Can Am Story

by Oliver Rill

  “Okay, maybe this will be easier if I tell you what we are looking for. I want a house on the canal, or by the sea. Not overlooked from outside, two or three bedrooms, and of course a pool.”

  It seemed that there were houses available on the canal, but none had a pool and whether they were overlooked or not, well, it was amazing what you could do with hedges and trees and a little bit of time. I’d have to have a look and see what I thought.

  It was just like all the other houses in Florida. Double garage, master bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe, a massive living room with open plan kitchen, two guest bedrooms with built in cupboards and a balcony protected by a fly screen. The garden was small, the neighbors right next to you and not an inkling of privacy.

  The other houses were similar, but not even by the water. What should have been an exciting round of possibilities, became a frustrating and tiring trudge.

  “Have you got anything that is anywhere near what I am looking for? Not overlooked, on the water?”

  Of course he had something. Right on the canal front, perched on the end of one of a finger-like projection into the water, behind it the golf club. However the dimensions were a little different. It had seven bedrooms and an annex. The grounds were enormous. In total it was worth two and a half million dollars. In a fit of pique, or frustration, or whatever, I wanted to see it, whether I had the money or not.

  From his description, I had imagined it to be functional and square, but the two story building swept over the neatly kept lawns in a graceful curve. Its bay windows and balconies catching the breeze from the water on two sides and totally private. Some of the guest rooms were more like small suites, others shared a bathroom with the adjoining room. There was an open fireplace, a graveled, sweeping driveway, a pool. There was even a landing with a boat. The house could have been occupied by Michael Jackson or Madonna, but the tool manufacturer who had inhabited it previously had found it too small for his needs. I couldn’t imagine anyone needing more room than this. It was as though I had walked into a dream, but one that excited my imagination and made me catch my breath. I was wide awake.

  I tried in vain to reach Ad for his opinion. So I rang Melvin, who would always give me the advice I needed.

  “What are you waiting for? Go for it! It’s just child’s play. Offer them 1.8 and put down a 30 percent deposit. You can organize the remainder with the bank. Anything else? Oh yes, if the bank drags its feet, you’ll have to buy or rent something else in the meantime so that you can change your residential status.”

  I felt dizzy. These were such unimaginable sums, but it was possible!

  The agent did, in fact, go down to 1.8 million. I called the bank from my car and agreed a loan and could sign the contract in the dealer’s office in Fort Myers that day!

  The agent was also smiling and I don’t think it was solely attributable to the thought of the commission he was getting. He thought it would take around two weeks, maybe longer because of the holidays.

  “I have to be in within a week – that’s a deal breaker. I have to be in this year and I am leaving on Friday.”

  We got the keys to the house and spent two really comfortable days there splashing in the pool, taking trips out in the boat in spite of not having a license, Matt grilled, Aristo chilled and I promised to come back so that we could take in Florida properly in all its glory. There was so much still to see: The Everglades, Orlando’s Entertainment Parks, Miami were just some of what was on offer. Above all, I would have to buy a whole new wardrobe for this house too, so that I wasn’t constantly packing and unpacking and subject to weight restrictions.

  So I only had $370,000 left of the original $970,000 that was in my bank. I may even have to tighten my belt for the rest of the year. I would have to carry the costs of the house in Fort Myers as the company wasn’t involved in that one. And of course I would need a car here. The Jaguar was actually not being used at the moment, it was just standing in the garage in L.A. But I had thought I would give that one to Aristo.

  There wasn’t time now to deal with the car or the clothes questions practically, nor organize a housekeeper as we had to dash back to L.A. A housekeeper was particularly important to monitor the security system and get a cleaner in. The house would be completely empty and although I would lock up properly, it seemed somehow less secure.

  It was nice to get back to L.A. I loved my little house nestled in the Hills of Hollywood. It was just the right size and seemed to be home. Matt liked Florida better. I think it was because of the beach, but Aristo agreed with me, of course.

  Meanwhile, Aristo’s new apartment was ready to move into. He wanted to furnish it himself but actually it was already furnished with the necessary items, from beds and tables, right down to hand towels and pictures all provided by JB Homes. He only had a 20 kg suitcase of belongings to park there, plus maybe the bits and bobs that he had bought while he was here.

  “Ok Aristo, you have to steel yourself to leave the Thunderbird behind.”

  “No! Don’t do that to me!”

  “You get the Jaguar from me instead.”

  “The Jag? Wow. That is a big car.”

  “Sorry, but the Thunderbird is my favorite. Or you can buy another one if you don’t like the Jag?”

  “Na, nada. I’ll take your Jag, Oli. It’s just as cool.”

  “Hey, ‘Risto?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I am going to miss you, when you don’t live here anymore.”

  “Oh come on, Oli, I’ll be back and forth often. I promise. Apart from anything else, Gavin’s food is just too delicious to miss out on. And it’s free!” He added as an afterthought. We all laughed and Aristo packed his bags in the car.

  “Keep hold of my key, you are always welcome, you know.” Unexpected tears blurred my vision as I watched my intimate friend drive away. He would only be ten minutes away, but fond memories clouded my mind. His immediate willingness to support me here when I reached out for him in England. The fun and silliness we had. The way he always somehow knew what to say to make me feel better and I came to the conclusion that he was a very courageous and caring guy.

  “Oli?”

  “What is it, my sexy assistant?”

  ”Someone has to take care of your house while you are in Berlin.”

  “Oh don’t worry, Gavin is going to pop in now and then and I’ve got a good security system.”

  “Okay. I had planned that conversation differently. Erm. I don’t want to live at Dad’s while you are away.”

  “Do you mean you want to move in properly and officially and not be a guest at mine anymore?”

  “I just don’t want to live in Pasadena with Dad.”

  “I’ve heard that there are other apartments going.”

  “Oh come on! For two weeks?”

  “And what are you going to do for the rest of the year, apart from these two weeks we are talking about right now?”

  “I’ll look after you. Train you. See to your diet.”

  “Did it occur to you that in the meantime you are actually living at mine?”

  “I just want to make sure that you aren’t eating potato chips all the time!”

  “Ha ha ha! Of course you do! Ok, Matt. No parties. In the week you go to bed at ten O’clock and you don’t open the door to any strangers!”

  “You aren’t my Dad!” Matt’s temper was beginning to get the better of him.

  “Matt, try to get used to the fact that we are a couple. It’s ok to live at my place.”

  “But I’m not gay! It’s just that I find you incredibly sexy. I can’t do anything about it. It’s your fault because you are always looking at me like that.”

  “Of course. I forgot. You aren’t gay.”

  “Oli! I’ve never got hard for another guy. With you … Sometimes I could just grab you and fuck you.”

  “It’s ok Matt. You don’t have to.”

  “Have you any idea how lonely it’s going to be without you both? First
Aristo goes and now you are just disappearing into the blue. I’m going to be lying beside the pool on my own.

  “Don’t you have any friends? I mean close friends?”

  ”Yeah, I’ve got a couple. I just haven’t seen them for a while and you know how it is, out of sight out of mind. I’ll go visit while you are away.”

  “Do you think I should get to know your friends?”

  “No! You are my sweet secret.”

  We three musketeers headed to the airport with Matt in the driving seat. Aristo was quite excited and bubbled over with how cool Berlin was and that the night clubs were like nowhere else on Earth. Matt was a little quiet and I could tell that he was feeling the separation already. As we got out at the terminal, I pressed Matt to me in a body hug and then looked firmly into his eyes.

  “We have a deal, don’t forget that.” He nodded, then turned to Aristo and told him to take good care of me and bring the boss back in one piece. They hugged and patted each other on the back. I wanted to take Matt with me, but I knew I had made the right decision. He should look after the business and he did want to celebrate Christmas with his Dad. I was missing him already as we walked through the airport to the departures gate.

  The security hoiked both Aristo and myself out into a side room, for a thorough check as we went through. I checked the clock every few minutes anxiously as it got nearer and nearer to takeoff time. Neither of us had any weapons or drugs. We both had a green card and European and American passports and we really didn’t look like the Taliban!

  We sat in the stark and cold room waiting for an inspector. The guys in security were not the chatty sort and attempts to lighten the situation received only stony stares. My stomach began to churn as I looked around me at the bright, shabby but functional surroundings. A large mirror was set into one of the walls and as I checked my pale reflection, I realized with a shock that it was a two way mirror.

  “Alan Lorenzi – You old fart! Let us out, we have to catch a plane!” Alan came in wreathed in smiles, his arms open. He was very pleased with himself and his prank.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll catch your plane. Hey, I just wanted to wish you Happy Christmas and I have a gift for you.”

  “Really?” My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

  “Listen up. Two regional air companies will cover the holidays then they are planning to fold straight after. I haven’t offered the slots to anyone yet.”

  “How many are there?”

  “Don’t be so greedy!” He chided, “I want you to buy them though. Sorry, but I’m feeling a bit sentimental about it. They really fought hard, but they’re just not going to make it. Give the guys something for them, a half million would work. They need every cent they can get, you understand?”

  “How many slots?”

  Alan’s self-satisfaction gleamed in his grin as he leaned back in his chair. “28 slots! Who is your favorite airport manager?”

  “Fuck, Alan! 28? Are they sure?” Alan grinned secretively, but didn’t answer. “Come on. Tell me who it is.”

  I cajoled to no avail. “Alan, you are a secretive sod! Can Matt call you to get the times?”

  “Yes, but he has to keep it zipped on the times. They are still using them themselves. You call both of them up and do the deals directly, ok?”

  “Yes of course. I’ll get Matt to sort that out for me. Thanks for that. I owe you a big one!”

  “When you fly to Hawaii, I’d love to spend a few days with my wife there.”

  “We don’t have Hawaii in the routes yet. Anyway, I am going to have to run. Our plane should be filling with passengers by now!”

  Alan had a car brought over to run us right up to the plane steps. I felt like royalty, or the president or something! I wasn’t sure where we were sitting in the plane, but the blue leather seating in American Airlines looked cold and uncomfortable.

  “Matt! Call Alan right now and ask him for the two telephone numbers. He’ll know which ones you mean. Then plan a route for Hawaii!”

  “From San Fransisco?”

  “No. From L.A.X”

  “We don’t have any more free slots.”

  “We do, but I can’t tell you about them right now. The plane is about to take off. Call Alan, ok?”

  Of course Chambers had left nothing to chance. The cabin personnel knew who we were and we were cared for like new-born babies.

  “Wow, they only employ top models at AA, eh?” Aristo declared, with glee.

  “Of course. Chambers has hidden all the bunny boilers. What do you think of the décor?”

  “I don’t know. The seats are cool.”

  “Don’t you think it’s strange that we’re sitting in, like, small containers?”

  “Yeah, but the guests in first class maybe want some privacy.”

  “I know that this is common practice across all airlines, but it feels like an open plan office to me, where everyone sits at their own desk surrounded by a half-height partition and you have to stand up to see the neighbor over the top of it.”

  “True.”

  Since Can Am was going to bring in a first class system. It was important to think about it and investigate how others approached it across the industry and what could be done better. The service on the plane was great. Any more and it would have been too much. I had to admit that American Airlines was in the same bracket as we would be in that regard. It would certainly be so concerning the menu choices. Colors and lighting we could do better, just as we would be able to create a more comfortable lounge-like feeling than they did. I already knew who I would give that job to, and prepared to do just that as soon as we landed.

  It was cold in Berlin as expected just before Christmas. I rang Matt at the luggage carousel, as we were waiting for our bags.

  “Oli, what have you done to Alan? Is something going on between you two? He was really nice to me! I’ve sent the new routes by mail already. By the way, it’s 3.30 in the morning here.”

  “Sorry Matt. I apologize. Did you speak to the two regional airlines?”

  “Yeah, one was really grateful for the call and took the 500 thousand. The other, well, we seem to have upset them. They told us to go to hell, they don’t need charity. Then he hung up! Can you believe that?”

  “Well you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. Forget it. Ok. Thanks Matt. We’ll talk later, ok?”

  “Oh and Oli, a package came for you. From Delta.”

  “If it’s ticking, don’t open it. I’ll look at it when I am back.”

  We took a taxi to the Marriot Hotel and unpack a few bits and pieces. My room was on the third floor and I had a small sitting area with sofa and table. The gray-beige, that was so fashionable in America, was also quite prominent here in the hotel. The bed was quite high, I could almost swing my legs when I sat on the edge of the bed.

  It was a little strange to be in my home town and stay in a hotel, but what else could I do? I had rented out my apartment and I was too old to sofa surf.

  I called my ex, Martin (aka MM) and Marie. In fact, I rang everyone I could think of to meet up in Heile Welt, my favorite gay bar in downtown Schöneberg in the evening. I also wanted to meet up with mum and the older generation, Martin’s parents and so on, and go for a meal the next evening.

  “I really have to call Debbie this evening. Can you remind me?” I asked Aristo as we met in the lobby. Aristo and I strolled through the Berlin Mall doing some late gift shopping. As the cash ran out, we went back for a short lay down and then met everyone in the bar.

  “Are you out there for good now?” Martin asked me. “What exactly do you do out there? Since you deleted Facebook, we never hear anything from you.”

  I had had to delete my Social media accounts, Rebecca had insisted. She didn’t see the need to share my personality so publically.

  “What exactly do you want to share, Oliver? Religion – no go area. Politics – no go area. Sports – likewise. What do you want to show people? How you work? How you w
allow in other people’s hard earned money that they’ve saved for a short two weeks in Cabo. A picture of the hamburger and fries that you had for lunch?” Of course, she was right. Each post could upset one group of people or another. It was like walking on eggshells.

  I told my friends, on Rebecca’s advice that I had been given a good position with a small airline. That way, I wasn’t telling fibs and I wouldn’t be stirring rabid jealousy into the pot.

  Daniel, my ‘Airlinesim’ computer game partner, who had built and run, as I had, fantastical companies within the ‘Airlinesim’ game, posed more direct questions that I was less able to evade. I had often thought of Daniel and wondered where I could put him in my real world airline, especially since Ads lawyer had said that it would be difficult to get more foreigners through the door.

  But now as he sat in front of me and I vaguely glossed over my work and what was happening across the pond, I suddenly knew exactly where I could use Daniel.

  I ran out onto the street, clutching my upper arms as the cold hit me. I tapped Debbie’s number.

  “It’s seven in the morning and I have three more working days. What, for God’s sake, other than to wish me Christmas felicitations, do you want?” Debbie’s familiar terms of endearment burst out of the phone to greet me.

  “Your favorite customer has just two questions.” I said in the vain hope that reminding her of my customer status would soften her attitude.

  “I’ve really run out of fucks to give! Oh go on then, since I am on the phone already. Well? What? You have two minutes.”

  “Oh! That hurts!”

  “You get longer because your English isn’t so good. Get on with it!”

  “Would you give me one or two suggestions about setting up a first class section? I want a lounge type of thing. A mile away from the call center type cabins that you normally get. But people shouldn’t feel that they’ve lost their privacy. If you dribble a bit when you sleep on a $10,000 flight, you don’t want all and sundry looking at you. You know what I mean?”