Chapter ten
Somewhere between Los Angeles and Omaha, she'd fallen asleep on his arm. It was quite comfy, after all. He didn't mind, even if there were people watching them. They were almost instantly recognizable in the public eye, so that had to exercise caution. He cleared his throat, gently moving his arm. She made a sad face and moved to the other side. He took his jacket and covered her with it. (No way was he paying $15 for a blanket.) She smiled again. It smelled like him; some form of oak and cologne. It was an odd, yet still enjoyable combination
He couldn't fall asleep, though. There was too much of a buzz. He texted his friend, Mark, just before boarding. "I need one of your rides for tonight", it read. "I'll pay you in cash once we land." He promptly replied. It was reserved especially for them.
"Excuse me?" the flight attendant inquired. He looked up. "My friend, that one there," she pointed to another attendant. "We were wondering if we could have a picture with you when we land?' He laughed, rubbing his neck. "How about an autograph?" He didn't want to be held up any longer than necessary. One picture meant a line of people would want one. "Oh," she said, almost sadly. "That's fine." He felt a little bad; he was usually more than happy to take a picture. He signed his name, along with a note under it. "Next time you're in L.A., call this guy." He left his agent's number. "And he'll get in touch with me. -Cory Monteith" He handed it to her with a smile, before turning his attention back out to the window.
There it was, New York City. He never got tired of seeing the skyline. The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty…Times Square. She turned back and opened her eyes, resting her cheek on her hand with a grin. "Why are we in New York?" she asked quietly. "It's a surprise," he said again. She was sure persistent. She pouted cutely. "There's nothing you could surprise me with in New York. I know the city like the back of my hand." He rolled his eyes. "Challenge accepted." She grinned at him and rolled her eyes. "Ladies and gentleman, thank you for flying American Airlines. This is your captain speaking. We are due to land in New York City in approximately fifteen minutes. Please, secure all safety restraints and turn off all electronic devices to ensure a safe landing. And, once again, thank you for flying American Airlines."
The plane grew restless again. It was a long flight, or at least it felt that way. Thankfully, they were sitting in first class. They wouldn't have to deal with a ton of people once they got off, and they could just get their luggage and hail a taxi. They cut out 90% of the hassle.
Bump, bump, eeeeeeeeeeeeep. The plane hit the tarmac before it screeched to a halt. He unhooked his belt and grabbed the bag, stepping out before her to avoid any suspicion. He quickly got off; he could feel people following him. It made him nervous. She was close behind though. That made him feel a little better.
"Where are we?" she pressed. She needed to know, at this point. He didn't budge. "Just keep the blindfold on." Wherever they were, she could tell it was somewhere high. That's weird, she thought. She was terrified of heights, even if she was a New-Yorker. He helped her take a step; then another, then another. "Cory!" she demanded. He laughed. It was cute. He followed close behind her, feeling whatever was around her.
Leather, some kind of a strap; naturally, she feared the worst. "Is this going to end up with me on TMZ?" She paused. "Or Cops?" He laughed and untied the blindfold, the door closing and locking. "Not at all," he said. "Well, maybe the first one." She looked out the window and her eyes widened. She was inside a helicopter.
She instantly locked onto his arm. "I don't like this," she said immediately. "Not one bit." He gently patted her hand. "It's okay, I'm right next to you. Mark's a great guy. He's going to make sure nothing happens." Mark waved, handing them their headsets. "Wear these to talk back and forth with each other! Press this…" He leaned in, pressing a red button, "to talk to me!" He was yelling. (He was used to yelling over the blades.) She nodded and did as he said. The chopper was already off the ground a little. She couldn't turn back even if she begged.
Her arm locked around his and she stayed close by his side. They were the only two on the chopper. The rose a little higher each minute. He told the pilot to take it slow. He knew she was scared of heights. "How's this for a first date?" he teased. She playfully glared at him. "Not funny," she said. She was pale, though, and her hands were clammy. He hesitantly slid his fingers between hers. "Shh, it's fine," he said as he looked out the window with her. "I brought you up here for a reason."
She honestly couldn't think of a reason they would need to go via helicopter. The city was easily accessible via cab or foot. She preferred either. "What reason would that possibly be?" she said. Part of her tone was serious, the other half playful. They flew for a moment before he answered. He grinned once he saw it, extending his arm. "See that?" He pointed to her Candies sign. She turned and practically felt her heart melt. She ran her thumb over the back of his hand, gradually becoming more calm. It was amazing, she thought. He could just be right next to her and calm her.
She turned back to him. "You did this…for me?" she said. Her eyes were brimming with tears. Happy tears. She hadn't done that in a while. He simply nodded. She smiled and leaned up, kissing him once. Then twice. Then, a third time, just for good measure. She could kiss him all she wanted to, now. They were in a helicopter. No one could see them. This is perfect, she thought to herself. He cleared his throat as she pulled away, his hand finding hers again. "Hey, I was meaning to ask…" He paused nervously. "I know this is kind of a weird place but." He straightened his jacket a little.
"Lea Michele Sarfati…" She grinned at his words. "Will you be my girlfriend?" She giggled with delight and nodded. She'd have been crazy to have said no, right? She kissed him again as they circled around Times Square. She didn't stop, this time. She didn't let him stop.
Nothing was going to stop them.