I turned to wave at Sam—he just didn't seem to be around. Was he hiding from something? It didn't matter. I was going to solve all my problems starting now, not because I wanted to but because I had to.
Jesse wasn't home when I got back to the apartment. I was early, but not by much. I spent those extra minutes double-checking what I had already packed and having a quick snack. Giddiness went through me in waves that were almost painful. I needed to figure this out.
I was super excited about whatever the hell this trip was. Jack had a natural talent when it came to surprises—and gobs of money to make them happen. At 5:28, I looked out the window and saw the long, black limo waiting. The usual.
I smiled as I carried my suitcase down the stairs. This was some treatment I got, and I couldn't deny how good it made me feel. I was like faux-royalty when I got carted around like this.
When I got to the stairs outside, I noticed Jesse walking up the block. "Effie!" he called.
"Hey, Jesse," I said quietly. "I'm leaving for the weekend."
"Really? Where are you going?"
"I don't know, actually. It's with Jack." I lowered my head, feeling mildly ashamed. He noticed.
"God, Effie, don't feel like that. It's cool. Have a great time. I just want you to be happy. I'm not judging you at all."
I couldn't prevent myself from smiling. "Thanks, Jesse. Any big plans for you?"
"Playing catch-up with work stuff. Laura might come by tomorrow."
"Well, I hope it's fun." I noticed the limo driver eying me. "I gotta go." I pointed sheepishly at the limo. "My ride is here."
Jesse shook his head and laughed. "That's for you?" he asked. "Damn, maybe I was wrong about this guy." He started to climb the steps, but stopped at the top one. "I'll see you Sunday, Effie. Have fun."
"You too." I watched him disappear into the entrance.
Slowly approaching the limo, I waved at the driver as he stepped out and came around the back. He opened the door and patiently waited. Jack wasn't here, but that was okay.
"Hello again, ma'am! So glad to see you. I'll take that." He grabbed my bag and put it in the back for me. It was Percy, the same driver that had taken us to the Broadway show.
"Percy, right?" I asked, my cursory guess causing his face to light up.
"That's terrific that you'd remember an old man like me. Really makes your day when the pretty ones pay attention."
He laughed, the sound just as booming and deep as I remembered it. I immediately felt at home and gave him a smile in response. He raised the window, but left a small space at the top in case we needed to communicate.
"Thanks! Nice to see you too." This was already off to a nice start.
I tossed my suitcase on the seat across from me; it was the only other guest I had in back with me, so I decided to pick it up instead of leaving it on the floor. Relaxed and ready to go, I got comfortable and put my legs up and my head back. My phone vibrated as soon as the car started moving, Jack, of course.
Him: I can't wait to see you.
I smiled and put my phone back in my purse. I tried my best to zone out, thinking about my situation in the most passive way possible. Soon, I wouldn't be worrying about it so much and that would be a very good thing.
After about ten minutes of driving, my curiosity got the best of me. "Percy?" I shouted. "Where are we going?"
"JFK airport, ma'am," he said matter-of-factly.
"Thanks, Percy." I lowered back in my seat and felt a little upset all the sudden. I didn't pack appropriately to get through airport security if my bag was a carry-on. Why hadn't Jack told me we were flying somewhere? I guess I had assumed it would be a car ride, but I didn't know why.
I convinced myself it would be okay, whatever it was. I didn't want to throw away my full bottle of shampoo and conditioner, but if I had to, I would—and I'd make Jack front the bill to replace them. Or I could just check the bag.
Traffic was heavy around rush hour, but Percy was a damn good driver, even though he was driving an enormous luxury vehicle. On top of that, he obviously knew the streets well. When we got to the airport, he drove right past the arrivals area and stopped at a checkpoint, showing a badge to the man on duty.
After the gate rose, he started driving down a private drive that led toward the busy runway.
What the hell was this?
He kept driving, but I didn't say anything. We were approaching slowly-moving planes and it made me a little nervous to be so close to them in a car while they frolicked around the airport. They were so loud and huge from down here.
But when we pulled up to a cute private jet, all of my uncertainty faded away, evaporating into thin air. Jack was standing there on the steps in a pilot's hat, grinning from ear to ear. Could he fly planes, too? He was the very sexy gatekeeper to this aircraft.
The limo slowly rolled to a stop. After it was parked, Percy hopped out and again met me at the door, pulling my bag out ahead of me. "Have a safe flight, ma'am. Hope to see you again soon."
"Thank you, Percy." I met his eyes and couldn't help smiling. He seemed so unbelievably happy in the most contagious of ways, happy to spoil me with his outstanding etiquette. It was clear why Jack liked him so much.
I grabbed my suitcase from the ground and started to walk. As soon as I did, a gust of wind hit me and knocked me off balance, but I remained steadfast and continued toward Jack.
"Jack!
