American Airlines Flight 1447, Seat 4F- Three days later
"…….We'll be approximately 90 minutes in flight today at a cruising altitude of 32000 feet. Thank you for choosing American Airlines, and we hope you enjoy your flight to Washington Dulles International Airport."
Abbie only half listened to the announcement as sighed as she buckled her seatbelt, pulling out the latest ABA Journal and pretending to read, but for some reason none of the articles held her attention.
The last few days had been a whirlwind of making arrangements, phone calls, and packing. She hadn't ever really considered not taking the job, the career advancement was too big of a pull and the significant pay raise didn't hurt any either. In fact, she had moved in such a hurry that she would be checking into a hotel for the first few weeks while she found an apartment and waited for her things to be delivered. However, when the DOJ says "see you Monday," you don't really have much of a choice.
The trouble was that she was finding herself wishing she could have had just a few more weeks in New York to see what might happen. She pushed the thought aside; Abbie had learned long ago to follow her head rather than her heart. If she'd followed her heart she probably would still be in Houston rescuing puppies or petitioning to save historic buildings. Unfortunately, no matter how noble, such pursuits do not pay the bills.
Still though, why was she feeling so conflicted when the correct choice was so clear and she had already made it? She'd only been in the same timezone with Patrice for what, a week? She knew Patrice was just as driven as Abbie, and the blonde hadn't seemed at all surprised at Abbie's decision to move on such short notice. Besides, she was sure her office would need her back from time to time, at least while they got someone new to take her significant case load, Jack wasn't that self-sufficient.
As the plane gained altitude and leveled out the flight attendant brought her a drink. Abbie took it, and craned her neck to watch the familiar New York skyline fading into the distance. She smiled quietly, her glass raised in a silent toast, before sliding the plastic shade down and turning to wonder about the future.
