Tarmac

Nina swiped her card at the kiosk and printed her ticket. She wheeled her carry-on past the line of economy passengers and entered the first class lounge. Jerry was already there. He was surrounded by empty glasses and was cursing like a sailor to random strangers. Jerry hated flying and was sure to let everyone know about it.

“Save any for me?” Nina put her hand on Jerry’s shoulder. His eyes were unfocused. She hoped she wouldn’t have to have him carried onto the plane.

Jerry waved at the bartender.

“Bourbon. Neat.” Nina could hold her liquor. Not to mention flying was old hat for her. She didn’t need the liquor like Jerry did. “Are you ready for this?” she asked him.

“Hell no. I’ll never be ready. I hate airplanes.” He muttered several choice words and took a swig of his drink.

“No, I mean the deal. You have all your ducks in a row?”

“Yeah, yeah. Everything’s set. Now you just have to swoop in and pretend like it’s your deal. Never mind that I did all the legwork.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll get your cut.” Nina smiled.

The bartender clunked a glass down in front of Nina.

“Hey, can I get a receipt for this?”

Jerry looked sideways at Nina. “Cheapskate.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “It’s a necessary business expense.”

“Crocker’s here.”

“What? Jon? He’s here? I thought he was flying out of Dulles.”

Jerry motioned toward the observation deck.

Nina left her near-full glass on the counter and walked out to the deck. The sun was low enough to pour through the expanse of windows. Nina instantly recognized Jon’s silhouette. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him. “What are you doing here?”

He turned at the sound of her voice. “Nina.” His eyes lit up.

“I thought you were in D.C.” She crossed her arms.

“It’s not much of a drive up here. I couldn’t let you fly cross country alone with that lousy oaf.”

“Jealous?”

“Oh, please. I thought merely to rescue you from his drunken stench.”

“I can handle him.” Nina pushed her nose into the air.

“Still, you could use the company once he passes out. It’s a long flight.”

“What makes you think I would like you as my company?”

Jon raised his eyebrows and took a step forward. “Come on. I could impart on you my infinite wisdom about the business world.”

Nina burst out a laugh.

“Ouch.”

“Sorry. I don’t think there’s one bit of information you could give me that I need.”

“Oh? And what makes you so special?”

“Boobs. They will close the deal for me. No need for your wisdom.”

“You’re awfully confident.”

“They brought you here to Baltimore, didn’t they?”

Jon smirked. He took another step closer. “And what is it that brought you out onto the deck? I’m sure it’s not the view of the tarmac. Why aren’t you nursing some bourbon back at the bar?”

“You remembered my drink.”

“Hard to forget a woman who can handle her liquor.” He took another step forward.

Nina turned and feigned disinterest in him. “I do like the view of the tarmac.”

Jon took her arm and pulled her close. “I like this view.”

Nina allowed his arms to envelop her. She smiled…

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This story is another based off of a writing prompt. This week's prompt was to fit five words into the story: receipt, observation, wisdom, kiosk, sailor.