Deceptions, Lies, and Butterflies

Melissa was fighting a war within herself. Part of her was chanting, “This is crazy. This is crazy. Thisiscrazythisiscrazythisiscrazy.” She knew it was irresponsible to even be at the airport much less standing in line to board the plane. Her deliberation with herself at home had caused her to run late; therefore she was unable to see what the purchaser of the plane ticket looked like. She had wanted to try to get at least a glimpse of him but he had already boarded the plane before the rest of the general passengers. Now she had no idea what he looked like. Did he have a kind face? Was there something there that would cause her to back out? What if his intentions were not honorable? What if she had the time of her life? What if …? By the time she would be able to answer those questions it would be too late; she’d already be on board.

“Ma’am? Your boarding pass?” The gate attendant stood there waiting for Melissa to give her the boarding pass. She could sense the restlessness of those in line behind her. Melissa mumbled her apologies and stepped out of line, making her way to a nearby chair. Sitting down she put her head in her hands and let out a deep sigh. What was she doing? She knew she couldn’t go through with it. She would slink back home, return Stacy’s ID and passport, and go on with her boring life. If she were lucky, Stacy would never find out. She didn’t know which was worse – Stacy finding out and getting angry with her for trying to go, or Stacy being mad at her for being too cowardly to go.

She looked up and watched as the rest of the passengers boarded. Some were obviously going on business; others were going for pleasure. Which category would Stacy fit in? Probably both. She took what she wanted from whomever and let the consequences fall where they may. Just once Melissa wished she had the guts to be more carefree with her life.

Melissa stood and decided to leave the airport. As she turned she ran right into a solid chest causing her to drop her boarding pass. She looked up to apologize and found herself staring at one of the most gorgeous men she had ever seen. His slow smile revealed deep dimples and there was a slight twinkle in his eye. She stood there, dumbfounded, as he retrieved the dropped pass and picked up her carry-on for her. His Southern drawl of, “Looks like we’re on the same flight” left her a bit weak in the knees. Lord but he was hot. Before she realized what was happening he had handed both of their boarding passes to the gate agent and was waiting for her to board the plane with him.

As she walked down the loading bridge she realized that this was her last chance to back out. She could still get her luggage from Mr. Stud Muffin and stay in LA. Just then Mr. Stud Muffin drawled, “You comin’, Sunshine?” She nodded mutely and followed him through the loading ramp to the waiting plane, wondering what on earth she was getting herself in to. She could feel her stomach tie in tighter and tighter knots as each step brought her closer to the plane’s cabin.