Escape From Reality Read Free Page A

palms, Leila found something reassuring in the constancy of that
smile. She drew in a slow breath, deliberately uncurling her fingers.
    “I’m not fond
of flying. Take offs and landings are the worst, and…well, pretty much
everything in between is just as bad.”
    “You’re not the
first, Ms. Connors. But we have an excellent pilot in Captain McKenzie, and in
his co-pilot, Captain Walsh.”
    “Please, call
me Leila. And thank you. I’m sure Captain McKenzie is an excellent pilot. It’s
just…I haven’t flown very much until recently.” A nervous laugh escaped Leila’s
lips.
    “I guess I’m
making up for lost time.”
    A soft chime
sounded and Stephanie briskly unfastened her seat belt, rising smoothly.
    “Well, you can
take off your seat belt. We’ll be in the air for just over three hours, landing
at the Miami International Airport. Since you’re flying on a charter craft, you
won’t need to wait.”
    “Thank you.” Leila
unfastened her seat belt, straightening in her seat. “Do you know where I’m
going? Everyone’s so mysterious and secretive.”
    “I’m sorry, Leila.
I don’t know anything beyond Miami. I do know someone will meet you there and
you’ll carry on with your journey.”
    Leila drew a
deep breath. Her curiosity was still piqued, but her enthusiasm for the actual
trip was waning. The knot between her shoulders had returned. She shifted in
her seat, reaching back to rub her neck.
    “Would you like
a glass of champagne? We have cheese and fruit as well.” Stephanie moved to the
sideboard, efficiently opening doors and drawers and returning with a flute of
champagne.
    “Thank you,
Stephanie.” Leila watched the bubbles rising in the pale amber liquid. She took
an experimental sip. The champagne was fruity and complex, leaving a faint
effervescent feeling on her tongue.
    Within moments,
Stephanie returned and set a silver tray on the table in front of Leila, laden
with several varieties of cheese, fruit, and crackers.
    “Is there
anything else I can get for you, Leila? If you wish to take a nap, I can drop
the window screens and provide you with an eye mask and blanket.”
    Leila smiled up
at Stephanie. “It’s been a long week.” She took another sip of champagne. “But
thank you, no. I’m fine. I think I’ll be fine.”
    “I’ll be in the
back if you need anything.” Stephanie glided out of Leila’s line of sight.
    The champagne
worked its magic and Leila sat back, stretching her legs in front of her. She
nibbled on a piece of cheese, looking out the window of the jet. Below her,
there was nothing but blue ocean, a few clouds visible in the distance.
    The
improbability of her situation struck her again, the events of the day playing
out in her mind. That morning she had been in Austin, leaving the conference
early and in shame, and now she was comfortably ensconced in a private jet,
heading for Miami.
    “Stranger than
fiction.” Leila held up her empty glass, taking a moment to consider how it had
gotten that way. Before she really had an answer, Stephanie was there, filling
the flute and then gliding silently away. Leila took another sip, leaned her
head back, and closed her eyes.
    “Leila…Leila.”
    A gentle shake
of her shoulder brought her awake. She sat up, her head a bit fuzzy, slightly
disoriented. A cashmere blanket slid from her lap, pooling on the floor at her
feet.
    “Leila. We’re
going to be landing in about twenty minutes. I thought you’d want a moment
to…regroup.” Stephanie bent and retrieved the blanket.
    Leila watched
as Stephanie folded the blanket and placed it in an overhead storage bin. The
champagne glass and food were gone, and the cabin was now restored to its
former immaculate order.
    “Thank you,
Stephanie. I’m sorry…I must have dozed off.”
    “It’s
understandable. You’ve had a long day. But it’s almost over. I’m sure wherever
you’re going, it’s going to be unforgettable.”
    “I’m certainly
hoping so.”
    The