".....and be sure your seat backs and tray tables are in the upright and locked position. We will be landing in just a few minutes."
Tom looked out the window at the ground below them. He began identifying familiar buildings and locations to himself. He had been gone for some seven years, four in college and then three earning a living, a living which gave him wonderful travel opportunities. When he first started traveling offshore for his employer, he thought of keeping a log of all the countries he visited, but he soon abandoned that activity, deciding that the joy was in the travel and the places he went, not in keeping records.
Looking forward to the bulkhead that isolated the flight deck from the passenger compartment, he saw the flight attendant smile at him. The two of them had spent a while making small talk during the flight – that is when she wasn't occupied tending to her duties. Fortunately the first class cabin only had four rows of seats, so she did end up with a good deal of free time. Nancy – she had identified herself not a full minute into their conversation – pulled down the jump seat and buckled herself in for the landing. He noticed her glance about the cabin and then casually crossed her legs, reminding him of Sharon Stone in "Fatal Instinct." He realized her glance had been to ensure he was the only passenger focused on her. The leg cross was now followed by the smile and a wink. He smiled back at her, his only option of feedback.
The wheels touched down and Nancy reached for the intercom on the wall behind her, and then proceeded to make the obligatory announcement about staying buckled in until the plane was at the gate and the Captain turned off the seat belt sign. She then rose and with the other attendants, began performing their routine landing duties.
Tom decided to allow all the other passengers to deplane first so he could chat a few minutes with her without obstructing the door into the jet way. Before he left the aircraft he learned where she was staying before her next assignment two days hence. She was excited that the assignment would take her from Philadelphia International Airport to Rome, and then a few days later and another flight or two, back to her base in Chicago. Tom also let her know where he was booked so that they could try to get together. He promised to call her at her hotel in a few hours.
The Blue Shuttle dropped Tom at his hotel and he got checked in and hit the shower. The hot water felt good hitting his back and as he soaped up he thought again about the come-on approach of the flight attendant. He particularly recalled her brazen, but appreciated little move with the leg crossing as they were landing. He didn't quite get the same view as Sharon Stone had given, in fact he was quite sure that Nancy, unlike the actress, was wearing panties. There had to be some airline regulation about that he imagined. The result, at least the result now that he was recalling it, was a rising hardon as he enjoyed the shower. He slowly began stroking himself but only for a minute or so. He was far more interested in saving that for when he had company.
After drying off, he donned one of the hotel's terry cloth robes and sat on the bed. He started to reach for the telephone directory but instead wanted to test his memory. He dialed a number and heard it start to ring. After the third ring the receiver was picked up.
"Hello," a soft voice said.
"Priscilla?"
"Umm, yes. Who is this?"
Tom smiled, "A voice from your past. Don't you recognize me?"
There was a pause of several seconds and then the other party inquired, "Tom? Tom Harrigan? Is that you?"
"In the flesh," Tom laughed. "Well actually in a robe, but yes it's me. How have you been?"
"You stinker, years have gone by and not a word from you. Where are you?"
"I'm here, well that is, I'm in town, down in center city. Just flew in. I'll ask again – how have you been?"
Her voice became abrupt, "Never mind that. Where have you been? You left for college and never a word since them. You never even sent a freaking post card or even a Christmas card. Did you fall off the earth?"
Now Tom became apologetic. "I know. I'm guilty as charged, but then I never have been good at writing or keeping in touch. My folks almost disowned me for it. I never got back here after college, that is, except to box things up and have them shipped to me in Chicago. That's where I've been for the past few years. I started work there right after finishing school, and I never looked back. Anyway, it seems to me that we had something of a fall out just before I left. I wasn't even sure you ever wanted to hear from me again."
"You bastard. We always had fall outs, but we always kissed and made up. I think you're just a big prick for what you've done. Well at least a nice prick, as I recall."
Tom laughed at her memory. "Well it's nice to know I'm remembered for something. Tell me what's been happening in your life. Since this number still worked I'm guessing you are still at home and never got married."
"Right on one account, but wrong on the other, at least partially right on one. I am here at home, but it's back at home rather than still at home. I did get married, but it only lasted a year. Someone you don't know and he too was a prick, although I mean it now in the worst way. I divorced the son of a bitch. About six months later my mom and dad were killed ion a car accident, so I came back to the house to live." "Sorry to hear about your folks. They were nice people and they always treated me well."
"Yes, I miss them. Anyway, how long are you going to be in town?"
"Just two nights, then I have to get back to Chi town to get ready for a trip to Australia."
"Wonderful," he voice perked up. "Can we get together tonight?"
Tom didn't want to lie, but saw no way out of begging off for that evening. "Ouch. That's not gonna work. I have an important meeting with a client this evening." He began trying to convince himself that Nancy just could be a client!
"Shit," Priscilla replied, "and tomorrow won't work for me. I play Bridge with a group of girlfriends and tomorrow is Bridge night, not to mention that it's my turn to host."
"Hmm. I guess I should have tried to call you before I got to town; bad planning on my part."
"Wait a minute," she said, "If we can't get together for the evening, I'd at least like to see you if only for a quick visit. Plus I've told the girls about you a few times, so they almost feel they know you."
"Oh no, that could be dangerous. Just what have you told them?"
"Well just that you're a hunk and that you're my fish that got away. But they are all sweet and I know they'd love to see you. Couldn't you stop by for a short while?"
"Just as long as I am not skewered or examined under a microscope, sure I'd love to see you."
"Wonderful, plan to be here about half past seven. I guess you remember where I am."
"I could find it blindfolded. Great to hear your voice again, I look forward to tomorrow night. Ciao, Pris."