap on my head as my face warms from exposure.
Yes, Kent Easey is heartbreakingly, frustratingly handsome. I may or may not have spent a sleepless, late night fantasizing about him. But there's a difference between fantasy and reality.
In my fantasies, Kent is silent as we join the mile-high club. However, in reality, anything he says makes me want to avoid him and his bigoted fuckery. So, until I have time to date again, I'll stick to my quiet fantasy version of Kent.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I wouldn't be caught dead with that man," I say, suddenly ready to face my fears rather than continue this conversation.
Manny grins, unconvinced. "I don't know who you're trying to convince, but it's not working for me."
The intercom chimes and alerts crew members to report to roster terminals.
"Well, that's my cue." I push Melody out of the seat, nearly knocking her to the ground as I prepare to leave.
"I'll text you, Manny. Melody, I'll see you when-"
"Wait, Tiffy, we're servicing the same flight! That's what I wanted to tell you earlier. Isn't that great news!? Maybe we can..."
The ringing in my ears drowns out what Manic Melody is saying. My eye twitches at the thought of working with her. Of all flights... why this one? Why me? WHY!?
"Um... I'll escort you two," Manny says, grabbing a small walkie-talkie attached to his uniform. He whispers commands into it while disposing of our garbage.
We enter the passenger sector covered with exposed brick walls and green foliage accents. A massive waterfall near the rest area provides relaxing white noise while people chat and eat in open-seated restaurants. It was different from the jade green 70′s shag rug that used to be Easey Airlines.
"Wow, I'm loving the new look. Were these renovations made while I was gone?" I ask, noting the happy expressions on everyone's faces, enjoying the new amenities.
"Si, this hub was the test run, and due to the positive feedback, they'll begin implementing these changes to the rest of the hubs nationwide."
I smile, impressed with the designs, when my phone buzzes in my purse. I grab it and read the message from Uncle T. He asks for the details of the care package I promise to send for the hundredth time. Little does he know that I'm the care package. I can't wait to see his face when I surprise him.
"Hey Tiffy. Um..."
I ignore Melody's words while replying to the text when I slam into a brick wall.
"Excuse me," the brick wall snaps. Its deep cadence vibrates down to the seat of my panties. Freshly laundered clothes and expensive sandalwood flood my senses.
Wait. Walls don't talk.
"Sorry, Mr. Easey." Manny quickly pulls me away to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with beautiful jade-green eyes. They're stunning, like watching two bright emeralds sparkle in the sunlight. Those eyes intently study my face down to my feet as a light blush touches the handsome man's face and neck.
Kent clears his throat, refastening the button on his fitted dark green suit jacket. He runs a big hand through perfectly coiffed dark-blond hair before glaring at me.
"I see that you are an employee of Easey Air. As you know, we pride ourselves on maintaining decorum, especially within our sectors. Please be more mindful of your surroundings. I would prefer you run into me rather than a passenger, but ensure it doesn't happen again." Kent regards me coldly as a woman hands him the briefcase that must have fallen during the collision.
I nodded with remorse before placing a dazzling smile in response. Although Kent's words were rude, he was right. I should have been paying attention.
"My sincerest apologies, Mr. Easey. You are right, sir-"
"Of course I'm right; no need to repeat it," Kent sneered. "Remember, when you wear that uniform, you represent Easey Airlines. Act professionally and be considerate—those customers are the reason you have a job."
I know how to choose my battles wisely. Kent's comments are not worth jeopardizing everything I have worked hard for. However, today is not my day. Whatever happens next will result from my growing stress.
I chuckle darkly.
"It's ironic you say that, Mr. Easey."
"Mija... don't," Manny murmurs behind me.
"Oh shit," Melody whispers.
Kent raises a curious brow. "How so?"
"Given that your face appears in advertisements from coast to coast, it's clear that you are the face of the Easey Air brand. Were you thinking about the passengers when you publicly referred to them as 'peasants' for using the service you represent?"
Manny, Melody, and the woman beside Kent gasp as the life-size Ken doll glares at me—a ghost of a smirk on his lips.
I get right up in his face on my tiptoes, even though he's a foot taller than me.
"I don't know about you, but that sounds unprofessional, Mr Easey. As you called them, those peasants help make you wealthy so you can buy the private planes you prefer."
Kent gazes back at me heatedly, not saying a word.
"Oh, and another thing. Since you want to give unwarranted advice freely, I guess I can do the same. Maybe you should take your damn advice and act like you represent Easey Airlines too."
The woman next to Kent coughs to suppress her laugh as he starts to speak, but Manny and Melody are already pulling me away from the scene.
"Uh, have a nice day, Mr. Easey," Melody says over her shoulder. As they drag me away, Kent and I are fixed on one another. We stare at each other until the woman beside him speaks, breaking our connection.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Mija!?Estas loca!"
I cringe, snapping out my trance.
"Shit, I dunno what came over me...Today was rough, and Kent was so smug and rude. I just...I don't know. I'm screwed."
"Thank God we don't wear name tags." Melody chuckles. "Mr. Easey looked like he wanted to explode. If I were you, I'd be terrified!" she adds, making me feel worse.
"Hurry up and get in the air, mija. Kent is probably calling my team now to kick your ass out. I'll see what I can do behind the scenes."
"Thanks. I'll see you in about two months...if I'm still employed," I say sullenly.
"Regardless, do you know the routine, Si? Call me as soon as you set foot in Chicago."
I nod at my work father, and Melody and I board the plane. I greet the flight staff, and Melody joins them, scurrying about preparing for passengers as a sense of peace consumes me.
I always felt comfortable being on an airplane. As a kid, I pretended to be a bird soaring above the clouds away from the world and its problems.
My confidence returns as the weather clears. I communicate with Air Traffic Control while checking the fuel quality and status reports. Everything looks clear for takeoff. Eventually, the Captain arrives, and we discuss this morning's flight plan. A stewardess informs us that they have begun boarding passengers. The Captain and I gear up and wait for the crew hand outside to give the signal.
Suddenly, we hear a loud commotion followed by bangs on the cabin door.
Alarmed, the Captain swiftly gets up and opens the door to find the life-size Ken doll there with a large stain on his shirt. When Kent turns his attention toward me, he doesn't look pleased.
Meya Kaye:
Thanks for reading!
I apologize in advance for any grammatical errors.
