Red Shoes, Black Coffee (Red & Black #2)

31 | Make him fly

Ada

I rock forward in my seat, my entire body buzzing with a barely-contained excitement. The goofy smile hasn't slipped from my lips since the moment we boarded, and I still don't seem to be able to get rid of it, either. At my side, Jed chuckles, visibly amused by my silly behaviour.

"Careful or you'll kick the poor man in front of you right out of his seat."

I haven't realized I've been repeatedly kicking the seat before mine until Jed pointed it out. "Oh. Sorry." Apologizing is most likely stupid, since it's not like the man can hear me but it still makes me feel better. "I just can't believe I'm finally going home."

"Just try not to explode the plane with your excitement, will you." He murmurs. "I doubt it you could still be visiting home if they locked you up in a prison for terrorists."

"Ha ha." I say dryly, rolling my eyes. Falling back into into my seat, I settle with stomping my foot to some crazy beat. "Could the plane start already? Five more minutes and I'm going to burst."

When I glance over at Jed, I see him making a show of leaning away from me. Giggling, I pat his arm lightly. Jed catches my hand in his and brings it up to his lips, kissing the knuckles softly. Amusement twinkles in his eyes when I snatch my hand back and wipe it at the sleeve of his shirt. We both pause when the communicate signalling the plane's oncoming departure rings from the speakers. I sigh with relief, slumping in my seat. Jed, however, undergoes a different reaction.

I can't be a hundred percent sure, but I think his face is a shade paler now than it was before the communicate. He goes quiet after that, gluing his gaze to some spot in the distance. His body stills when a flight attendant materialises in the front, going through the routine of putting on the oxygen masks, fastening our seat belts and all the other things that are to do in case of a crash. I relax in my seat, not paying much attention to what she's saying, but when I look to the side, I find Jed staring at the woman with wide eyes. Concerned, I lay a gentle palm on his knee and he jumps under my touch. Really freaked out now, I draw my hand back, my fingers curling inward. I assess Jed quietly, running my eyes over his taut body.

"Jed?"

He blinks, the action made funny by his big glasses. "I agree with you." He says matter-of-factly. "The plane could already start. And land. Fast."

Ohhh. I get it.

I bite back a smile, forcing my lips to form a surprised 'o' instead. When I'm sure a laugh won't escape when I open my mouth, I voice my discovery.

"You're afraid of flying."

Jed snorts. I think the noise was supposed to let me know he considers my idea ridiculous, but it comes strained instead. More like a squeak. Covering my lips with my palm, I will my face to remain stoic.

"You are." I start nodding when he shakes his head. "Why lie?"

"I'm not... afraid of flying." He says it as though he was denying being infected with AIDS. "I'm just not a fan of... planes."

"I'm not a fan of meat but I'm not afraid of it." I point out bluntly. "Stop with the drama and call a spade a spade, Jed."

"Jesus, you're not going to let me walk out of this with the smallest ounce of self-respect, will you?" Jed mutters.

I repeat my earlier gesture, laying my palm on Jed's thigh. "This has nothing to do with self-respect." I tell him.