Jenny is busy in the rear galley and smiles as I enter.
“Hey, Becca. How are things at your end?”
I laugh happily.
“Couldn’t be better. It appears that my prayers have been answered in the form of some serious eye candy for the trip ahead.”
She looks intrigued.
“Ok. Spill everything.”
“Well, one of our passengers, who has just stripped to the waist in the galley, is staying at our hotel. He is luckily travelling alone and in need of some company. I have left Marcus to iron out all the details because as we know he won’t let him get away in a hurry.”
Jenny laughs. “I can’t wait to meet him. Do you fancy a cuppa? I think things have quietened down a bit.”
I nod and pull out the jump seat and sit down.
“So, tell me, how have things been since the funeral?”
She smiles sadly.
“Lonely. It was just me and mum for all of my life and now it’s just me. The house feels big and cold and I don’t know the first thing about doing anything. My Aunt and Uncle have been amazing but they won’t be around forever. I know I have to try to make a life for myself but it’s scaring me.”
Reaching out, I grab her hand.
“You’re not on your own. I’m in the same position as you, really. I know I still have my parents but they live so far away. It’s just me and Malcolm the potted plant and I agree, life is scary when you’re on your own. Maybe we could spend more time together. You could always stay at my flat if you like and we could be lonely together.”
Jenny’s eyes fill with tears, and she hugs me tightly.
“You’re a great friend, Becca.”
I swallow the lump in my throat.
“You too, Jenny.”
Pulling back, I roll my eyes.
“Look at us, what a pair. You do know we’re going to have an amazing trip though. I can just feel it deep down.”
She laughs.
“Yes, despite the drama with Jo and Pete, I think it will do us all good to get away.”
Caitlyn rushes in.
“The man in 30B wants a gin and tonic. I could so use one myself right now.”
I nod in agreement.
“Just make sure we grab as much as we can on landing. Who’s having the crew room this time?”
Caitlyn shrugs.
“Maybe Marcus, I’m not sure.”
Jenny laughs.
“Well, it sure as eggs won’t be you, Becca.”
I look at her in horror.
“You’re right there. I couldn’t think of anything worse. I’d be on edge the whole time.”
Caitlyn looks interested as Jenny grins.
“Our Becca is a serious OCD freak. She hates anything out of place and carries wet wipes in her handbag. The thought of one can out of place or a packet of unopened crisps on the floor would send her into a complete meltdown.”
I laugh at Caitlyn’s expression.
“It’s a good job I live alone. Jenny’s right, I hate anything out of place. It’s ok at work because it’s not my own space but at home - I’m a nightmare.”
After spending a pleasant tea break with the girls, I head off back to work and the Duty-Free service.
Once the service is over, I get another call from the flight deck.
“Becca, tell Jo no more Margaret’s. If one more comes through this door, I’m going to spin this bird in a loop the loop and make you sit with your seatbelts on for the rest of the flight. Oh, and a cup of untampered with tea would be nice with some crew biscuits.”
I laugh to myself. Somebody is decidedly feeling the strain and I feel sorry for him.
As soon as the coast is clear, I take him the tea and usher the latest Margaret out. I hear the door click behind me and know that he has locked it.
Jo hurries up with another Margaret in tow.
“You didn’t let him lock it? Oh great, now I’ll have to think of something else.”
She hurries off mumbling to herself, while I show the Margaret back to her seat.
Soon the passengers start to fall asleep and we get the chance to eat. This part always drags the most and we are at our most stupid thinking of ways to pass the time and keep the boredom away.
I brave a visit to Rachel and we sit in a couple of spare seats at the back of the cabin and chat about life in general.
Rachel is the only one of us who is married. Her husband, Lorenzo is Italian and works as a chef. They haven’t been married long but make a really sweet couple.
She stretches out and shakes off her shoes.
“It’s good to sit down and eat something at last.”
I nod in agreement.
“You’re right there. So, tell me, how is that gorgeous husband of yours?”
She smiles softly.
“He’s fine. Keeping busy with the restaurant and I’m busy here so sometimes we are like two ships that pass in the night.”
I detect an edge to her voice and wonder if there is something going on. I don’t ask though because she is a very private person and isn’t one to bare her soul. She will tell us if she wants to but I decide to keep an eye on her. Something is definitely off.
I tell her all about Luke and she looks excited.
“Wow, I can’t wait to meet him. You deserve some luck in your life, Becca. You’ve been alone too long.”
I look at her in amazement.
“What, you think he’s going to be interested in me? You wait until you see him, Rachel. He could have his pick of the bunch.”
She looks at me sternly.
“Then he would pick the best one with you. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re gorgeous and he would be very lucky to get you.”
I think about Luke. Maybe this is fate dealing me a favourable hand. Could it really be too good to be true?
I actually can’t wait to find out.