Down in Flames
Page 22
“Thank you very much.” Savannah grinned like a Cheshire cat. It appears that thirteen and eight are my lucky numbers.
She returned to the reception area. Edward stood and splayed both hands palms up. “So? You look happy.”
“Yes, we can pick up my shiny new passport this afternoon. I’m hungry.”
“Of course you are. When there are issues, you can’t eat. As soon as the issues are resolved, you’re starving. I’ve sussed out the pattern.”
* * *
They arrived back in plenty of time. Margie nodded and waved to them. They only had to wait a few minutes until Savannah’s passport was ready. Then they drove to the Miami International Airport to turn in the rental and check in for the flight to Heathrow Airport. They received special treatment because Edward’s parents had upgraded their economy-class tickets to business class as soon as Edward told them they were coming to visit. Jan had used her insider contacts to make it happen.
“They must be anxious to make you welcome,” said Edward.
“What do you mean?”
“The two of them travel business class across the pond each and every time, but when they send me a ticket? It’s crunch class both ways,” said Edward.
Squeezing in a family visit before the cruise ship embarked was an opportunity Edward couldn’t resist. Savannah was looking forward to seeing Edward’s parents again.
The first special treat was the short line for business-class passengers at the check-in counter. The second treat was the pre-check TSA line through security, followed by the third treat, a pass to the airport lounge to await boarding time.
They enjoyed a local craft beer accompanied by small plates of finger food. Savannah pulled out the illustrated instruction manual she had received from Crystal Glass Works that detailed the procedures for glassblowing with the electric hot shop on board the cruise ship. She reviewed the handwritten notes she had made in the margins when she took the training class.
When their boarding time was called, Edward and Savannah walked into the business-class cabin and Savannah gaped at the size of her personal space. Their large, wide seats were in the center aisle so that they sat side by side yet each had unrestricted access to the aisle. She hefted her carry-on into the ample overhead compartment.
In her seat, the best available noise-canceling Bose headphones were sitting on top of a decent-sized pillow and a quilted duvet. A small amenity kit contained slip-on socks, a sleep mask, ear plugs, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, and breath mints.
As soon as Savannah had settled into her seat, a flight attendant offered her a glass of champagne. “Welcome aboard, Miss Webb. I hope you enjoy your flight.”
Savannah turned to Edward, who had also received his glass of champagne. They looked at each other and clicked glasses. Savannah toasted, “Good luck to us on the first of many international adventures. Cheers.”