I looked at them. Tomorrow at 10:00 AM? I knew I was leaving soon. But, tomorrow? I picked up the phone and called Joe.
"Mike," said Joe. "You get the tickets?"
"Just now," I said. "About the flight..."
"Don't tell me you can't make it. I needed somebody yesterday. You still want the job?"
"Of course..."
"Then what's the problem?"
"I need a place stay. I have to pack."
"Don't worry about it," said Joe. "I had my receptionist book you a room. Didnāt you get the letter?"
"No," I said.
"Check the envelope. It should have been with the tickets."
I shook the envelope. There wasn't a letter. Just a small yellow post-it note. It had the name of the hotel I was booked in and the time of my interview.
"I found it."
"Good," he said. "See you in a few days."
He hung up.
Jane and I sat in the departure lounge at LAX, waiting for my flight.
I ordered a diet cola for me and a glass of wine for her.
The waitress brought us our drinks.
Jane took a sip of wine. "Is this okay with you?"
"It's fine."
I stared at her. I was at a lost for words.
What do you say to someone you care about when you may never see them again?Itās been fun? I know we had such a good time becoming emotionally attached to each other but why donāt we just throw it all out the window and start over with somebody new?
I didnāt want to leave her.
"Mike?" said Jane. "I know it's too good of an job opportunity for you and I know this sounds childish, but-"
"Come with me," I blurted. I didn't even think about it, it just came out.
She paused, thinking, until "I can't. I've got too much work to do on the Freeman account. I can't take the time off."
"Flight 1042 for New York is in its final boarding phase. All passengers please report to gate 23 at this time."
We finished our drinks in silence.
"I hope you get the job," said Jane. "I also want you to come back."
I held her in my arms. "I'll be back. Maybe the Freeman account will be finished and you could visit?"
She kissed me. "Call me when you get checked into your room."
"I will."
We kissed again and then I boarded the plane.
The plane took off on time.
I sat looking at the window and watched the city of Los Angeles slowly disappear. The plane in the clouds, and my mind in Jane's arms.
