Page 31 of Terms of the Flight

“It’s not about proving anything. But he needs me just as much as I might need him. So he needs to act like it.”

I pulled my extra uniform from my bag and began getting dressed.

“Well, excuse me. I can’t knock you on that. I’m sure if he wasn’t for it, he would be running for the hills. But that contract is here for you to sign.”

I paused for a moment and glanced at the phone.

“When did it get there?” I asked.

“A few minutes ago. While I was practically in tears, someone showed up, and I signed for it. So he must still want to deal with your nonsense.”

I laughed. “Fake or not. Men love it over here.” Then I twerked a little with my tongue out, like she could see me.

“You get on my nerves so bad! But they do, friend. It’s hard being dope as fuck.”

“You ain’t never lied.”

We continued to talk while I packed up my things, then made my way down to the lobby. The moment I stepped outside, Dom was standing there just like Myheir said he would be. He met me halfway and took my bags as I slid into the backseat.

“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long out here. Myheir didn’t tell me what time you’d be here, only that you would be, whenever I was ready,” I said once he made it back into the car.

“It’s no problem, Ms. Mathers. I wasn’t out here too long. I had your flight schedule, so I kind of guessed when I needed to be here.”

I nodded and settled back into the seat. I’d almost forgotten that Da’ana was still on the phone until she spoke.

“Oh, that man got you a driver to take you to the airport. See, he’s an overachiever where fake boyfriends are concerned. Shit, better than some of the real ones. You know I’ve had a few of those.”

I laughed and shook my head.

“I can’t knock you when you’re right, friend. Well, girl, I’ll see you when I get back. You know, once I get on this plane, I need to slip back into work mode.”

“I do. I’m off today, so maybe we can do a girls’ day.”

“Oh, I would like that. Long as those parents of mine don’t request my presence. But you know you’re invited if they do,” I responded.

“If you thought I would miss it, you’re crazier than I thought.”

We burst into laughter, then ended the call. For the rest of the drive, I used that time to untwist my hair and fluff out my curls. Thirty minutes later, Dom pulled onto the strip. He helped with my bags and handed them to the staff, who I knew would put them on the plane.

“Thank you again, Dom. Don’t let that grumpy man give you too much of a hard time,” I told him before leaning in to give him a hug.

He smiled sheepishly down at me.

“You got it, Ms. Mathers. Have a safe flight.”

I smiled and turned to head for the plane. The pilots were already there, so I started preparing the cabin for takeoff. My phone buzzed as I pulled the requested meals from the fridge for this flight.

Mr. Big: Have a safe flight. I’ll let you know when I make it back.

I smiled and texted back.

Me: Thank you and good. Stay safe. My parents really want to meet you. So make it back safely.

The dots popped up, letting me know he was replying.

Mr. Big: Good, because after the call I got from my mom today, it looks like you’re going to be meeting the Blackwells faster than expected.

I sent a smiling emoji back and locked my phone. I needed to keep my mind clear, and thinking about meeting his parents or him meeting mine would not do that.