Title: You and Me (Chapter 8)
Author: WistfulGuy
Fandom: Pan Am
Rating: PG
Pairing: Full cast
Disclaimer: I do not own Pan Am the company or the TV series. I am not associated with ABC TV in any way. I am just a huge fan of the show and like to write. Also, please don't sue me…I don't do well in jail and I have no money. Void where prohibited.
Clipper Majestic soared into the skies above Paris for its return flight to New York. Everything indicated the flight home would be smooth for the most part, with the exception of some gathering storm clouds close to the New York area.
Dean eased the controls of Majestic into cruising altitude and set the auto pilot. He grabbed the plane intercom and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We've reached our cruising altitude and are looking at clear skies ahead. Should be a smooth trip with possibly a little rough weather close to New York. The stewardesses will be taking your drink orders shortly. I've turned off the fasten seatbelt signs so you are now free to move about the cabin. Thanks so much for flying Pan Am, and enjoy your flight to New York."
Dean set the intercom down, and Ted glanced at him. "So where were you last night?"
"Just got a drink out at one of the nightclubs in Paris. Nothing special."
"Well thanks a lot for the invite! I hung around the hotel lounge for awhile and then went to a neighborhood pub. I'm not certain but the bartender may or may not have been a woman."
Dean raised his eyebrows and erupted with nervous laughter. "Okayyy then, Ted. I sure hope you didn't put a move on...uh..them."
"Are you crazy? Just wanted to get a drink and unwind from the day. Didn't want to take any chances."
Dean laughed at Ted's recounting of his night. Ted wasn't a bad guy but he sure could be full of himself at times. It was kind of nice to see someone like that taken down a peg or two every now and then.
Dean got up from his chair and headed towards the restroom near the galley. He looked towards the rear of the plane and saw the girls busy at work taking and serving drink orders. Colette was with Laura in the first class section. Dean was able to get Colette's attention. She walked to the galley and said, "You rang?"
"I did. I just wanted to thank you for last night!" Dean smiled.
"It was my pleasure...and thank you as well!" Colette winked back. It HAD been a great night for both of them. Dancing in a Paris nightclub, meeting some of Colette's friends, having drinks. For Colette, it was a happy experience that made her feel safe and cared for. For Dean, it was a wonderful time. In fact, the last person he had this much fun with was Bridget.
Dean motioned to the girls and commented to Colette, "So do you think they know anything?"
"It doesn't seem that way. I was a little concerned with Maggie at first, but she's certainly not letting on if she DOES know."
"That's good. You still okay with this arrangement?"
"Oui. I also think we need to keep the lines of communication open between us too."
"I thought we were."
"Oh Dean, do we need to go through this again? I told you before I am not going to let myself get hurt again. I've been through the mill many times romantically. I don't need another trip."
"I know, and believe me, I'm happy. I'm happy we're together, and I'm happy we're giving this a go."
"That sounds good to me!" Colette cheered softly. She smiled and grabbed a wine bottle from the galley counter. "Now if you will excuse me, duty calls!" She winked and smiled at Dean, then turned to face the aisle of the plane near the first class section.
Dean lingered for a moment, watching Colette as she strode down the aisle to finish waiting on passengers there. "Yep, real happy we're giving it a go." Dean thought to himself. He turned around and returned to the cockpit.
Majestic completed her flight with a slightly bumpy landing, touching down amidst a thunderstorm striking the New York area at the time. The passengers finished deplaning and the crew was quick to follow. The crew was looking forward to a day off before their next flight, so most of them didn't linger long at the offices. Colette stayed behind and waited by the front desk to catch Dean before he left for the day.
Dean walked out from the gate area and saw Colette standing by the front desk and waving at him. The receptionist at the desk called out to him, "Dean? There's a message here for you!"
"Who from?"
"Someone named Bridget."
When she heard that name, Colette's cheery facial expression faded. She felt a sharp pain in her stomach and struggled to comprehend what seemed to be unfolding in front of her. A look of concern crept over her face. Dean noticed her change. She turned to walk out to the JFK Concourse and Dean followed her.
"Colette, wait!"
Turning quickly back, she retorted, "Wait? For what, Dean?"
"Because I don't know what that call is about."
"Oh, is that right? Dean, I made my feelings clear to you before. Let me say also that I don't like the fact that she's calling you."
"Colette, I had no idea, please believe me!" Dean pleaded.
Colette's voice began to waver. "Dean, I need to go home. Do what you need to do." She turned to leave.
Dean called out to her, "Colette, wait!" She didn't respond.
As she walked, a tear rolled down Colette's cheek. Had it been too good to be true? Had Dean become the latest in the long line of men in her life who were unavailable but for a simple fling? She needed time to sort this out. No, Dean was better than that...wasn't he?