Hotel Business
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Red Eye!
Chapter Two
"So," Jackson said, fifteen minutes later when they had both returned to the coffee-dumping site. He had changed shirts and loosely carried his drying jacket. The hand dryer had helped, but it was still too damp for him to wear.
"So," she replied with a smile. She was dressed in a completely new outfit—a black skirt paired with a white sweater and heels.
"When we get to Miami, I would like to pay for any necessary cleaning," he offered, remembering that the coffee-stained clothes had been business clothes and were most likely dry-clean only items.
"No, it's okay. I bumped into you."
"Just let me handle it, okay?"
"Only if you'll have coffee with me and let me buy it," she counter-offered.
Jackson laughed. "You drive a hard bargain."
"So? What'll it be?" she inquired, a curious expression crossing her face.
"Starbucks?" he suggested.
"Starbucks it is," she agreed and turned on her heel. Jackson followed her to the nearby coffee place. They ordered their various drinks and found a table after he begrudgingly let her pay the bill.
"So, what do you do?" she asked him, taking a careful sip.
"I worked for a computer company. I used to travel a lot, but now I'm settling down in our new office in Miami."
"Neat."
"What about you?"
"I'm in management—hotel management."
"That sounds interesting," Jackson remarked.
"Actually it's as dull as dirt. It's hard trying to please people 24/7."
"I know exactly what you mean."
They shared a smile. It was brief, but the moment felt important to him all the same. He had never expected to find such a nice young woman in an airport.
"What's your name?" she finally asked.
"Jackson…Jackson Rippner."
"Ouch," she winced. "That wasn't very thoughtful of your parents."
"Not at all."
"I guess I should tell you mine."
"That would be fair," he teased her. She blushed slightly.
"I'm Lisa Reisert."
"Nice to meet you, Lisa."
"You too, Jackson."
They shook hands and chatted some more. Soon, it felt as if they had known each other for all their lives.
"Flight 1019, the red-eye to Miami, is now boarding," announced the loudspeaker.
Applause and cheers sounded throughout the airport, except for where Lisa and Jackson huddled around a table chatting. Their drinks were long gone, yet they still remained.
"Well, that's my flight," Jackson sighed, disappointed that their time had come to an end.
"Mine too," Lisa sighed.
"Walk you to the gate? Maybe even your seat?" Jackson offered; his voice hopeful.
"Sure," she agreed joyfully.
Neither of them wanted their time together to end.
Jackson, ever the gentleman, helped her up from her chair and took her suitcase. She was about to protest, but she found that she did not mind. What a sweet gesture.
He did not move to touch her or force her to accompany him any closer than she wanted to. Most other men would have invaded her personal space—her 'bubble'. Not Jackson Rippner. He respected her.
And she liked that about him.
Together they boarded flight 1019, the red-eye to Miami. Both were hopeful that this was only the beginning of something new and wonderful. They were dreading the 'end'.
Of course, they were not seated next to each other. Lisa had seat 18G, the window seat, while Jackson occupied seat 18E. Only one seat separated them, and if no one was sitting in it after take-off, then Jackson would gladly move to her side.
But Fate had other plans for them and placed the same black-haired man that had been in their line, between them.
"I guess this is it," Lisa sighed as she settled into her seat, passing the stranger.
"Yeah, I guess," Jackson responded, lifting and securing her suitcase in the overhead compartment. He turned to do his own, feeling Lisa's warm green eyes upon him the entire time.
"See you in Miami."
"Have a good flight."
"You too."
They smiled at each other warmly and Jackson settled down into his seat. He was exhausted and looking forward to sleeping through at least part of the flight. He surely needed it. But he could not help sneaking glances over at Lisa Reisert, checking on her. She was already chatting animatedly with her seat partner.
She would never stay with a loser like me. I'm a computer geek. Surely a beautiful woman like her could find someone else better. She probably already has.
At least they had a nice chat while it lasted. He would always remember that.
Maybe I should spill coffee on women more often. She didn't seem to mind it very much… Okay, Rippner, now calm down.
He stole one last glance at her before the cabin lights dimmed and the plane prepared for take-off.
Why did I get stuck with this weirdo? Ugh, I have the worst luck…
Ever since Jackson had left her, her seatmate had been completely focused on her. He was the same man from the check-in line who had hit on her and offered to buy her a drink. She had fortunately met Jackson and been saved from trying to deal with this boring man. All he did was ramble!
"Miami's such a beautiful place, isn't it? A nice place to visit and even better to live in. Not that I wouldn't mind dying here," he said.
"Uh huh," was her automatic reply. Think people pleaser.
The plane began to shake and she roughly grasped the armrest. I hate flying! We'd better not crash!
She snuck a peek at Jackson who was calmly sitting in his seat. He appeared to be extremely bored. Of course, he traveled all the time was used to flying. No matter how often Lisa flew, she still could not get used to it. She felt so useless and trapped in an airplane. She had no control over anything.
The plane evened out and she started to relax. Her seatmate was still chattering and she had to resist the urge to smack him. She did her best to ignore him until her mind suddenly turned on.
"Lisa, do you love your father?" he was asking her.
"What did you call me?"
"Your name."
"I never told you my name." Okay, this is starting to freak me out…
"Lisa, Lisa, Lisa…I've known your name for weeks. As a matter of fact—I know everything about you. And that is why you are going to listen carefully and do as I say."
"No…no I don't," she protested, shaking her head.
"If you don't, then your father dies."
Author's Notes:
Now the story is starting to pick up the pace and get interesting. Enjoy and the next chapter should be up soon! By the way, AU means Alternate Universe.