Fly With Me - Softcover

Burns, Crystal

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1462053335 ISBN 13: 9781462053339

Publisher: iUniverse, 2011

Synopsis

Trixy Maclean is beautiful, twenty-one, and ready to take on the world. When she finishes her training to become a flight attendant, she begins her career in New York City, where she hopes to find excitement, adventure, and, hopefully, the love of her life. There, she joins her beloved cousin, Janice, but soon Trixy's new life begins to resemble a nightmare. She is torn from the frantic streets of New York and transported to the grand boulevards of Paris, France. Taken to Paris by a secret family tragedy, young, idealistic Trixy must grow up fast, because the terror has yet to end. With the help of charming aristocrat Phillipe de Bray, Trixy may find a way to heal fresh wounds on foreign soil. Still, she has trouble forgetting dashing New York pilot Ryan Smith. As Trixy finds out, it's impossible to know what life-and air travel-has in store for her. No matter the preparations or the intentions, flight plans and life plans change. Maybe there is still hope for Trixy in New York City. Maybe her family's terrible secrets can be washed clean. Maybe it's not too late for love.

About this title

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Fly with Me

By Crystal Burns

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Crystal Burns
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-5333-9

Chapter One

Trixy was just finishing her packing. This was it. Finally, her big day had arrived, and she was both nervous and overwhelmed with excitement. She had recently completed an intense training program to become a flight attendant, and now, at twenty-one years old, she had so much to look forward to—excitement, love, and adventure. She had the world to explore and experience to its fullest. The morning was magnificent, and there was life in Trixy's big green eyes.

Trixy closed her suitcases and took one last glance around the room to make sure she hadn't left anything behind. She collected her bags, walked to the door, put the key in, and locked it. Outside, she slid into the awaiting taxi.

Katie had just sat back to relax for her long drive to the airport when her cell phone rang, and with a sigh she answered it. God, it was six in the morning—who could be calling her?

"Hello?"

"Hi, Katie."

Katie smiled at the familiar voice. "Hello, Trixy." Both girls laughed. In that moment, they both knew everything was about to change.

Anyone would think Katie was a model. You had to be born with the looks she had. Wearing an off-white suit that enhanced her golden tan and her long, straight blond hair, she walked into the airport pulling two suitcases. She found a comfortable place to sit down and wait for Trixy.

As she glanced around the lounge, her thoughts drifted back to when she first met Trixy. It seemed so long ago now, but it had only been eight weeks since they had shared a room during their airline training. Katie remembered the first time she laid eyes on Trixy, during dinner at the hotel. Trixy had these deep, expressive green eyes, and Katie thought you could almost drown in their depth. With Trixy's dark hair and pale, porcelain skin, people couldn't help but stare at her.

Katie was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Trixy approach.

"Here I am, sweetheart. It's me, Trixy, and I have finally arrived! So what time does our flight leave? Are we on time? Is the weather okay for our takeoff? Are we delayed? Do you think I brought too many bags?"

It was obvious that Trixy was very nervous, but Katie got her attention.

"Trixy, slow down! You're making me dizzy."

"Oh, Katie, I'm sorry! I have something for you." She handed her a small, carefully wrapped parcel.

Katie took the red box and smiled as she opened it. Through a veil of happy tears she saw a small stone frog looking up at her. Katie remembered when the two women had seen it in a shop during their training, and she'd told Trixy it was hideous. Now, there it was.

"Pretty, is it not?" Trixy asked, smiling.

"Very," replied Katie. Both girls laughed.

"Katie! Katie!"

Katie heard the rapid footsteps approach her. Oh god, no. Not here, not now. She did not move or look up, but she knew it was Matt. The previous night they had talked and talked, and both agreed it was over. He couldn't handle the long-distance relationship.

Katie stood like a statue unable to move or respond to Matt calling her name. Thoughts suddenly going back in time of the first time they met. Their background somewhat the same, both easy –going individuals, thus friendship and later a relationship was airborne. Katie had not lived in this city before, but moved here for the job opportunities. She was brilliant and drop dead beautiful, something that she was totally oblivious of. Katie laughed all the time and found life worthwhile living.

Katie, had now made this her new home. Moving into her new career, working for a large advertising firm which consisted of countless hours, Katie was never hostile or unfriendly which enabled her to move forward quickly. Her unwavering pursuit for perfection made her a key player. "Yes, the first few months were indeed all work, but soon realizing she must make friends and have some kind of outside social network. Work was great, but she did realize that she was lonely. Katie would go for long walks , and often entered the park. Everything was so green and magical, just to hear a bird's twitter non-stop, children laughing was relaxing at its best. The days moved into weeks as she continued working and wished for a change. She would sit in the park and think how much tranquility this gave her. One is certainly unruffled in these surroundings. A sudden scream jolted her from her calmness she was feeling moments ago. Looking around to see what may have caused this abrupt noise, she focused her full attention in the direction of the swings , and jumping horses. A small boy of about three years old had fallen from the jumping horse. He was dreadfully upset. An adult male tried to console the child, thinking this must be the parent. Moments later the child had become uncontrollable, soon to become hysterical. Katie immediately walked over to enquire if she could help in any way. As she approached the child and parent, the young boy looking up at Katie with swollen eyes and a flood of tears still flowing down his tiny cheeks, unexpectedly stops crying. Katie leaning over spoke ever so softly to the child. Did you hurt your head when you had that big tumble.? You see I was sitting over there on the bench, and saw you fall. The small boy replied slowly." Yes, it hurts here." He was still sobbing quietly as Katie touched his tiny head. Now does that feel better? I don't now but it still hurts. This must have frightened you very much, and now everything hurts. He promptly stopped whimpering, and looked directly in Katie's eyes, saying you are a very pretty lady. As it was in Katie's nature laughter came easy. Moving her head from side to side burst into laughter, thinking things are about to change. So I see you seem to be feeling a little bit better as she looked in the direction of the man that was observing them both. I am so sorry to have rushed in like that, please forgive my ill-mannered behavior." I am Katie.' Well, please allow me to introduce you to my nephew Jack, and I am Matt. "You're very kind, Katie." She looked at Matt and did not know what to say, a rare moment for her indeed. The little boy interrupted the silence by asking if he could go on the swings and have some fun. Yes, we can. Katie would you like to join us? "Yes." With a feeling of anxiety, something she could not understand, as all three walked side by side to the swing section. Katie was enjoying herself immensely all smiles and laughed. Matt noticing how her laugh had a special tingle to it. He knew this was an unrealistic hope, but asked anyhow. I have three steaks just waiting to be BBQ, would you like to join us, we live just around the corner. Matt leaning down to his nephew asking, what do you think, should Katie have one of those big steaks? Yes, yes, I want the lady to come eat with us. Katie was quite warmed by the sense of intimacy they both shared. That is so kind of you both to invite me to dinner, and I would be delighted to join you both. Thank you for stepping in. I must admit I was at a loss. Suddenly Matt turns and adds, I feel this is going to be a fun evening. Matt was a conversational man and a great communication between them was developed that evening." My goodness," What time is it?" I must run. I did not realize how time flew. This may sound foolish, but I would like to see you again. I have tickets to the theatre Monday night, are you free? "I don't know. Why? I believe this may be rushing things, I do not know you. What better way to get to know one another. "Yes, yes, you are right. Katie felt very happy. Happier than she had felt in a very long time. She truly felt she fit into this new world. Having met Mat's parents and family weeks ago knew their backgrounds were very similar. She was growing to care for Matt. She could feel that his feelings were much the same. He surprised her one weekend by inviting her to a vacation resort. She was overwhelmed with happiness. The next morning she was picked up in his sleek sports car and zoomed of for the weekend. Back to work Monday morning while surfing the net when something caught her attention. A large US Airline was conducting interviews in her city for the next week. This was a blitz to recruit Flight Attendants to be based in New York. If interested a form was to be completed online, and allow a few days before they would get back with further details. Sitting there Katie pondered with the thought. Would this be what she was looking for, but what about her job and her relationship with Matt which had proliferated in the past weeks. She had a sudden inclination that this might just be what she needed. On impulse she pressed on the magic key on her computer, something without knowing that would change her life. Katie was in a Monday morning meeting, something that occurred every week, when her assistant called through to inform her that there was a call on line2. I am right in a meeting and cannot take any calls. Yes, but this person is extremely persistent and will not take no for an answer." Yes, this is Katie, what can I do for you"? Katie came across very cool and did not like being disturbed when she was in a meeting. There was a short pause as her cool tone could be clearly heard at the other end of the line. You submitted your application on line for a position as Flight Attendant, is this correct? You must have the wrong person and was about to hang up the phone, when suddenly she remembered doing so a week ago. Please forgive me my thoughts were elsewhere, and yes, I did complete the form. Good we now seem to be on the same page. We are conducting our interviews at the Sheraton Hotel and request all applicants to arrive for 9AM. Katie was always punctual, but this particular morning even more so. She arrived half an hour earlier, and to her astonishment there were hundreds of applicants already there. Her wait was short unaware that she had a scheduled time and at 8:45 she was called. The interview went smooth to her knowledge , well over an hour. Now the personal questions, such as are you married, do you have children and what are your priorities in your life. Her appearance today was very chic. She did not need the silk shirt or gold chains or diamond rings to enhance her appearance , something that did not go unnoticed by the interviewing panel. She was drop dead beautiful a natural. The three airline representatives sitting across from Katie took a few minutes to study their notes. The procedure here is that we contact the candidate in one week. We have all agreed our decision being you have been selected. "Oh" ... You have made your decision Katie repeats in a soft voice. Katie sits in silence unable to utter a word. You will have a five week intense training programme which covers all our emergency procedures, also we cover our in-flight service. Once training is completed you will be based in New York as this is the base that has to be staffed. Our airline will defray the cost of the hotel. You will be staying close to our training base, and you will have to share a room. "Are you O/K?" Yes, I am fine and I would be happy to accept. Looking around she observes the representatives exchanging glances. Suddenly it dawns on her, how do I explain this sudden career change to Matt. Katie had to compose herself, so happy yet so uncertain. Walking in the park deep in thought trying to decide on a game plan that would best suit this situation she was in, when suddenly she hears a gunshot. Her mind immediately on overdrive thinks, do we have a sniper in the park! There are four youths in a distance struggling, when instantaneously cringes in pain. Looking down at her thigh realizing that she had been shot as the blood was streaming down. "My God" I have been shot. Reaching for her cell to call for help drops it and goes into a dead faint. It is now dark as Katie regains consciousness, checking her watch she soon realizes that night had fallen. She could not comprehend her surroundings. Moving on her side she saw she was lying in a pool of blood, and now more coherent realizes she must call for help. Realizing that much time had passed she sees her cell on the ground a few feet away. Crawling to her sell she suddenly starts to cry. Am I going to die, and thinks of Matt how much she loves him. Her head throbbing ready to burst she dials 911. Katie finds herself incapable to move as she falls asleep. In a haze she is awoken by sirens in a distance and realizes they are here for me. `Do you know what happened to you?' Katie replied with great difficulty. I don't understand what you are asking me as she goes unconscious. The lady has lost a lot of blood, let's get her to a hospital. The next morning Katie was released from hospital and took a cab back to her apartment. Where do I go from here she thought. I must not be afraid of life and continue my journey. Thinking out loud, something she did quite often when she was emotionally upset, it does not matter what you are, it is what you want to become. At that moment she knew what she had to do. My time here is over and I must move on. The following day Katie called Matt and invited him for dinner. As usual he was punctual. I can't believe what I am seeing his gaze moving from her face to her bandaged leg. Katie is watching him, her eyes filling with tears. Before you say a word let me explain. I was shot in the park by a stray bullet and spent the night in hospital nothing more nothing less to report." This is unbelievable." Cautiously Matt asks if they had any leads. I don't think so, I just got back from hospital this morning. Just try and put this ordeal behind you. She moves to the other side of the room and stares at Matt. She knew what she was about to say would pull at his heart strings. There has been a new job opportunity offered to me, which I have not quite decided on, but I will be taking the training which will be five weeks in duration. I will be staying at the Sheraton Hotel downtown. What kind of training will you be taking? I applied for a Flight Attendant job on line a few weeks back and have been accepted. Matt before you disagree, I have not decided if I will follow through with this career move. Thought the training would be interesting and once I graduate I will decide. Do you realize what this entails Katie? This will change our lives totally. `Yes, yes' Matt but just let me do this and we can reach some arrangement later. The five weeks flew by, and Katie had a wonderful roommate Trixy, yes and had become the best of friends. Matt and Katie dated as often as their scheduled allowed it, but Katie knew time was approaching that she must tell Matt . Talking one evening Trixy told Katie how she found Matt to be endlessly kind and lots of fun to be around. Astonishingly enough, this made Katie very sad as she knew a long distance relationship would not work for Matt. There's still a few minutes before Matt arrives, Katie walking back and forth in her apartment unable to settle. I don't feel I have the right to be doing this, knowing this would affect them both deeply. Matt I do not know where to begin, I am moving to New York. Forgive me, but what about us, were you ever honest with me! How you loved me. I wish that was all it was, it is deeper than that. Where do I stand now Katie? How do I make progress in this relationship, you tell me. I fell in love with you Katie, he says, because you're everything I ever hoped for and aspired for. You're laughter that lights up a room, the way you perceive life as he reaches over and gently touches her cheek. I cannot handle a long distance relationship Katie. Matt I am leaving in the morning, flying out on the first flight. There is nothing more to say. Turning to Katie he repeats leaving, were you ever really here as he walks out the door.

"Hi, Katie. That's some suit you're wearing."

"Oh, hi, Matt. Do you like it? I thought it might be too much."

"On you, everything looks great."

Katie smiled.

"So how much time before your flight?"

"Oh, not long now." Katie remembered herself. "Sorry, Trixy. You remember Matt."

"Yes, of course."

Matt still wasn't sure why he'd come. Just looking at Katie brought back thousands of memories, but as of last night, that was all in the past. Katie smiled at him and said nothing. She really didn't want to talk. Nervous, she grasped her little red box and looked down at her tiny frog.

Just then, Trixy and Katie's flight to New York was called over the P.A. A tear rolled down Katie's cheek.

"Katie, aren't you happy I came?"

Katie smiled and sighed softly. "I have to go, Matt. This is it. Thanks for coming."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Fly with Meby Crystal Burns Copyright © 2011 by Crystal Burns. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1462053335
• ISBN 13: 9781462053339
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96