It's Monday again and that means another free short story here on my blog. During the entire pandemic I have been trying to provide free entertainment to others and I will continue to try to do so. So here is a short but sweet story to distract you all! Enjoy! Alone in the Clouds
By Sheri Velarde Eva sighed as she sank into her seat. It had been a long day and she wanted nothing more than to put her eye mask on and get some much needed sleep on this red-eye from New York to London. The biggest presentation of her life waited for her on the other side of the pond, she needed a peaceful flight so that she could rest and prepare. She stared out the window, hoping they would pull away from the gate soon and that she could then get comfortable in the row she seemed to have to herself. However that idea became out of the question when just as the doors to the plane were about to be shut, a man shouted for them to wait and came running on at the very last moment. The delay slightly annoyed Eva, but at first she thought nothing of him until she glanced up to see him heading straight for the seat next to her. He quickly stashed his carry on and then sat down. There went having the row to herself she thought as she turned back towards the window to try to calm down her disgruntled feelings. “That was a close one.” She heard from her side. Reluctantly she turned to actually look at the man next to her and her breath caught for a moment. He had the whole tall, dark and handsome thing going for him. She worked with her fair share of handsome men in the fashion industry, but none that literally took her breath away. He held out his hand, “Elijah Sterling. What are you headed to London for, business or pleasure?” Eva took his hand, “Eva Valdez. Business, I have a big presentation tomorrow with a major fashion house that I’m not at liberty to name until the deal is signed and official. What about you?” Elijah smiled at her, “You’re a big shot in the fashion world huh? I would never have guessed that.” “Why because I’m short and brown?” She shot back defensively. She had to fight for everything in her career and was tired of people doubting her. “No, not at all! It’s just you’re in jeans and a hoodie, not a Chanel suit or something. I meant no harm, honestly.” Seeing how sincere he seemed, Eva regretted her outburst. “Sorry, I’m tired and nervous. This deal could make my career and the stress must be getting the best of me. I didn’t mean to snap at you. You never did tell me what you are traveling to London for.” She offered a tentative smile. The grin that Elijah shot her made her heart beat a little faster, “No need to apologize, we all get testy from time to time. I’m actually going on a small book tour over in England, then I plan on sticking around for a month or so just for pleasure, maybe travel up to Ireland and Wales. Time to get inspired for my next novel.” “You’re an author? You must be a pretty big deal if you’re going on an international book tour! What have you written? I might pick up something and give it a read.” Elijah chuckled, “I guess you could say that I do okay for myself. I mostly write horror and science fiction, my best seller being the post-apocalyptic zombie thriller Code Black. It’s been on the best sellers list since it came out. I’ve reached the level where I can now afford to travel and write, which makes me a very happy man.” After that they were off and talking. All thoughts of sleep were gone, so were Eva’s nerves. Each easy laugh from Elijah, every smile, every twinkle in his deep brown eyes pulled her in and made her feel at ease. When he got up to go to the restroom, she found herself wondering what the hell had gotten into her. She didn’t have time for men and distraction, yet something about Elijah intrigued her more than she cared to admit. Sure he was good looking, intelligent, and a charming gentleman, but there was something more pulling her in and she thought that he might feel something similar. It felt like they were all alone up in the clouds, in a world of their own while the rest of the plane and the world slept. When he came back they continued their conversation, only now they had started to move into more personal topics. She heard all about his ideal childhood in Maine, with the exception of an alcoholic father that he swore he never talked about. She relayed what it was like to be raised by her grandmother in near poverty back in New Mexico. As the sun started to come up and others began to stir, Eva got the courage to ask the one question she had avoided the entire night, “So, do you have a significant other meeting you at some point during your trip to the U.K?” “No, I’m quite single. Though I wouldn’t object if you wanted to get together sometime after your mysterious presentation, that is if you don’t have someone waiting at home for you.” Elijah looked at her hopefully. “But we just met.” Eva stammered. “I know, but I would like to get to know you better. What do you say?” Elijah leaned ever so slightly closer to her so that she could smell his woody and distinctly masculine scent. “I’d like that. I had planned to stay in London a few days whether to celebrate or cry remains to be seen, but it would be nice to have some company either way.” Eva smiled, inching closer to Elijah as well. “Then we’re in agreement, there’s something worth following up on here.” Elijah said as his lips touched hers for the briefest of kisses that still managed to send shivers down her spine. “Definitely something worth following,” she whispered just as they began their decent into a new and unknown future.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorAuthor, artist, jewelry maker and all around creative person. I write in many genres and have a lot of fun doing so. Please take a look around and enjoy! Archives
January 2022
|