Chapter Four
CHAPTER FOUR
Allie took her luggage out of the car at the airport’s curb.
“Call me and let me know you got in safe,” Erin hugged her.
“I will,” Allie said, returning the hug. “I love you.” She felt a touch of loneliness at leaving her best friend.
“Love you, too,” Erin replied, fighting back the tears.
Towing her suitcase to the check-in desk, she passed her bag and asked for directions to the animal relief station. With the long flight, she needed to ensure Hemi got his potty break.
She waited in the TSA line, knowing they’d pat down her service animal before letting her through. When she reached the front, an agent waved her to the side, sending her first, then her dog.
The agent smiled as she searched Hemi.
“Ma’am, can you tell me if he’s a service dog and what does he do? I’ll need you to remove his vest.”
Allie removed it and they ran it through the scanner. “He’s an alert service dog.”
The agent directed her to gather her belongings before waving them on. She set her things on a bench as she replaced Hemi’s jacket, ensuring none of her meds fell out during the security check.
Allie glanced at her phone to check how much time she had before her flight, mentally calculating the distance between where she boarded and the animal relief area. Letting out a sigh of relief at the short distance and for Hemi, who only needed to wait three and a quarter hours between breaks, Allie walked toward the restaurant across from her gate.
She sat down and watched as Hemi settled beneath her table. Allie glanced at the menu, frowned at the prices, and ordered something light to tide her over until she landed. Pulling out a bowl, she requested a glass of water with no ice for her dog.
Her phone buzzed and she picked it up to see her flight written in red with the words ‘delayed due to mechanical issues.’ Allie groaned. She scrolled through the app, searching for another flight, hoping to find one leaving around the same time. She hated ordering a cab in the middle of the night.
The waiter placed the food in front of her. No longer caring about eating, she desperately sought a new flight. She palmed her forehead. Hemi whined and pawed at her leg. She reached into her bag, took out her pills, and placed one under her tongue. “Thanks, boy.” She patted his head, acknowledging the alert.
Wondering if the customer service desk might help her, she left the untouched food, placed cash on the table and gathered her things. Hemi rose and walked by her side. The service representative smiled as she approached.
“Hi. Do you know if any seats are available on the next flight to Sea-Tac? I’m on the delayed flight and need to make other arrangements.”
“Let me see what I can do. Can I see your boarding pass and ID?” the representative asked.
Handing her the items, she anxiously watched as Lori from the airline checked the next flight. “Oh, it appears we have a first-class seat available. Since it leaves in forty-five minutes, I can upgrade you, and you’ll have more room for your friend. Thank you for becoming a rewards member.”
“Thank you,” Allie exclaimed as she took her new ticket, placed it inside her bag, and walked Hemi to the relief area to arrive at the gate on time. She rushed down the hall to the gate on the opposite side. People lined up to board as she arrived and reached into her bag to retrieve her ticket.
She swiped it and walked down the jetway to her plane. Allie sat down and settled Hemi before her. The steward approached and smiled.
“Hello, ma’am. I’m Terry. You won’t be able to place your carry-on under you. I can place it in the overhead bin and if you need anything, I can retrieve it for you once we reach a safe altitude.”
“Thank you.” She handed over her bag, buckled her seatbelt and sat back. Her lips parted in an “O” as the man she recognized from last night’s play stood behind the attendant, waiting to take his seat beside her. He smiled as he placed his stuff in the above compartment and sat.
“What a coincidence,” he greeted her. “Did you enjoy the show?”
“Yes. We loved it. How about you and your daughter?”
He chuckled a deep throaty sound, which sent a shiver through her. “Lily’s my niece. She adores theatre. I won’t be surprised if she becomes an actress.”
Allie smiled and noticed his gaze drift to her jacket.
“You work for the Winters Foundation. What a small world,” he said as he buckled in. “I know a few people who live in Serenity.”
Her eyes widened at his admission and she laughed. “Wow. What a small world.”
“Do you know Samantha and Whiskey O’Neil?”
“Oh yes. Their son accompanies Whiskey when he visits us. He loves playing with the puppies. He’s a great distraction during training exercises.”
The man tilted his head and laughed out loud. “I’m shocked he has another interest besides helicopters.”
“He definitely loves those.” She giggled.
“I take it you work with the service dogs for the veterans.”
She glanced down at Hemi, who seemed to smile as she responded. “Yep. I’m one of the trainers. Do you work in Seattle?”
“No. I live here. Occasionally, I fly out for meetings with Samantha. Since she recently gave birth, it seemed a good time to make the trip.”
“You haven’t seen Ari yet? Oh gosh, she’s a beauty like her mother,” Allie gushed. “Whiskey shows her off at every opportunity. He’s such a proud papa.”
The flight attendant interrupted while she mimicked the safety instructions. Hemi lifted his head and she rubbed behind his ears.
“How do you like Serenity?” he asked as the plane took off.
“It’s a lovely little town. The people care about one another. Chase and Kassie Winters support the community. The teens from the hospital work for several shops and the residents appreciate the extra pair of hands.”
“Samantha hired a few of them to work in the shop. She seems pleased with the arrangement and plans to recruit a few more,” he informed her.
“They’re great workers. We enjoy them, too.” She hid a yawn with her hand.
“It appears you need a nap,” he teased.
“My best friend lost her spouse last year. We celebrated his birthday last night and stayed up late,” she explained.
“I’m sorry for your friend’s loss. My brother lost his wife when Lily turned two. I know how difficult it must be. We miss Amanda,” he said sadly.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said quietly. “I hope your business in our town concludes the way you want it.” She attempted to catch the flight attendant before he started to serve snacks.
“Thank you. I’m Bryan, by the way.” He extended his hand to her. She smiled.
“Allie.”
“Nice to meet you. Can I get something out of the overhead for you?” he asked.
“Yes, please. I need the black bag with the pink ribbon.”
Bryan rose and pulled out her item, handing it to her.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
Allie took out her travel blanket and neck pillow. Glancing at Hemi, she placed the cover over his lower half to ensure his comfort. She closed her eyes and let the scent of sandalwood from Bryan’s cologne lull her to sleep. His piercing green eyes and charming smile comforted her as she entered her dreams. After all, the closest she’d ever get to a man like him belonged in her fantasies. Reality already proved people like her didn’t get happily ever afters.