I scanned the sky and replied to the controller that I had the traffic in sight.
“Sorry about that,” I said to Christy.
“It’s okay. You had to fly.”
“Right. And I don’t want to argue with you. In some ways we’re a lot alike. But in other ways we’re still two very different people. That’s okay.
We don’t have to agree a hundred percent on everything. The big things?
Yes. But even then, not right away. We’re still getting to know each other.”
She nodded, so I reached over and touched her hand. She held mine in
both of hers, which were warm and soft.
“I like getting to know you,” I said after a moment. “It’s… exciting.
Frustrating sometimes, but still exciting.”
“Although… I need to remind myself we’re taking baby steps.”
We fell silent, and I automatically checked the sky around us. The other airplane was right where it should’ve been, but the radio called with another traffic report from Center. I searched the vector and spotted the new plane.
“Thank you, sir,” I told the controller. “Two Five Echo has traffic in sight.” I turned to Christy. “Sorry, we’re getting into more congested airspace, so I need to fly with all my attention.”
“Okay. You probably need both hands too.”
She didn’t release me immediately. Instead, she raised my hand to her lips and kissed it gently. Then she closed her eyes. She inhaled slowly as she rubbed her cheek against the back of my hand.
I smiled when she opened her eyes. “Hold that thought,” I said quietly.
She nodded and folded her hands demurely in her lap. Her nipples, however, sent an entirely different message. I smiled to myself and then turned my attention to the business of flying.
We landed at DeKalb-Peachtree about twenty minutes later. I parked by the self-serve fueling station and reached over Christy to release the door latch.
“This is it,” I said. “Are you ready?”
“You’ll do fine,” I said with a smile. “They’re going to love you.”
She climbed out of the cockpit, and I resisted the urge to pat her firm little bottom. I climbed onto the wing after her and jumped to the ground. Mom and Erin were waiting for us inside the FBO. I waved, but their eyes immediately went to Christy, who saw them and nervously smoothed the front of her jeans.
I gave Mom a hug and then Erin.
“You owe Mom,” Erin whispered. “Big time. Susan too.”
I hid my confusion and gestured to Christy. “Mom, Erin, this is my girlfriend, Christy. Christy, this is my mother, Beth. And my sister… um…
“You’re such a dweeb,” Erin said.
