Page 5 of Billionaire's Fantasy
I can see the frustration written all over her face.
“I didn’t catch that Liv…”
“I said,” her British accent jumping out as she cut me off, “what on earth was that, Jackson? We are a team. You never yell at me in front of a client. That was rude and uncalled for.”
I’m feeling a bit on edge as I hear Olivia’s words. It’s not the first time she’s called me out for being grumpy, but this time it seems like I really crossed a line. I take a deep breath and try to keep my voice calm as I respond.
“I’m sorry, Liv. You’re right, I shouldn’t have yelled like that. It’s just been a long day and I’m feeling jittery. Then the thing with the drink, and the passengers who canceled. It’s all been a lot.”
Olivia nods sympathetically, but I can tell she’s still a bit wary of me. I can’t blame her. I know I can be a bit of a hothead sometimes.
“I get it,” she says. “But you went too far this time. You scared her and embarrassed me. That’s not okay.”
I wince at the thought of how I must have looked, raging at the top of my lungs in front of everyone. It’s not a good look for a pilot, and it certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in my abilities.
“You’re right,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise. Beers, maybe? I know you’d kill for a cold Corona right about now.”
Olivia gives me a small smile, clearly trying to put me at ease.
“It’s okay, Jackson,” she says. “I will take two of those, and just try to keep your cool from now on, okay? You promised her father you’d do this. So, let’s do it.”
I nod, feeling a bit embarrassed. I know I need to work on my temper.
As we head towards the private terminal, I can feel the tension in the air slowly dissipating. Olivia and I start to chat about our plans for the rest of the day, and I feel grateful for her easygoing nature. She’s always been a good friend to me, even when I’m not at my best.
“We can grab that beer. I think we have to stay here for the night before flying out.”
“I think that’s right.”
“So, what are your plans?” she asked me.
“Sleep, Liv. You know it’s always going to be sleeping.”
“No picking up strangers at the bar this time around?” she whispers challenging.
“Oh, shut up!”
She giggles in response.
“So, Amber’s off the plane?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
Olivia nods, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Yep, she’s waiting for the concierge. You know, I think she is actually a really fun person to be around.”
I roll my eyes knowing Olivia is just teasing me.
“You are not allowed to sleep with her,” I tell her.
She opens her mouth in mock surprise. “Shut up you grumpy old man.”
I playfully punched her arm. “I am not old. I may be grumpy, but I am not old.”
Olivia shakes her head, her long blonde hair swishing back and forth.
“Nah, you’re just a big softie at heart. I’ve seen the way you treat the passengers, especially the kids. You’re like a big teddy bear.”
I feel a flush creeping up my neck at her words. I always try to be friendly and approachable with the passengers, especially the little ones. It’s important to make them feel at ease during a flight, and I take that responsibility seriously.
But for some reason, I couldn’t help snapping at Amber. I don’t know what about her set me off so badly.
