[ Note.. an introduction to a new idea, with an option to write more if it proves successful.. Maybe I should say its a"pilot" chapter.
Again my thanks to Pixie for her editing. All comments welcomed. ]
June was walking towards the entrance to the British Airways First Class lounge. She had her phone in hand and showed the hostess her boarding pass. Travelling was an occupational hazard in June's line of work, and she now insisted on travelling First Class for long distance flights, and Business if around Europe.
A week's shooting at the Rio de Janeiro festival for Vogue magazine was the latest assignment, just her and one other model. The pay of fifty thousand pounds a day made it a 'no brainer,' with and all travel expenses paid for, she couldn't refuse. The only question that remained in June's mind, was who was to be her co model. Her agent hadn't found anyone free until yesterday.
"Welcome back Miss Peters. Do make full use of the facilities and we will call you for your flight, which is unfortunately delayed by sixty minutes but should be boarding in about two hours."
It was now mid-day and if the flight left at 2. 30 pm with 11 hours 30 minutes flight time and 3-hour time difference she should be in Rio about 11.00 pm local time.
June sighed at the prospect of the long journey.
One of the downsides to flying was delays, and it happened all too often for June's liking. But considering where she was a few years ago, she just smiled and accepted the status quo.
"Thank you," she said, and walked to the corner of the lounge, putting her travel bag down and asking for a glass of white wine.
"Can I get you anything to eat Miss? Maybe a sandwich or salad perhaps?"
"No I'm fine at the moment thank you."
June always dressed casually when travelling, jeans, jumper, and flat shoes and
her hair tied back with a band. Although now recognised by many she hated fame, and would keep in the background so as not to be recognised. The paparazzi were everywhere at Heathrow looking for that one special shot to sell to the tabloids.
June picked up her phone again and pressed Pix's number on speed dial.
"Hi darling, we're delayed by an hour so it's going to be late into Rio. Maybe 2.00 am U.K. time. I'll phone you in the morning rather than wake you."
"Just send a text to say you've arrived safe. You know I worry when you travel long haul."
"Ok will do, and have a good week without me," she giggled. "Don't let Billy overspend the budget"
Pixie had a redecoration of Emily's to arrange with Billy, the rooms were getting a little tired and bar area needed an uplift.
"Speak to you tomorrow, love you more "
Just as she was hanging up there was a commotion at the entrance to the lounge...people gathered photographers and paparazzi shuffled each other.
Now what? June thought and looked on.
There she was, glamorous as ever, posing for photographs, smiling, and calling everyone darling. June knew this voice only too well.
Cara walked through into the lounge leaving everyone in her wake.
"Oh June I'm so pleased it's you - we're going to have such fun over the next week, darling." She gave her a huge hug and kiss on the cheek.
"How on earth did you manage to get on this trip Cara? I thought you were busy with Stella."
"Oh she got covid and the shoot was cancelled, which meant I was free and as you well know, any chance of working with the hottest girl in town is right up my street.
And just for the record, I know you love Pixie. How is she by the way? So I promise not to try and seduce you more than three times a day, you know I am crazy about you."
"Cara you are one of my best friends, if anyone else said that I'd have punched them on the nose"
They both laughed, and drank wine.
After about ninety minutes the call for their flight was announced, with apologies for the delay and a promise to try and make up time during the flight.
As they walked to the gate there were the odd pair of eyes staring, which amused Cara but annoyed June. There was such a difference between them. Whilst Cara was more open and took great delight in being noticed, smiling and waving at anyone who even gave her a second look, June would walk with her head down. She loved the work and money, but hated fame. She'd much rather be back with Pixie organising new decor for Emily's.
There were just eight First Class seats on the flight, and two of them were unoccupied: there was a businessman called George, who was going out to buy coffee; a couple in their thirties, Ruth and Simon, on their fifth wedding anniversary having saved up to fly First; June and Cara; and finally a rather gorgeous Brazilian lady, Eva, in her early forties who had been to London shopping and taking in the sights and shows, having divorced her husband 5 years ago and taking half his fortune with her. All six gathered in the first-class lounge area of the flight after take-off and introduced themselves.
Cara being the most forward seemed to be hogging the conversation, telling everyone how she and June had met and worked together many times in the past. But that didn't worry June, who just sat with a glass of champagne and listened.
As time passed, June had listened to everyone's life story, taking it all in, and again thinking back to four years ago, when she was soaking wet and sleeping under the shadows of a Leeds shopping centre back entrance.
The champagne was having an effect on everyone, and conversation got louder with more laughter.
Cara's efforts to still to tempt June into a kiss, was gaining strength minute by minute, as June's defences began to drop.
It was a long flight, and they all soon went back to their respective seats for a meal before sleep or watching a movie.
The hostess Susan was delightfully attentive to Eva, but paid special attention to both June and Cara, possibly because she had always wanted to be a top model, but the breaks never came, and so she ended up working for British Airways as one of their leading air hostesses.
Her colleague Henry spent most of his time looking after George, Ruth and Simon on the right side of the plane.
