Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Ashley
I leaned against the galley counter, stacking cups and wiping down the coffee maker, the steady drone of the engines filling the cabin as we flew back to Chicago from L.A.
We’d just finished that long haul to the coast, laid over in Portland thanks to a storm, and now it was the six-hour trek home.
Darryl was up front, still grumpy as ever, his mood hanging over the plane like a dark cloud.
After a month of flying with him, I’d decided I was done letting it slide.
He’d gone along with my stunt at the mall, even kissed me back, so I knew there was a crack in that tough shell.
Today, I was breaking it wide open. I grabbed a water bottle and a bag of pretzels, heading to the cockpit with a grin already plastered on my face.
“Hey, Captain,” I said, poking my head in and waving the water at him. “Brought you a peace offering. You look like you’re about to snap at the sky.”
“No thanks,” he said, not even glancing up from the gauges. “I’m good.”
“Nope,” I said, stepping in and setting the bottle and pretzels on the console. “You’re too grumpy. Take it. You’ll feel better.”
“I’m fine,” he said, his voice edged, finally looking at me with that familiar scowl. “Go pester someone else.”
“Not happening,” I said, crossing my arms and leaning against the doorframe. “You’ve been a grouch all day. Smile for me. It’s a pretty view out there.”
“It’s a job,” he said, flipping a switch with more force than needed. “Not a vacation.”
“Could be both,” I said, tilting my head. “Come on, Darryl. You’re no fun. Lighten up a little.”
He grunted, turning back to the controls, and Mike, the co-pilot, chuckled from his seat. “She’s got your number,” Mike said, nodding at me. “You’ve been sour since takeoff.”
“See?” I said, pointing at Mike. “Even he’s on my side. I’m not giving up until you crack.”
“Good luck,” Darryl said, adjusting his headset. “Keep the cabin quiet. That’s all I need.”
I stuck my tongue out at his back, earning another laugh from Mike, and sauntered back to the galley.
He was a brick wall, but I’d chip away at him.
The flight stretched out ahead, and I kept busy, pouring drinks, passing out snacks, and chatting with passengers about the weather in Chicago.
Every time I walked by the cockpit, I tossed him a big smile through the open door, and he’d just shake his head or ignore me.
I wasn’t buying it. He wasn’t yelling yet, so I was winning, inch by inch.
A couple of hours in, I brewed a fresh pot of coffee and brought him a cup, black and steaming, just how he took it. “Here,” I said, sliding it onto the console with a grin. “Can’t say no to this. It’s a rule.”
He glanced at it, then at me, his scowl softening for a second. “Thanks,” he said, grabbing the cup. “Now get back to your station.”
“See? That wasn’t so bad,” I said, spinning away before he could snap. “You’re welcome!”
He muttered something under his breath, but I caught Mike’s grin as I left.
I hummed to myself, restocking the cart, feeling pretty smug.
I’d gotten a “thanks” out of him, and that was gold.
I kept at it, popping in later with a bag of peanuts.
“Snack time,” I said, tossing it onto his lap. “Don’t starve up here.”
“Jesus, Ashley,” he said, catching the bag. “You’re relentless.”
“Yep,” I said, beaming. “Eat it. You’ll thank me later.”
He shook his head, but he tore the bag open, popping a peanut in his mouth. “Happy now?” he said, chewing.
“Getting there,” I said, winking as I walked off. Mike laughed again, and I heard Darryl grumble, “She’s a pain.” I took it as a compliment.
The flight dragged on, smooth and steady, no turbulence to shake things up.
I worked the aisles, helping a lady with her overhead bag, joking with a kid about the clouds outside.
Every chance I got, I threw Darryl a line.
“Nice flying, Captain!” I called once, and later, “You’re killing it up there!
” He’d grunt or roll his eyes, but I caught his mouth twitch once, almost a smile. It was working, slow but sure.
We started descending into Chicago, the city lights popping up through the window, and I did a final sweep, collecting cups and trash.
Darryl’s voice came over the intercom, flat as ever.
“Cabin crew, prepare for landing.” I buckled into my jump seat, grinning to myself.
I’d worn him down a bit, and it felt good.
We touched down easily, the wheels kissing the runway, and I helped get the passengers off, smiling and waving as they filed out, bags in tow.
Darryl came out of the cockpit, bag slung over his shoulder, still looking like he’d rather be anywhere else. I caught up to him in the jetway, nudging his arm. “Hey,” I said, grinning widely. “Made it back. You gonna smile now?”
“Not today,” he said, but his voice had a hint of tease in it. “You’re too damn happy.”
“Someone’s gotta be,” I said, matching his stride. “Admit it, I made your flight better.”
“Doubt it,” he said, but I saw that flicker of a grin before he turned away.
I laughed, adjusting my bag, and we walked through the terminal together, the bustle of the airport swirling around us.
I was ready to crash at Riva’s, maybe order a pizza, but as we hit the arrivals area, I stopped short.
A woman with Darryl’s dark hair was waiting by the exit, waving at him, and next to her was a girl, mid-twenties, dressed up in a skirt and heels, smiling like she’d won a prize.
“Darryl!” the woman called, hurrying over. “There you are!”
“Mom,” he said, his voice dropping low, almost a growl. “What are you doing here?”
“Surprise!” she said, pulling him into a quick hug. “I wanted to catch you after your flight. This is Emily, Janet’s daughter. I’ve been telling you about her.”
The girl, Emily, stepped up, offering a hand. “Hi, Darryl,” she said, her voice soft and sweet. “Your mom’s said so much about you.”
“Yeah,” he said, shaking her hand fast, his jaw tightening. “Hey.”
I stood there, my bag slipping a bit, watching this unfold. His mom was all smiles, totally missing the tension rolling off him. “I thought you two could grab dinner,” she said, clapping her hands. “Emily’s free tonight, and you just landed. It’s perfect!”
“No,” Darryl said, his tone hard. “I’m not doing this.”
“Darryl,” his mom said, frowning. “Don’t be rude. Emily came all the way out here.”
“I didn’t ask her to,” he said, stepping back. Then he turned, grabbed my arm, and yanked me close, his hand firm on my elbow. “I’ve already got a girlfriend,” he said, nodding at me. “This is Ashley.”
My eyes widened, but I caught his look, that same desperate glint from the mall, and I jumped in. “Hi,” I said, flashing a big grin as I pressed against him. “Nice to meet you.”
His mom blinked, her mouth dropping open. “Girlfriend? Darryl, you never mentioned this!”
“Yeah, well,” he said, sliding his arm around my waist, pulling me tight. “It’s new. We’re keeping it low-key.”
Emily’s smile wobbled, her hands fidgeting with her purse. “Oh,” she said, glancing at his mom. “I didn’t realize.”
“Neither did I,” his mom said, crossing her arms. “Ashley, huh? How’d this happen?”
“We work together,” I said, resting a hand on Darryl’s chest like it was nothing. Met on a flight. Things just fell into place.”
“Fell into place,” his mom said, eyeing me up and down. “Well, that’s a shock.”
“Yep,” Darryl said, holding me closer. “So, no dinner needed. We’re set.”
“Darryl,” his mom said, her voice sharp. “You could’ve told me. I wouldn’t have brought Emily out here.”
“You didn’t ask,” he said, shrugging. “I’m beat, Mom. Long day. We’re heading out.”
She huffed, looking between us, then at Emily. “Fine,” she said, throwing her hands up. “But we’re discussing this later.”
“Sure,” he said, already steering me toward the exit. “See you.”
“Bye,” I said, waving over my shoulder as we walked off. Emily looked confused, and his mom was muttering, but we were out the doors before I could hear it. The chilly Chicago air hit us, and I turned to him, laughing. “Okay,” I said, pulling my bag up. “What was that?”
“Payback,” he said, letting go but staying close. “She’s been at me about dating for weeks. Had to stop it.”
“So I’m your fake girlfriend now?” I said, grinning. “You’re racking up favors.”
“Yeah,” he said, a real smile breaking through, small but solid. “Thanks.”
“Anytime,” I said, walking with him to the lot. “You’re still grumpy, but I got you to smile. Mission accomplished.”
“Barely,” he said, unlocking his car. “You’re too pushy.”
“Gotta be,” I said, tossing my bag into my trunk. “Keeps you human.”
He shook his head, but that smile lingered, and I felt good. “Rest up,” he said, climbing in. “Next flight’s coming.”
“You too,” I said, shutting my door. “Tell your mom I’m awesome. Make it stick.”
“Will do,” he said, starting the engine. I watched him pull out, the day settling in. He was still a grump, but I’d won, and now I was his shield. Pretty good day, all things considered.