Chapter 3
Three
Bentley
I’ve left the state before. We played quite a few out-of-state games when I was at Hilltown. The only difference…we’re taking a plane instead of a bus. I have no idea what to expect. I’ve never been on one before, but I’m too stubborn to ask any of the guys for pointers.
Since we don’t travel as a team, which I thought we did, we’re on our own. My only saving grace has been Jordan. He offered to book my flight with his so I can travel with him. Normally, his wife, Vanessa, would go with him, but she has plans with her family.
Jordan has taken me under his wing, and I think his life goal is to keep me on the straight and narrow.
He says he’s seen too many young players get in the game, want the finer things in life and lose it all because of wrong choices.
I’m fine with that, as long as he knows I’m going to walk just outside the line.
Yes, I want the finer things in life. Who doesn’t?
I also want to have fun. I’m not married or tied down and should be able to do what I want for the most part. Well, as long as it’s legal.
My suitcase is open on my bed, and I have no idea what to pack.
How do people travel like this all the time?
It’s something I’ll have to get used to, but I’m at a loss for how it all works.
We leave in the morning and if I don’t get this done, I’ll be standing here until then.
Pulling out my phone, I google what to pack for a flight.
I click on the first site that pops up, and glance over the list. There are so many things not allowed in carryon luggage.
I don’t want to check my baggage and look like an idiot while figuring it out.
I could text Jordan and ask him what I need to do, but I don’t want to come off as a complete newb.
Even if that’s exactly what I am. A message flashes across my screen, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
Maybe this is a list of everything we need.
Just what I need, help without asking for it.
Jordan: I’ll be there to pick you up at 6 sharp.
Bentley: In the morning!?!
Jordan: Yes. We have to go through security and deal with our luggage.
Bentley: It can’t seriously take that long.
Jordan: Have you ever flown before?
Bentley: If I say no, will you make fun of me?
Jordan: Shut up. We’ve all had our first time on a plane. Some just happen to take place earlier than others.
Bentley: Ok, then no. And I don’t know what to pack in which bag. There are so many fucking rules.
Jordan: Here’s a list of the essentials. Be ready when I get there. And wear comfortable clothes.
What the hell? The list is detailed and even has small check boxes next to each item. I never realized how organized he is. His wife is probably the one that put it together. I’m not complaining, though. It’s a starting point and I need to get it done quickly so I can get some sleep tonight.
“Why are the seats so close together?” In the movies they always show them spread further apart. I mean, you at least had elbow room. I feel like a sardine in this tiny seat.
“Because, Bentley,” Jordan rolls his eyes at me as he puts his seatbelt on. “We’re sitting in coach.”
Wait, what? Coach? We’re basketball players for a professional team for crying out loud. We should be in first class. “Why aren’t we in first?”
“These young ones will never learn,” he mutters under his breath. “It’s not so bad, and it’s cheaper. One day you’ll appreciate my wisdom instead of worrying about pissing away your money.”
Little does he know, I’m fine with spending my money. I’ve never had much. Is it so wrong for me to enjoy the finer things in life? “If you say so, Grandpa.”
“I’m barely a decade older than you.” He shakes his head and holds out a stick of gum.
“I’m just trying to save you down the road.
I’ve seen too many players spend all their money on useless things.
One day you’ll find a girl to settle down with and start a family.
You’re going to want money to support them. ”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” There’s no way I’m settling down…
.ever. A few of the other guys on the team boarded this flight, too.
Us being in coach is a clear indicator of why they got to board before us.
I wish I had more world experience. Feeling like an idiot because I’ve never done these things is annoying. “Why did you give me gum?”
“It helps first time fliers with their ears. They may pop when we take off and land. Chewing gum helps decrease the pressure.”
The pilot’s voice is scratchy over the intercom. “Good morning, travelers. We’re about to take off. Please look to the front as the flight attendants lead you through the safety precautions.”
A few attendants walk down the small aisle and disappear behind a curtain.
They must be heading to first class. A blonde passes by me, and stands at the front of the cabin.
Another follows behind her and stops right in front of me.
She’s tall, and her long brown hair is pulled into a high ponytail.
The uniform she’s wearing is simple, but it hugs her body in all the right places.
She turns until she’s facing all of us and begins moving her arms as the speaker tells us where the masks are and how to put them on.
Not exactly promising for my first time on a plane, but my eyes stay focused on her.
“Thank you,” the pilot's voice comes over the speakers again. “Please fasten your seatbelts and remain seated. The attendants will be around to get your drink orders as soon as we’re in the air.”
The brunette woman walks to the back of the plane and the others follow her.
The plane shakes as we ascend into the air.
My fingers clench the armrests and I’m chewing the gum like it’s the last meal I’ll ever have.
I’m not cut out for this. I wonder if I can drive to the rest of our out-of-town games.
Or take a train. Anything is preferable to this.
Jordan reaches up and pats my shoulder. “It’s fine, Bentley. We’re almost leveled out and it’ll be smooth sailing from there.” I hope so because this is terrifying.
Note to self, never drink as much water as I have on this flight.
I have to piss, but I don’t want to leave my seat.
Jordan was right about the plane leveling out.
It doesn’t mean I want to get up and wander around the plane trying to figure out the bathroom situation.
Where does it all go when people flush? All I can imagine is it falling on some unsuspecting people.
My body trembles at the thought. I’m honestly shocked my mind went to such a disgusting place. Nerves will do that to anyone, though.
My legs bounce up and down, trying to keep the urge to go to the restroom at bay.
I’m sure I look ridiculous doing the equivalent of the potty dance while sitting down, but I really don’t want to get out of my seat.
I eye the back of the plane, determining how far away the bathroom is from my seat.
Son of a bitch, I’m not going to be able to hold it until we land.
“Which one of those bathrooms is for dudes?” I nudge Jordan with my elbow.
He laughs and tries to cover it with his hand as if it’s not obvious that he’s laughing at me and not with me. “Both of them. They aren’t gender specific.”
“I won't like fall in or anything will I?”
The bark of laughter is too loud to cover up this time and heads turn toward us. Oh, for fuck’s sake. Next time I’m researching all of this beforehand. “Never mind. I’ll figure it out.”
I undo my seatbelt and stand, keeping my head slightly bent so I don’t hit it on the overhead compartments.
These planes were not made for tall people.
I’m certain this isn’t a struggle my fellow teammates on this flight are dealing with since they are in first class.
Booking my own flight will be added to the list of things I need to learn how to do.
Jordan is not allowed to do these things for me if he’s going to be a smart ass.
I’m so focused on my frustration that I’m not paying attention to what, or rather who, is in front of me until I slam right into her.
The hot flight attendant from earlier. Unfortunately, she’s been helping the people on the other side of the aisle and someone else helped us.
The tray in her hand tips forward and my hand shoots out to steady it for her.
“I’m so sorry,” she says low enough that only I can hear.
“It’s all good,” I smile at her. “I wasn’t paying attention.” She’s even more beautiful up close, and I want to get to know her better. Even if it’s only for this plane ride. Though, she should be on other flights I take since she obviously works for the airline our team wants us to use.
“Sir,” she nods her head to the aisle. “Can you let me by? I have passengers to attend to.”
My cheeks flame, and I have no idea why I’m blushing.
I don’t have a problem talking to women, but this one stops me in my tracks.
“Yeah, sure. Sorry.” I turn to let her by, and the person behind me mutters “excuse you.” I shift my body until I’m back in the aisle and she’s walking away. “My name is Bentley, by the way.”
She doesn’t respond and shakes her head as she passes out drinks to the passengers.
Damn. I’m on my first flight and I lose my cool.
How does that even happen? Sighing, I turn back toward the bathrooms. I don’t miss Jordan’s snickers as I close the door behind me.
That’s it. I’m never traveling with that jackass again.