by Helga Jensen
‘I love watching couples. You can always tell who’s headed for the divorce court, who’s not going to last… You two are definitely going to last. I bet you’ve been together a long time, haven’t you? I can tell because you like your steaks done the same way.’ Jess laughs and I laugh too. However, mine is a nervous laugh, because I’m mortified and don’t know how to tell her we are just friends. Fortunately, Jamie responds with a curt reply.
‘Oh, thanks, Jess,’ he says.
‘So, am I right? You’ve been together years, yeah?’ Does she have to probe further? I don’t know where to look. Jess is lovely, but I really wish she would go away and stop asking so many questions.
‘I think someone’s trying to get your attention,’ I say, pointing across to the open kitchen where a meal is waiting to be served.
‘Well, that was awkward,’ I say, as Jess leaves the table.
‘She does have a point though; we are good together. To best friends,’ says Jamie, as he clinks his glass with mine.
‘To best friends,’ I say, smiling at Jamie. I have really enjoyed his company during this wonderful break. Sian and Jamie were right, it was exactly what I needed.
‘As I said to Jess, this really has been perfect, Jamie. Thank you for arranging dinner, the air miles and everything else you’ve done this trip,’ I say.
‘Not at all, thank you for coming and for your amazing company. Ooh, which reminds me. You know I said I have something for you?’ says Jamie. ‘I wanted to give you this.’
I look down to see a small Tiffany bag.
‘What’s this?’
‘You’re always looking for gifts for the boys. I thought perhaps you hadn’t thought about something for yourself. I know how much you love this shop, plus I had some travel allowance left over… It’s just a token to remember our New York trip,’ Jamie says, quickly justifying his purchase.
I open the bag to find a little Tiffany blue box inside. Quickly throwing the bag aside I look into the box. Inside is the most stunning silver heart locket I have ever laid eyes on.
‘Oh Jamie, it’s so beautiful.’
‘I thought you could put a photo of the boys in there. Then they can be with you wherever you are, even if you’re away from them,’ Jamie explains.
‘Jamie, you are unbelievable.’ I smile.
I run to the other side of the table to give him a big hug.
‘What did I ever do to deserve such amazing friends?’ I say.
‘Well, you’re an amazing friend too, you know?’ he answers.
‘I don’t know that I am really. I’ve been so preoccupied with everything.’
‘Why do you always bring yourself down, Amelia? Whenever anyone compliments you, you always contradict them.’
I look down at the table, feeling as though I have been told off.
‘I don’t mean that horribly. I just mean that I don’t think you realise what a wonderful person you are. You’re such a lovely person. Dick was a fool. He was such an idiot to leave you,’ says Jamie.
‘Aw, thank you, Jamie. Well, Megan was a fool too… For leaving you. You’re the most special, amazingly wonderful friend anyone could ever have. You are kind and thoughtful and… You should be snapped up. Any woman would be very lucky to have you.’
‘Ha, if only.’ Jamie smiles.
‘Now look who won’t accept a compliment.’ I laugh.
We both sip at our coffees awkwardly. This all feels a bit strange, Jamie and I giving each other compliments. We usually tease each other as best friends do.
‘Well, we’d better head back. We have a long day tomorrow,’ I announce.
We make our way back to the hotel in silence as the sights whirr past the taxi. This is our final night in New York. It will soon be time to face all the washing and ironing that holidays create. I want to enjoy the last moment gazing at the skyline before heading back to the real world.
Chapter 34
The airport – time to leave
‘What do you mean there are no seats left in business class?’ I ask, not quite taking in what the check-in agent is trying to tell me.
‘I’m sorry, miss, but we’ve overbooked the flight. It’s a holiday weekend; it’s a busy time of year,’ she explains.
I am so excited at the prospect of seeing Rupert and Jasper again that no matter how many times she repeats the same thing, I can’t take it in. I am going to be on that flight no matter what. I don’t want to believe what I am hearing. Once I acknowledge that I am not on the flight then it means that I will have to accept the awful truth that I won’t be home anytime soon.
‘Can you not downgrade us to economy? We don’t need the upgrade. I don’t care where I sit. I’m happy to sit on the wing if I have to,’ I say desperately.
The lady looks at me unamused.
‘The whole flight is overbooked. We can arrange a hotel room for you near the airport. You’re definitely confirmed on our flight tomorrow morning,’ she reiterates.
‘You don’t understand,’ I plead. ‘I have two boys who want to see their mum. I HAVE to get on that flight. I have to be there for them when they get home.’
‘YOU don’t seem to understand, miss. There are absolutely no seats on the flight. We’ve been more than fair and given you a meal voucher as well as the hotel,’ she says, handing me the voucher. She looks over my shoulder and beckons a family with lots of children, and an even larger amount of luggage, to come forward.
‘It’s pointless arguing with her, Amelia. It seems like we’re not going anywhere today,’ says Jamie, dragging me away. ‘Let’s accept that we’re here for one more night and make the most of it.’
He is right, as usual, I suppose. I have tried to persuade her to let us on that flight for at least fifteen minutes and got absolutely nowhere. There is nothing left to do but explain my predicament to the boys.
The minute I hear Jasper’s voice on the phone I am overcome with emotion; all I want right now is to be home with them. However, Jasper is his usual sweet self and tells me that it is not my fault and for me to try not to worry. Meanwhile, Rupert shouts in the background that, as I will now be away for an extra day, they should both get one more present.
I decide that I should message Patrick in the hope that we can have some time together; at least that would make the situation a little more tolerable. It may also shed some light on his mysterious behaviour the other day. If I can only get to talk to him face to face, somewhere neutral and not in the bedroom.
Hi, guess what? My flight got delayed until tomorrow. Xxxx
He picks up immediately as he was already online. Perhaps he was about to message me.
Oh, honey, your boys will be sad not to see their mom when they get back home. XX
I think they’re dealing with it better than I am. I’ve spoken to them and explained, but I’m super upset. xxx
Oh, baby, Don’t be sad. What will you do now? Xx
Well, I was wondering if you were free? Xx
I have an hour before a meeting. You want me to meet you at the airport? I’m not far away. Xx
That would be great. You can meet Jamie before we head to our hotel. xx
Jamie will like Patrick when he meets him.
How lucky that he is not too far away. Maybe this is why my flight is meant to be overbooked. Fate is stepping in.
Cool. See you in 5. Xx
I explain to Jamie that Patrick is on his way over.
‘I’m looking forward to meeting this mysterious Patrick,’ he says. His tone hits me with a hint of sarcasm.
* * *
Yet again Patrick is punctual: four minutes and fifty-eight seconds after his message I spot him, dressed quite casually, hurrying through the airport terminal. Patrick gives me one of his beautiful hugs and kisses me passionately on the lips. I am immediately transported to that happy place once again. I finally let go of Patrick to notice Jamie scowling over my shoulder.
I realise that I forgot to introduce them. How ill-mannered
of me. I hurriedly get the introductions out of the way, but I notice that Jamie refuses to shake Patrick’s hand. Instead, he keeps his hands in his pockets and shrugs a hello at him. I hope Patrick doesn’t find him rude; I want them to get along if we are to have any future.
Nobody is speaking and the thought of them becoming friends doesn’t look promising right now.
‘Wanna grab a coffee?’ asks Patrick, breaking the silence.
‘Yes, we’d love to, wouldn’t we, Jamie?’ I answer on behalf of both of us.
‘No, you’re all right,’ answers Jamie miserably. ‘I’ll run ahead to the hotel and check out the room. Don’t be too long.’ He turns around, dragging his wheelie bag behind him.
‘I thought people in Wales were supposed to be friendly?’ Patrick says, laughing. ‘He’s a bag of fun, isn’t he?’
‘Oh, don’t worry about him,’ I say. ‘I’ve known him all my life, he’s wonderful. It’s just that his girlfriend left him and his dad died recently, maybe he’s a bit up and down at the moment.’
* * *
It is nice to see Patrick in a different environment. The last time we were together was in my hotel room, so it feels good to have a chance to meet him somewhere more neutral.
‘Amelia, it’s great to see you again,’ Patrick says over his lactose-free coffee. ‘What a surprise to enjoy some extra time with you. I’m going to miss you when you’re back in Britain.’
‘That’s nice to hear that you’ll miss me. I’ll miss you too, but you know… You promised I’d get to know you while I was here, meet your friends and things. Your home. Why didn’t you take me to your home?’ I ask, even though I don’t necessarily want to hear the answer.
‘I told you, baby. It’s been busy and I didn’t expect a business trip in the middle of you being here. My cleaner hasn’t been and… Gee, you know what single guys are like. Pants everywhere.’ He laughs.
Does that mean he throws his dirty underpants all over the floor? Or does he mean his trousers? Ew, no wonder he never married.
‘Did I see a flash then? Did someone take my photo? Huh?’ Patrick says.
Before I can make any sense of what he is saying, his phone vibrates along the table.
‘Oh jeez. I’m going to have to run. My boss is searching for me.’
As he gets up to leave, I spot the check-in agent looking towards me. She is probably wondering why I am in such a rush to get out of New York when I am sitting here with this handsome creature. Why can’t life be simple? Why do we have to live so far away from each other? I am genuinely going to miss him, but I am also confused. I want to love him, I really do, but, truthfully, I don’t know. His weird behaviour is stopping me.
‘So, baby, I’m not sure I can see you later as I made plans now, but I’ll try. I wasn’t expecting you to be here another day. But, anyhow, before I head off I want to tell you something,’ says Patrick, touching my hand.
‘What is it, Patrick?’ Maybe now is the moment I will learn exactly what is going on. However, before he can open his mouth the check-in agent approaches.
‘What now? You’d better not tell me that tomorrow’s flight is overbooked too.’
‘No. It’s good news. A flight to London Heathrow just opened up and has two spare seats. I am a mom too so I understand you want to get home. Where’s your friend? You need to check-in immediately if you want to be on it.’
‘Oh my word, you are so kind. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We’ll take them. I’ll get my friend back now,’ I say. ‘Can I give you a hug?’
‘Um, no, it’s against company policy,’ she says, looking at me a little shocked.
She turns on her heel, and I get my phone out to call Jamie. I only hope he can make it back it in time.
‘Sorry, what was it that you wanted to say, Patrick?’
‘Oh, just that I love you! Wow, so you got your flight.’
We give each other a hug and say goodbye. He blows kisses as he walks away, but I notice that he is heading to the arrival area and not out of the airport as he should if he were to leave and head back to work. He was quick to arrive too. I have a feeling he was already here, but why? Is he going on another business trip, perhaps? Why is he dressed so casually though? Once again, I am left with unanswered questions.
Chapter 35
On an aircraft – time to go home
Sitting in business class is very different to the economy flight on the way out. Instead of a tray table smacked into my face, I have a wide TV screen with countless channels. I have also swapped a plastic cup for a champagne glass and a bag of horrible cheesy pretzels for cashew nuts. This is a much better way to travel, although I do have to walk further to get to the toilets – that is the only downside.
Stretching my feet out onto my foot rest, I am so grateful to be on this flight and that Jamie shared his air miles with me. Hopefully, I don’t need to worry so much about getting some type of thrombosis in my cankles either. I still make sure I rotate them from time to time, though, because you never can be too sure.
I always look forward to the captain’s announcement when I get onboard any flight, as I love that calm, reassuring voice that they have, something which they must be born with I assume. So, as I hear the announcement begin, I sit upright and listen carefully as Captain Michelson starts to speak.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome onboard your flight to London Heathrow today. I’m afraid that I will be asking you to remain seated and keep your seat belts on for much of this flight as we are expecting some turbulence. We will try and avoid it as much as possible…’
‘Shit. I hate turbulence,’ Jamie says as he downs his glass of pre-flight champagne in two gigantic glugs.
‘How can turbulence be so bad when you’re in these humungous seats?’ I ask, plumping up my soft cushion behind my back.
All these years I have known him and I had no idea that he wasn’t a confident flyer, in spite of all the air miles he racks up. I admit that I was a bit apprehensive on the way out, but that was because I was travelling on my own for the first time in years. Also, I wasn’t sure what to expect with Patrick.
‘I had a bad flight from Cyprus once and the plane dropped quite a few feet, so I haven’t liked turbulence since then,’ explains Jamie. ‘I don’t mind flying, just not turbulence. I know it’s stupid. Ignore me.’
I smile sympathetically and tap his hand to reassure him. I pull out the Duty Free magazine and start flicking through to distract him.
‘Shall I get something for Sian?’ I ask.
Jamie doesn’t reply but looks around a little anxiously.
There was a nice Lego plane I saw on the flight out, so I think I will get the boys one each, since I didn’t manage to get the extra present that was requested by Rupert. I decide on a bottle of perfume for Sian and a make-up kit which has all the types of colours that she uses.
There is no sign of any turbulence as we take off, so I hope that Jamie is feeling a little more reassured now. However, he still declines the food that is offered to him.
‘Will you be having the beef Wellington, or the sea bass with couscous, madam?’ one of the crew asks me. So different to the limp vegetarian pasta I had on the way over.
‘Ooh, definitely the beef Wellington,’ I say, my mouth watering at the thought.
‘Any wine, or champagne with your meal?’ she continues.
‘I’ll have champagne, please.’ I might as well make the most of it.
‘You okay?’ I ask Jamie. ‘You want some of my bread?’
‘No, I’m not hungry,’ he says. ‘Can I get another beer?’ he asks the crew.
‘There’s a nice selection of desserts. Don’t you want some Camembert, or something? I’m going to have the chocolate tart,’ I say. I wonder if I can take photos of my food to put on Instagram, or would that be too uncouth of me?
‘No, I’m fine. I think I ate something, my stomach’s a bit dodgy,’ Jamie says. He does look like he wants to be
sick.
My next glass of champagne and Jamie’s beer arrive just as an announcement is made by the flight purser. The seat belt sign, which had momentarily gone off, pings back on at the same time.
‘As we will be passing through an area of turbulence, our cabin crew will be coming around to collect your trays. You will not be able to use the washrooms during this time.’
Jamie opens the window blind and nervously peers out.
‘I don’t like this,’ he says, looking at me as if I can save him from the forthcoming turbulence.
‘Oh, they always say that and then the turbulence is never as bad as you think. You watch.’
We sit calmly for five minutes as the crew hurry around the cabin, clearing trays and securing the passengers. The plane bumps around slightly.
‘You see, this is nothing. Anyway, if the turbulence was that bad the crew wouldn’t be allowed on their feet,’ I say reassuringly.
‘Yeah, you’re right,’ says Jamie. He seems to be calming down a little bit now.
The cabin crew finish clearing everything away when there is another announcement. This time it comes from the captain.
‘Cabin crew, please take your seats.’
Jamie looks at me, his eyes wide.
‘He’s doing that as a precaution. You know what people are like nowadays; the crew will sue if they sprain an ankle or something. He’s probably got to do that so that they can’t blame him,’ I say.
I look at the passengers around us. ‘Do you see anyone else worried?’
Ten minutes later almost every passenger is screaming. A lady to my left is crying, and a man behind us has started praying. Jamie is almost green and looks like he is about to vomit all over me.
‘We weren’t even supposed to be on this flight, Amelia,’ he says almost crying. ‘We were going to be on tomorrow’s flight, and now we’re all going to die.’