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He shakes his head. “No, I’m originally from Texas, but live in Denver now. What about you?”

“I grew up in California,” I reply, eager to keep the conversation going. “I love to travel and explore new places. I’m so excited for this trip!”

He arches an eyebrow. “I like to travel myself. That is probably the main reason why I became a pilot.”

I can feel my cheeks turning pink as I admit the truth. “Believe it or not, this is all for my father. He is thinking of investing in a resort, so I am here on research. I am not complaining, though! I’ve never flown private before. And looking at our itinerary, we get to stay in some amazing resorts.”

He chuckles, and I feel a sense of relief that he’s finally starting to warm up to me. “Well, you certainly lucked out,” he says. “This is a pretty sweet ride. This trip will not feel like a work trip.”

I hope this trip is more vacation than work. I can really use a vacation, to calm down from the hectic life. Being an influencer is not always easy. In fact it is almost never easy. I need to think twice about everything I say, so I don’t offend anybody. I also grew a thick skin, because comments can be brutal. I learned not to take everything personal.

I nod, beaming with pride. “I know, right? I can’t believe I’m here. This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime.”

At least I hope it will be. My dad is helping me to get my mind of the breakup with Mike. But my dad would not be my dad, if he would not follow his own interests first.

As I settle into my seat, I feel anticipation race through me. I have no idea where life will take me, but I know that I’m ready for anything.

Suddenly, a stunning flight attendant approaches me and introduces herself as Olivia. She’s tall, with long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes, and she’s wearing a crisp, tailored uniform that accentuates her curves perfectly. Her positive energy fills the airplane the moment she shows up. I can see that she loves her job and is happy to be here. Her presence helps me relax.

“Welcome aboard, Miss Amber,” she says with a warm smile. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

I order a gin and tonic, feeling a little nervous but trying to play it cool. Olivia glides over to the well-stocked bar, her heels clicking on the carpet. I stare at her as she pours my drink with practiced ease. I don’t think I have seen a woman so at peace with herself. Her yin and yang seem perfectly balanced. She has this perfect positive energy, that pulls you in. The corners of my mouth lift to a smile. I don’t know this woman, but she makes me feel welcome and comfortable.

“Would you like me to take some videos of you for your travel vlog?” she asks, nodding at my camera.

“Yes, please!” I reply eagerly, feeling a rush of exhilaration. I hand her my camera and pose for some shots, trying to look sophisticated and relaxed at the same time.

Olivia snaps away, capturing me in various poses against the luxurious backdrop of the private plane. I can’t wait to share these pictures and videos with my followers on Instagram. I love to meet people and connect with them, find things in common and share experiences. Getting likes and positive comments is a bonus of what I do. It also raises my self-esteem and makes me happy.

Suddenly, I feel a jolt and the drink spills out of my hand, splashing onto the floor. I gasp in horror, feeling like a clumsy fool. She rushes over to help me, but we both freeze as we hear a loud voice bellowing from the cockpit.

“Who the hell spilled their drink?!” the pilot, Jackson, growls.

I feel my face turning red with embarrassment as Olivia tries to smooth things over.

“I’m so sorry, sir,” she says, her voice dripping with honey. “It was just an accident. Let me clean it up right away.”

But Jackson isn’t having any of it. He emerges from the cockpit, scowling at us both, his face like a thundercloud.

“I don’t care if it was an accident,” he snarls. “This is a private plane, and you need to show some respect. Now, get out of my sight before I throw you both off this plane.”

I was ready for a sarcastic Jackson, even a reserved Jackson, but this—this loud, rude, overbearing man—was a complete shock to my system.

I feel a surge of anger and frustration as Olivia and I slink away, trying to avoid his wrath. How dare he talk to us like that! I can’t believe I spilled my drink and ruined my chance to enjoy this amazing experience.

As I nurse my wounded pride, Olivia returns with a fresh drink and a kind smile.

“Don’t worry about him,” she says, patting my hand. “He’s just a grumpy old man who thinks he’s better than everyone else. Let’s enjoy this flight and forget about him.”

I nod, feeling grateful for her soothing words.

She is right about a lot of things, but calling Jackson old was definitely a lie.

There is absolutely nothing old about his chiseled jaw and blue eyes that match the flight attendant.

He is gorgeous, with terrible manners, but gorgeous, nonetheless.

I cannot help, but wonder why he is in such a bad mood. Or if that is his personality. Clearly, he is having a stressful day.