Disclaimer: I don't own Pan Am ... I'm just in love with it. Nor do I own the song I've Just Seen A Face by The Beatles.
Summary: Ted and Laura are getting married, which can only mean one thing; she needs a replacement. What happens aboard the Clipper Majestic when the chosen girl is none other than Claire Vanderway? Will Dean's unwarrented attraction to her fade away or has he actually begun to fall for his right hand man's younger sister?
A/N: I'm legitimately excited to write this story. I even have ideas for a sequel already! But I really hope you enjoy this story as much as I love writing it. Claire is portrayed by Lacey Chabert. Please let me know what you think of it!
We Found Love In A Hopeless Place
Chapter One: I've Just Seen A Face
I've just seen a face,
I can't forget the time or place
That we'd just met, she's just the girl for me
And I want all the world to see we've met
It was a warm, sunny spring day in New York on April 20, 1964. US President Lyndon Johnson was in the state that day to make an announcement regards to the production of nuclear weapons. Captain Dean Lowrey was leaning against the counter in the Pan Am headquarters reading about the news.
"Excuse me, I have a question for you," Dean glanced up from the newspaper and took notice of a petite girl, a tad bit taller than Maggie's 5'1", standing in front of him.
"Hello there, ma'am. What can I do for you?" Dean folded the newspaper back up and tucked it under his arm as he flashed his pearly white smile towards her and received one in return.
"You're the captain of the Clipper Majestic right? The lady over there said you were," she glanced over her shoulder at the secretary standing at the desk, "I'm just hoping she wasn't mistaken and I'm not making a fool out of myself," she gave a small chuckle as she shifted nervously. She stood tall, showing confidence but he could tell that she was uneasy. It was most likely from the commotion of the busy workplace around them.
He tilted his head slightly. He had a peculiar interest in the girl. He wanted to know who she was, where she came from, and why she was asking for him. "Why yes, that is correct. I am the Captain," Dean proudly stated. A little over a year ago, he had been promoted to captain and taken his plane, the Clipper Majestic, out for its maiden voyage to London.
She sighed in relief. He took the moment to study her closer. She had long, slightly curled brown hair with hazel eyes that had more of a brown hue to them than green. Her bronzed skin was flawless, her jaw line and bone structure completely delicate. She was wearing a blue and black A-Line polka dotted dress with a black belt cinching the waist accompanied by short onyx gloves and ballet flats.
"Not to be rude, but you are …" his voice trailed off, waiting for her to complete his sentence.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, sticking out her hand, "now that's incredibly rude of me. I'm Claire."
He reached out to shake it and raised an eyebrow at her, "Claire?"
"Yes Claire," she said sternly as released her hand from the shake and put in back down to her side. "Anyway, I was wondering if you could please point me to the direction of your first officer, Ted … Ted Vanderway."
His shoulders slumped slightly. Of course she was looking for Ted. Marginally dejected, he shook his head no. He let out a sigh. "Haven't seen him all day. Why do you need him, may I ask?"
"Not that it's any of your business, we have a lunch date. If you see him, please let him know that I'm looking for him. Thank you," she smiled through her fiery attitude before walking gracefully away.
"Yeah, of course. It's no problem," Dean said lightly into thin air as he watched her stride down the hallway, curls bouncing with each step she took. He let out a smirk; Claire reminded him of a sweeter version of Maggie.
"Ted!" she exclaimed loudly as the first officer rounded the corner almost slamming into her.
"Claire!" he picked the girl up into a tight hug and set her down before she linked her arm with him and smiled up at him. The two turned and disappeared beyond the corner.
Dean set the paper down on counter and darted to look for his blonde stewardess, Laura Cameron. "Laura, Laaaauraaa," his voice echoed down the hallway, causing everyone to turn their attention towards him.
"Here," she shouted and he noticed his girls standing together in a circle. Her sister Kate Cameron, Maggie Smith, and Colette Valois stood at her side as they turned to face him.
"Can I talk to you for a second, in private?" he questioned and her eyes glistened with curiosity.
"Of course," she replied without hesistation. "Excuse us ladies," she followed him a few steps away from the group. "What is it Dean?"
"I don't know how to tell you this, but I think your boyfriend is seeing another girl," Laura looked puzzled for a moment before Dean continued. "A woman, maybe 22, just stopped by looking for him for a lunch date. She had long brown hair."
Laura erupted in laughter. "Claire?" she questioned.
"Yes. What is so funny about that? Aren't you threatened by the fact that even though you and Ted have been dating for a year, he's still going out to lunch with other women? Or do you trust him that much?" Dean was honestly confused. He knew it wasn't his business and didn't mean to pry, but he was just looking out for Laura's best interest.
"Me? I'm not threatened by my fiancés little sister," she patted his shoulder and kept smiling. "But thank you for keeping an eye out for me."
"Alright, now I feel stupid. Of course she's his little sister, he's mentioned her so many times but has never told me her name. Wait … did you say fiancé?" he paused realizing what this meant.
"Yes … this is my last week with Pan Am as a stewardess. I accomplished my goal. I saw the world, and I saw it with the man who means it to me. What more could I ask for? He proposed when we were in Florence. Claire's my replacement, I'm showing her the ropes this week. She just graduated a few weeks ago, I say it's fate," Laura took off her glove to reveal a diamond engagement ring.
"I'm certainly gonna miss you Laura. I wish you and Ted the best of luck," he said sincerely.
"I'll still be a Pan Am wife, you'll see me around." The girls they abandoned started to look impatient, motioning for Laura to rejoin them.
"So … sister you say?" Dean's eye brows rose and Laura's face grew serious.
"Dean, must we bring up your tryst with Ginny? Or fling with Colette? Not to mention the numerous girls you've used to try and get over Bridget. Claire Vanderway is off limits to you … consider her RESTRICTED air space," Laura bluntly said and turned to strut back over to her friends.
"Hey! That's my line," Kate said in a jokingly shocked manner. But Dean could tell Laura wasn't joking; not one little bit.
"When's our next flight?" he winked towards the group and they all shook their heads as they sauntered out of the building for a fun day of girl activities.
"You know, when I said that it didn't stop you and Ted," Kate told her sister as they walked into the breezy streets of New York.
"I know," Laura replied, "that's what scares me."
I have never known
The likes of this, I've been alone
And I have missed things and kept out of sight
But other girls weren't quite like this
