Can Am Story

by Oliver Rill

  “Roger that, Boss.”

  “Did you have a good flight?”

  “It was really pleasant. Yeah, I think it’s a good little airline.”

  “We aim to please.”

  The event turned out to be fun. We created a stage-like open-air arena in the middle of the LAX forecourt, where Alan and I held our speeches. We were drowned out a few times by the noise of the airplanes and had to stop and wait while it passed. Afterwards we took a bus to the terminal, where we symbolically cut a ribbon and showed the terminal in the Can Am brand.

  Contrary to my fears, there was not one single mention of the unfortunate stripper catastrophe. Matt had been right.

  “That went well, Oliver. Now mix a bit and make small talk. Ask how they liked it and if everything is ok. Don’t get into long discussions, just drift from person to person. Break up conversations that look like they are getting heavy with a compliment.”

  “So how did that go for you, Oliver? Do you often do these things?” Aaron asked. I sank gratefully back into the back seat of the Range Rover. My tension headache dissipating with the tension now that the whole thing was over.

  “I’ve never done it before, Aaron. Let’s go eat. My treat. Then drive me home. You can take the Range Rover with you when you go back to the hotel and we’ll see each other in the morning. You can pick me up to drive me to the office, then to the TV studio.”

  My next big milestone was the TV appearance. I had been running various scenarios through my mind and working out how to answer questions on themes that I just knew would be awkward and hide hidden embarrassments for either myself or the firm. In the end I only spoke twice. The panel were sat in a horseshoe set up, with the moderator in the middle and three candidates on each side. My discussion partners were from the IT section and politicians, those we would be confronting from the auto-motive industry, another politician and an oil baron. Each of them stretched out the allotted introduction time to strut their stuff until someone shot them down with a comment. Even so, I got the chance to say that as foreigner in USA thought the tax laws were important but may be due for a review, Can Am wanted to play its part in supporting the economy to ensure the American public had a decent standard of living, communities could maintain and develop modern schools and infrastructure. Of course, it would be easier not to have to pay tax, but in my view every business was obligated to pay its dues to society.

  With an embarrassed laugh, I was just able to get out that we were still looking for dedicated and engaged employees.

  I was so glad it was over. The makeup artist who removed the thick layer of pancake makeup and eyeliner from my face assured me that next time would be easier. I was just glad that we were breaking out for Fort Myers the next day. A heartfelt sigh burst its way through my chest as I realized that wild horses were not going to drag me back into a talk show studio, ever, ever again!

  We all flew together at lunchtime on Friday. Jason fetched us from the airport and drove us to the house. Aaron drove home from the airport and Jason showed me what he had been doing around the house. He had also planted a few bushes. I had no idea if he had stolen them or if he’d simply found them in the wild and appropriated them.

  “You know you don’t have to prove your worth each time I come here. It’s enough that the house is in one piece and functioning. It all looks good. Thank you.”

  “I found a cleaning firm. They’re going to work better than getting my sister in. They’ll have proper invoices and be more flexible too, I should think.“

  “You staying for something to eat?”

  “No, thanks, Oli. I have to grab some sleep. I’m working in the bar tonight.”

  ‘We have to talk.’

  The text came from Aaron at 6:30 the next morning. I leant up on one elbow in bed and text back that he should come over after he’s got some sleep, which he did. When he got to the house, I led him into the study. I loved the idea that I had a special place to carry out business. Aaron, his voice trembling with suppressed anger, said that he couldn’t stay in the job any longer and asked if I would need him on a regular basis.

  “I do need someone who could keep by my side, even when I travel to international destinations. When things kick off in L.A., I won’t be able to come back down to Florida for weeks at a time. You’d have to give up any hope of a private life. Think about your family, your friends here. You’d be living a bit like a gypsy, hanging around, waiting for Oli all the time.”

  “International?”

  My family and friends are in Berlin and Greece. And Can Am will be taking on international routes soon if all goes to plan. That’s why I’m not going to be spending much time in Florida.”

  “That would be a big step up. I’ve never been outside the USA.”

  “Think about it. Think about what it means to your lifestyle. Don’t make the decision in anger because someone got under your skin last night, or tried to punch your lights out, or something.”

  “Ha ha ha. You sound like that little guy out of Star Wars, ‘make a decision in anger’.”

  “I just don’t want to be looking for another driver in two weeks’ time and I don’t want you to start to resent the job. You have to know what the job entails.”

  “You’re one of the good guys, you know that? I wish everyone was as honest as you.”

  “Come on, let’s go back to the others. I could use a drink. How about you? Or do you have to get off?”

  “I’m finished. I never have to ‘get off’ again. I quit.”

  I looked at him in surprise. We walked out slowly to the others. Gavin had cooked a very enticing lobster and we lounged around chatting very socially and at ease. Even Gavin joined the group, once he had cleared and loaded the dishes into the dishwasher of course.

  “Oli, your great big air tank arrives next week. I’m looking forward to that. I wonder if Berlin will be busy. We haven’t had that many bookings yet.” Said Matt, who had opened his laptop and was checking the bookings.

  “Maybe the talk show will make a difference.” Daniel relished with schadenfreude.

  “That one where Oli was so chatty, you mean?” Matt entered into the fray.

  “Why don’t we go dancing?” Asked Aristo.

  “Because Oli had gone under cover. No more clubs, just boring events. I think he can come out again after the summer.” Matt answered.

  “Have you moved into Rebecca’s team?” I asked him.

  “I’ll give you Rebecca, my friend!” Matt gave me a light punch on the arm.

  “You just be careful! I’m responsible for his day to day safety now.” Aaron stepped between us, looking down at Matt with mock severity.

  “Oh are you? Is Aaron your driver now?” Matt turned to me. “I thought Melvin was going to take his time looking?”

  “No Matt, if Melvin wants a driver, he’ll have to start looking himself. I hire nay staff that I have to work closely with. I’m not leaving that to the guy with a thousand magic numbers.”

  Matt didn’t look that happy, but seemed to accept it on the surface.

  “Well, welcome to our Flight Club!”

  “And Aaron, you’re happy with that? No second thoughts?”

  “No, I’ve made my decision.” We raised our glasses to Aaron’s new job and Aristo smooched over.

  “Oli, can we have a word?”

  “Sure, what’s up?”

  “I want to go to Sifnos in May.”

  “And when do you think you’ll come back?”

  “September.”

  “Aristoteles, you can go for two weeks, but not more. I don’t have to explain why, do I?”

  “I know, but …”

  “Aristo, you have a pile of work coming up. And you’re good at your job, you’re learning so much too. I need you here. You can’t go now. You do understand that, don’t you? Are you homesick? Talk to me!”

  “I don’t know. The freedom, my family, the countryside, the peace and quiet …”

  “I miss it to
o, ‘Risto.”

  “Yeah, I know. Look. Can I take two weeks in May then?”

  “If you don’t come back, I’ll send Aaron over to get you. He’ll drag you back by your hair if necessary, get it?”

  “Ha ha. Yes I can believe he would. No I promise I’ll come back and I know I have a lot to do, but Daniel has to get up to speed with the training and the two weeks will fit nicely into that slot.”

  “Ok Aristo. Fly home for two weeks and say hello to everyone there for me. I would really love to join you!”

  The next morning, Matt and I jogged together before the heat of the day. We drove the car to the public beach and ran along the promenade, passing small stores and restaurants then further along past beach houses on stilts.

  “Tell me Oli. What made you buy that crappy car?”

  “What? The Town Car?”

  “Yes, that one. It’s really bad.”

  “What’s wrong with the Town Car? It’s a classic cruiser! It’s in good shape. The white looks good in Florida.”

  “Ok, you might think so, but it really isn’t cool. It’s a pensioner’s car!”

  “I’m nearly a pensioner, Matt. I am over 40.”

  “Ok, well you drive it then. Tell me something else. Aaron. Why did you hire him?”

  “Because he did me a real big favor. On that catastrophic evening with that stripper, he simply drove me home, put a bucket by my bed and checked in with me the next morning. All without me needing to ask or prompt. It really impressed me. I think that’s why I gave him the job.”

  “He put a bucket by the bed? You’re kidding! You took him into your bedroom!”

  “Let’s say he carried me in rather than I took him in. I was incapable of getting there myself.”

  “Oh yes! And did the pair of you have to fumble a bit?”

  “Matt. I told you. We don’t go with other people. What have you got against him? Why on earth are you turning into the green eyed monster now? I don’t even know if he’s gay!”

  “Well I would have thought that was evident. He works in a gay club! You met him in a gay club!”

  “Whoa! Matt. Can we stop for a drink over there? I am really puffing here.”

  “Beat you there!”

  We reached the diner and sat outside under the umbrella shade.

  “Ok, I’ll pay, but you fetch the drinks. I’ll take a water and an OJ.”

  “Good choice. Me too.”

  As Matt sat back down I explained that there were advantages for heterosexuals working in gay clubs.

  “And you really shouldn’t be jealous, Matt. You are easily a ten and I love being with you.”

  “We’re not together and I’m not gay. Don’t forget that!”

  “Oh yeah. Sorry. I had forgotten. Ever since I’ve been playing exclusively with your heterosexual tool!”

  “My what? You’re really something. You know that? You do like him though, don’t you?”

  “Just as much as I did at our first heterosexual meeting, yes. I don’t think he could ever become boring.”

  “Good!”

  I thought this would be a good time to do something with Matt alone. Just us two. He seemed to need that. He looked so confused and unhappy that I really felt sorry for him.

  “Do you fancy going to Orlando?”

  “How far away is that?”

  “I had a look. Three hours. If we leave now, we’ll be there at 12. Just you and me and three million tourists. What do you wanna see? Sea World, Epcot or Magic Kingdom?”

  “Let’s go to Magic Kingdom. I want’ to hear you scream on the Barnstormer!”

  “And we’ll take the Town Car, so that you can get used to it being part of the family!”

  “Whoa! No. Really? That is so embarrassing!”

  Matt and I drove off. Half way we swapped places with him taking the wheel. He exclaimed on the steering, saying it was loose and likened it to driving a jelly.

  “My new Lincoln in L.A. is so different. Much better than this old banger!”

  At Magic Kingdom we lined up for most of the rides. I wasn’t so enamored of rollercoasters, but Matt really enjoyed himself. I even found myself relishing the anticipated adrenaline rush. I would have loved to walk hand in hand with him through the theme park, or linked arms or kissed him now and then, but that would have been too much for my hetero boyfriend.

  Shortly after six, we drove home. As it was only nine when we got to Fort Myers, we thought it too early to go straight home, so we went for something to eat then to a beach bar and when we did arrive home we were ready to crash out into bed, contentedly exhausted.

  “Oli, that was a really lovely day. But I am too tired to give you a massage now. Can I do that tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, sure, I’ll let you off if you promise me a ‘happy end’ to it.”

  Matt pressed his hands together in supplication.

  “Very good sir, yes I make very good happy end? Yes sir. Have another wish? Make sir tee?” He said with a mock Thai accent.

  “No Tea, I just want to wrap myself around you and go to sleep. Come here.”

  We slept like spoons and I felt so warm and safe with him. I had missed that feeling. We did have sex, but that was all it was, other nights we were too stressed and tired out from the many demands of the business and just flopped down next to each other and slept. This felt real. It felt as though I was cared for and I didn’t want to be anywhere else in the whole wide world, but pressed against Matt’s sleeping body with his arms around my shoulders, his breath and mine in duet. In the morning I would look into his face and feel the wonder of it again. My friend, who insisted he wasn’t gay.

  The 747-8 was delivered and I drove out to meet it, hoiking Alan out of his office on my way through.

  “Come on, Alan! Let’s go look at it. I really can’t wait.”

  “Why didn’t you get a 380? Your lot made it! I would have thought your first choice would have been an airbus?”

  “Most of the parts are produced in France. I hate the French! You have no idea what a pain they can be! Boeing is better suited to Can Am. Come on! Come on.”

  A few pilots were already on board as was Daniel with a trainee crew. He led them through the plane explaining cause and effect and procedures as he went.

  It was awesome. There was so much more room and all three sections were comfortably and tastefully outfitted. I felt a rush of pride.

  “To Berlin, yeah?” Asked Alan.

  “That’s what I want to do, yes. We’ll see if it pans out.”

  “I’m sure that was purely a business decision, not a personal one at all, wasn’t it?” Alan’s eyes twinkled a little as he spoke.

  “How do you know that? Do you have spies on my team?” We retired to one of the diners in the airport for lunch and on the way back to the office I thought about whether it was possible to simply up and fly home tomorrow, maybe taking Daniel with me, or Matt or Aristo. There again, Aristo was going to Greece soon anyway, so it would probably be better not to take him.

  “I am bombed out with training here at the moment. Next time!” Daniel shook his head.

  “To Germany and your friends who only speak German and I wouldn’t be able to understand a word? Not me.” Matt shook his head.

  Aaron wouldn’t start work for two weeks and was at the moment in Fort Myers. There was nothing for it, but to go it alone.

  I wrote to all my friends that I would be returning to Berlin for two days. Unfortunately there would be no time to visit my favorite club which was only open on Sundays but I would be able to see Mom and Dad and squeeze a few of my friends in.

  It was strange landing in Berlin again. I had rented out my apartment, I didn’t want to bother Mom and sofa surfing just wasn’t my style, so I took a hotel room. The Marriot was my choice, not far from my friend Cesco.

  I was always torn between love and friendship with Cesco. He was a fantastically attractive guy. Too small for his own tastes, but that didn’t worry me, he was just a really
nice person. He told me for the thousandth time about the problems he was having with his boyfriend who was 20 years older than he was. The intervals between the breakups were getting shorter, but he always ended up running back into his arms. At first I was alarmed by this and offered help and support, but as time went on, I understood that the drama was part and parcel of the relationship and began to take it less seriously. I tried to listen patiently and wait for it to blow over. We had discussed it so many times, but Cesco seemed to be locked into the cycle.

  Now we sat on the high leather stools on the second floor of a two story cocktail bar on the Gendarmenmarkt, a fashionable district of Berlin. The leather sofas and dark paneled walls gave the bar a comfortable air, and upstairs we could talk and smoke.

  “I want to celebrate what we have done at some point. Then I’ll invite you and Superdandy.”

  “Ah but can you afford us?”

  “What you are going to charge your best friend?”

  “No, Oli, for you it’s on the house.”

  “I’d pay you double what you normally get, of course. I want to have this big party when Can Am is a year old. And I want to pull out all stops.”

  “Awesome! What sort of thing are you going for?”

  “A couple of big stars, good food, good music, good drinks, exclusive guests all in a really cool venue.”

  “Which stars?”

  “I am going to have to think about that. I’m not sure right now. You got any ideas?”

  “Of course. Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake and you’ve just got to get Adele!”

  “We’ll see. I’m going to feel my way into the planning when I get back.”

  “Oh I don’t’ know. It’s an awfully long flight.” Said mom. We met the next day in a restaurant on the Wannsee. The weather was fresh outside, but inside it was cozy. We sat by the window and looked at the lake and the surrounding woodland. Behind and around us sat two family groups of three generations, the children well behaved and the grandparents fitting in with the other guests, mostly silver haired pensioners who came to enjoy the view and flee their day to day existence. At least that is what I imagined. It was good to see mom again and be able to talk. I had spent the last few months under pressure of business, dealing with disagreements and fighting for Can Am’s expansion. Even if I had had some great weekends and evenings with Matt or my close friends, it was hard to leave the job behind as they were all involved in it. Here with mom, it was less about being a child again, and more being able to sit without worrying about how what I said was going to affect the business. I felt safe and relaxed.