Page 21 of Tesoro
They flew south to Plum Island, circling the beautiful coastline and enjoying the view of one of New England’s oldest airfields. Cesare coached Sabrina in radioing in as they made their approach.
Plum Island was small enough to have no control tower, but it would help to alert other pilots in the area.
“Plum Island Traffic, Helicopter N2367Y, 10 miles north, inbound for landing, Plum Island.” Sabrina repeated the phrase successfully after a few attempts.
“You’ve got it.” Cesare gave a nod of approval. He glanced at her beautiful lips in appreciation before checking their surroundings once again. “I think you’re ready to say it over the radio. What do you think?” He grinned.
“What buttons do I push again?” Sabrina asked, giving an excited wiggle in her seat.
Cesare laughed at the sight and handed her the radio. “Have you used a radio before?” He asked.
“Often, actually.” She remarked with a wry tone that told him there was a story here. “But never on a helicopter.”
“Well, it’s pretty basic; you just press here and here, and then you speak. When you’re finished, release the buttons.”
“I’m ready.” She bit her lip with a smile.
“Let’s see what you’ve got, then.” Cesare encouraged.
“Plum Island Traffic, Helicopter N2367Y, 10 miles north, inbound for landing, Plum Island.” Sabrina recited evenly, watching Cesare closely for any corrections. When he smiled wide, she released the buttons and let out a whoop. “I did it!” She exclaimed.
“Well done. Are you up to announcing our entry?” He praised.
“That sounds so formal.” Sabrina laughed lightly.
“It’s important.” Cesare answered seriously.
Sabrina smiled. “Walk me through what to say?”
“Of course.” Cesare answered, and proceeded to teach her the verbiage for the upcoming radio call.
They landed without incident in a side field off the landing strip, where several small planes were tied down. Cesare did a quick check of the systems and equipment as he temporarily powered everything down, and helped Sabrina unbuckle the flight harness before exiting the aircraft. “Wait there.” He instructed. “I’ll get your door.”
Sabrina waited, gracing him with a smile when he opened the door for her. “You look good in those shades.” She complimented Cesare, taking his hand as she stepped out.
“You look good in my helicopter.” He answered back with a heated gaze.
Sabrina grinned.
???
They ordered hamburger sliders from a bright yellow food truck parked on the side of the on-site aerodrome and ate in companionable silence at an old picnic table.
A mixed crowd of airport patrons and locals dropped in for some of the best street food Cesare had ever eaten. He’d have to bring Dante here.
“Thank you.” Sabrina eventually spoke into the comfortable silence. “This may be the most fun I’ve ever had on a date. I appreciate your taking the time to teach me something new.”
Cesare responded by leaning in slowly to tuck the ever wayward lock of hair behind her ear and out of her eyes. “It was my pleasure.” He nodded. “Truly.”
Sabrina leaned in so that her cheek rested in the palm of his hand, before turning ever so slightly to place a light kiss on the center of it. She then pulled back and sighed as she took in the view of the golden evening sun playing off the tips of the trees in the distance. “It’s so peaceful here. And beautiful.” She mused contentedly.
Cesare nodded in the silence, his eyes glued to the sight of Sabrina, reluctant to say anything that would ruin the perfection of the moment. He swallowed thickly. “It is beautiful.” He nodded.
He’d given her this experience, and watching her take so much pleasure from it made him feel like a king.
“Tell me about your family.” He asked a few peaceful minutes later.
Sabrina continued to stare straight ahead, her face pinching with the type of stony sorrow that, to his regret, Cesare knew all too well.
