RC.

Ch4 ............ L

When we arrive on board the jet, the day has dawned.

The Pilot in Command warmly greeted Carter before boarding the plane.

I remain silent for a moment as I discover the interior.

Nothing, absolutely nothing like any of the planes I've ever taken before ... Up till now I've always felt packed like a sardine in a can when flying. Here, it's practically like being in a living room.

Fine carpeting on the floor, solid wood furniture, big screen tv, leather seats, daybed and a desk with two large seats.

Mr. Carter:"Please, take a seat, miss White."

He beckons me to sit in one of the comfortable leather seats. His hand brushes my back and a delicious shiver runs down my spine.

He waits until I'm seated to sit down himself in a seat opposite mine and opens his laptop. His every gesture seems to be part of a ritual and I watch him, captivated.

For him, this plane is just routine. For me, it's a plunge into an unknown world.

Jake joins us.

(I'm glad he's here, but I'd rather be alone with Carter ...)

Jake:"Sir, Paul told me that we'll be taking off in 10 minutes."

Mr. Carter:"Very well, thank you, Jake."

He then disappears through the back door.

We're now alone, Carter and I. I look around while he looks at something on his phone.

As he puts it down he looks at me, seeming amused.

Mr. Carter:"Do you like the plane?"

(It's out of this world!)

 T:"Yes ! It's crazy ! Well ... um ... I mean I'm not used to it."

I clear my throat.

T:"Well it's called a plane, but the ones I usually take aren't quite so spacious ..."

I watch his lips slowly stretch into a smile.

Mr. Carter:"If you want to freshen up, there's a bathroom behind you. I can also ask for some food if you're hungry."

T:"You just have to press a button, right?"

Mr. Carter:"Are you hungry ?"

T:"No, no. No need to bother them!"

Mr. Carter:"That's what they're here for, miss."

Before I get the chance to protest, Carter presses the button and orders pastries and hot drinks.

Mr. Carter:"You know, these people are here because I pay them. So you shouldn't hesitate to ask if you need something."

I think Carter has always had people at his service. And this idea irritates me.

T:"You get whatever you want with your money, don't you?"

(Oh is that right ...? We've hardly been together again for five minutes and I'm already risking it?)

Carter stares at me a moment, gauging my remark. He's probably wondering whether he'd like to roast, simmer or skewer me.

Mr. Carter:"You can't help being insolent, can you?"

His grey eyes are looking up at me as he brushes his sleeves down, smirking.

(Well, he has always been aware of my inability to censor what I think when I speak and that he was the one crazy enough to hire me.)

T:"I assumed it was a required skill for the job since you chose me as an assistant knowingly."

(Why, is it that I can never keep my mouth shut?! It's not that difficult!)

For a fleeting moment he squints his eyes then he quickly regains his seriousness.

Mr. Carter:"I would wish for everyone to make as much money as I have. Because, once they have, they will understand that true wealth is elsewhere."

T:"Money may not buy happiness, but it helps."

Mr. Carter:"Money ensures comfort, but it's not what makes a man happy."

Mr. Carter:"Some people like living in comfort, others seeks exaltation, challenge, passion ..."

He's now staring at me with a strange glimmer in his eyes. Instantly my heart accelerates.

Our conversation is interrupted by a male voice asking us to put our belts on and prepare for take-off.