Chapter 10: Chapter Ten - She Has No Idea

Orson

I arrive outside of Everly’s place to pick her up for our flight to New York. It is six in the morning. I purposely booked an early flight. It means we will arrive in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day free. The work doesn’t start until tomorrow. Everly has no idea I changed our hotel booking from two separate rooms to a suite with two rooms. She will be stuck with me for the next few days. Day and night. I did it for no other reason than to be an asshole and piss her off.

She has been getting on my nerves more than usual the last few days, and her attitude has worsened. Now, it is my turn to get on her nerves. It is easy to do. We know one another’s weaknesses. I take my cell out to call her to let her know I am outside. She'd better come quickly. I don’t have the time to wait around. She answers quickly.

“I will be down in a couple of minutes.”

With that, she hangs up. She sounds cranky. She better not be like this the entire journey. We have a six-hour flight ahead of us. We are seated together, and I would rather not have to deal with her bullshit the whole flight. A few moments later, the car door opens. Everly drops her small case onto the floor before she climbs in. I didn’t expect her to travel as lightly. Don’t women usually overpack, or am I just being sexist? Who knows. It isn’t important.

“Good morning, sunshine.” I chirp.

She groans and rolls her eyes. “Morning.”

She takes the seat across from me rather than next to me. I wouldn’t expect anything else from her.

“Why is our flight so early?” she whines.

“Because I prefer earlier flights.”

My words earn me another eye roll. She slumps on the seat and huffs. I chuckle at her reaction. Who knew she was the dramatic type?

“When we arrive at the airport, you will have access to food and coffee until we need to board.”

“Coffee is good.”

It will improve her mood. If she is tired, she can sleep on the flight. It means I will get peace. We are first class; she will be more than comfortable. The rest of the drive is in silence. I much prefer it this way.

Once we arrive, we grab our bags to check in and go to the first-class lounge to wait for our flight. We won’t be able to board for another hour at least. Everly tosses herself down on one of the leather sofas. I thought she needed coffee. I shake my head and go to fetch coffee and food. I take a mix of food: fruit, Greek yoghurt, pastries, eggs and so forth. She can pick what she wants. I join her on the sofa, placing everything down on the table. Everly went straight for the coffee.

“You should eat something.”

“I will, once I have had my coffee.”

I nod and tuck into some food. I am hungry. I wasn’t waiting to eat. Everly picks at the fruit. She doesn’t seem hungry. I am not going to force her to eat. She can eat on the flight if she wants. I am not her keeper.

I don’t know how the next few days will go with us being in the same space. Hopefully, we will both return safely and in one piece.

We are halfway to New York. Everly has been sleeping on and off. I don’t believe she is sleeping only because she is tired, but also so she doesn’t have to deal with me. I am fine with that. I have been awake since we took off. I can never sleep while flying, even on long ones. I don’t know the reason, I just can’t.

Everly sits up straight, stretches and turns to me. “How long to do?”

“About three hours. Do you want a drink? I am going to order a scotch.”

She shakes her head. “It is too early for alcohol.”

I shrug, pressing the buzzer for the flight attendant. She appears promptly. “What can I get you, Mr Maddox?”

“Can I have a scotch on the rocks and an iced vanilla latte for my travel companion, please?”

She nods and heads to get our order. Everly looks at me, surprised.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“I believe that is the first time I have heard you say please. Also, how do you know what I drink? You don’t pay that much attention to me.”

“I can be nice, sometimes. I pay more attention to you than you think.” I smirk.

Everly screws up her face in disgust. “Please stop paying any attention to me.”

She turns away. God, she is a drama queen. The flight attendant arrives with our drinks. We both thank her.

“Thanks for my coffee.” Everly smiles at me.

“You are welcome.”

She takes a sip and falls silent again. Is this how the next few days will be? If so, they are going to be long and tedious. I may need to find something or someone to excite me. Maybe if we drink together, we will let loose and not hate each other as much, even for one night.

“Did you say we have free time today?”

“Yes. We don’t need to work until tomorrow. The hotel has a pool and a spa if you are looking for something to do."

“I want to explore first. I have never been to New York.” She replies.

I have been many times. I don’t plan to do much unless she wants me to accompany her. I doubt it, though. As long as she doesn’t travel too far and get lost, she will be fine.

“It is a great city, especially seeing it for the first time.”

“I will look forward to exploring it.”

I have booked us a table at the hotel at eight for dinner. Something else I haven’t informed her of. One thing at a time. She is going to be angry enough when she finds out about the room situation. I can add fuel to the fire about dinner after that.