Christina leaned her head against the airplane window, watching the country slip beneath her. The engines hummed quietly as she closed her eyes and fought back a creeping sleepiness. She had woken up at 5 that morning to make this flight. At the airport, she had smiled and hugged her parents as they congratulated her on her big interview. Her Mom had hugged her, asking for updates all the time. Her Dad had tried to pull his wife back, trying to ensure Christina could actually get to her flight. He didn't say much, but the way he looked at his daughter, it was clear he was proud. If only he knew.
Before long, the sprawl of Los Angeles appeared as the plane descended through the smog. And after a few more minutes, the plane was parked at the gate and Christina was in LA. Brian Price had told Christina there would be a driver waiting to pick her up at the airport. After she exited security, she kept her eyes peeled for someone holding a sign. Sure enough, she saw a livery driver with just such a sign that read: "Christina".
Upon approaching the driver, he burst into a smile. He seemed to know what she looked like.
"Christina!" He said, "welcome! My name is Ben. Please, let me get the bag for you."
He approached, taking her large roller suitcase. Flattered, but still a bit on guard, Christina asked: "Who sent you here?"
"Oh, Mr. Price, of course. He told me to expect you."
"Ah..yes...well, okay."
Ben took hold of her bag and led her to a nearby taxi stand, where a handsome car awaited. Ben placed her bag in the trunk before opening the rear passenger door for her. Soon they were on their way through the crowded freeways of Los Angeles. Christina watched the city and it's never ending development slip past and they entered a canyon, only to re-emerge in yet more sprawl. Pulling off the highway, the car pulled up to what looked like quite a fancy hotel. And there was a familiar fa waiting near the front doors.
******
Brian Price stood outside the DoubleTree in Canoga Park. He had heard from Ben that he had picked up Christina and was en route. After a short wait, the livery car pulled up outside the hotel. The rear door opened, and there was Christina.
"Christina!" Brian exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face, "so good to see you!"
Brian embraced her, sensing she held back for a bit, before giving in to his hug.
"Was the flight okay? No flying horror stories, I hope."
"Oh, no, it went fine" Christina giggled, raising her sunglasses and resting them on top of her head. She then popped out her regular glasses. In the switch-over