It's an American flight on the way to Ireland, by way of Heathrow. One of those big 7-something-7's with the two seats, five seats, two seats pattern all across the steerage area. Actually, they're pretty comfortable, roomy seats. They'd have to be for a 10-12 hour trip, or people would go mad. And, as always, I've booked enough ahead to get into one of the two seat rows where I won't have to climb over 3 people just to sit down. I notice with pleasure that it's very empty and wonder how they can even afford to fly. The latest magenta alert has probably led people to cancel. Oh well, more room for me. I sigh happily and stretch in my cotton sundress. It's one of those 50's halter things that doesn't wrinkle much and always manages to look good. I've already kicked off my sandals and have my bare feet tucked up on the arm of the neighboring chair. Hey, maybe I'll even get to spread out into the seat next to me. But no. Someone is coming down the aisle. Fuck. I get my feet back on the floor and look up. Oh. It's you. The cute older guy from Political Science 101 who should be a major. The one who does the info tech stuff for the university (Hey, I told you in a vain attempt at recruiting, as a political scientist you might even make as much as some philosophers). One of the few A's. Oh well, then. That's not so bad. Really, that's not bad at all. You look as surprised as I was. We swap stories. They're sending you to some fancy weeklong conference in London as a bribe to keep you from going into private industry and making twice as much. I'm going to Ireland for a less fancy academic conference. We start talking politics and it turns out we're in total agreement -- something that we suspected from the class. I tell you to call me Emma. It's not like you're 18, for god's sake. We lower our voices when the lights are lowered and everyone who wants to remain awake plugs themselves into the movie, but we're far enough away from everyone not to bother them.
The drinks cart comes around. I usually never order alcohol on planes, especially because I'm a teaspoon drunk, but you talk me into it. In about half an hour I'm feeling just a little lit and very happy. And you're looking more and more attractive in the dim light. We've already pushed the chair arm that's between us up, and our seat belts are off. I'm happy to see that you're getting less respectful. I make a joke at your expense and you pretend to swat me, and then pause and push my hair out of my face.
"Your eyes are blue, right?" you ask, peering in the dim light.
"Gray," I say, moving closer. "They look blue or green when I wear blue and green, but they're really gray."
Our faces are only inches apart.