Into Thin Air Read online

  Jenny straightens her back, lifts her chin, and crosses her arms. Did I hit a sore spot?

  “No, he’s not a pilot. That’s just a stupid dream of his,” she responds with disgust. “I told you about him when I met you in LA. He’s a famous soccer player. Good to know you were listening.” She rolls her eyes.

  I don’t need to straighten my back because I’m about six inches taller than she is. I invade her space as I tower over her. “I was there to meet with Carlotta, not to discuss your love life. I apologize if I didn’t pay attention to you. I came in today to deliver your portfolio and files for Carlotta’s divorce. Lucky for you, they survived the explosion.”

  She releases a breath and covers her heart. “Oh, thank God, my portfolio wasn’t ruined. Right, Mom?”

  Carlotta nods with an expressionless face. She doesn’t speak much. I think it’s because her face is too tight from all her lifts.

  Jenny is a shallow bitch. If this is the kind of woman Sam likes to date, then I never knew him at all. And I don’t know if I want to now.

  I pick up my stuff from off the floor. “So, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to my office. I’ll let Stephanie know you’re here.” I stride toward the elevators down the hall, my head held high.

  I hear Dora in the background, saying, “Stella’s fine, everyone. Back to work. Including me.” She giggles. The phone finally stops ringing, but my heart keeps hammering.

  “Stella!” Jenny yells from behind me. I turn to see what she wants. The elevator dings, and the door opens. I step in and turn around. Jenny’s there, holding the door open.

  “Excuse me! What are you doing?”

  “I’m curious. Does anyone ever call you anything other than Stella? A nickname of some sort? Stella is very formal.” She squints her eyes at me as if I’m hiding something.

  I remove her hand from the door and hit the close button. As the door slides closed, I say sternly, “No. Stella Crimson is my name.”

  Once the doors shut, I open the dam. Can things get any shittier?

  ∞

  I take a moment to compose myself, then knock on the door and walk in. “Hi, Stephanie.”

  She spins quickly in her chair to face away from me. There’s a rattling of some sort. Maybe she’s screwing a cap on something? She opens a desk drawer and tosses in what looks like a Listerine bottle. But if she’s using Listerine, she should spit it out.

  She stands up from her chair and turns around. “Stella. How are you?”

  It’s not every day you see your manager with a blue Listerine mustache.

  “We were all shocked and worried to learn you were one of the injured from the explosion.”

  I want to slap the fake concern off her face. Others may have been concerned, but she wasn’t. Gale said that when he called Stephanie, she was more interested about when I’d be back in the office because of the amount of work that was piling up. My email is full of tasks she wants me to do… as of yesterday. Like I was never in the hospital.

  She rests her hand on her heart. “And just think, I’d have taken that same flight home from LA if I’d met with Carlotta Weis. I guess an angel watched over me that day.”

  I wait for an apology since she made me go in place of her, but nothing comes. Now that I think about it, why did I need to deliver stuff if they already had a meeting scheduled for today?

  I approach her desk and hand her the envelope that was in my suitcase. “As per the email I sent you before I left LA, I delivered the documents to Carlotta. Here are the signed copies for your files. I saw that you received the email with the scanned signed copies I sent you after the meeting. She and her daughter are here for an appointment with you. I’m not really sure why I had to meet Carlotta in LA when she’s here today.”

  “I told you they were time-sensitive and it was important for her to date and sign them. It’s not for you to question anyway. What’s the big deal? You were already in LA.”

  Oh really. “It is when I don’t work on this case, and I ended up in the hospital because I had to extend my trip another day.”

  “Well, you’re officially on the team as of today.” She continues to type on her laptop as we speak. The sound of her long fingernails clicking on the keyboard annoys the shit out of me. It always has.

  I place Jenny’s portfolio on her desk. “And here’s a modeling portfolio from Carlotta’s daughter. She hoped you could pass it on to someone who’d review it at Image Inc. She wanted me to throw in that her boyfriend is Samuel Moore.” I should mimic her hand movement. His name tastes disgusting on my tongue. But my Sam was so delicious. It was a dream, remember?

  Now she perks up in her chair. “The Samuel Moore? The soccer player? He’s so damn hot. Hotter than David Beckham.”

  Am I the only one who has never heard of him?

  “That’s him. He was in the main lobby when I fainted.”

  “He was here, and I didn’t get to meet him? Is he as hot in person? His eyes alone would make any woman go down on her knees.” She licks her Listerine lips as she pulls some documents from the printer next to her desk. “Did he say if he’d be back? We should try to pull him in for a consult.”

  She didn’t just say or do that. I love it that she doesn’t show any concern for me. Why is it such a big deal that he was here? I only knew him as an ordinary person.

  You knew him in a dream, not as a soccer professional that apparently every woman is pining for.

  The thought of him being with another woman makes me want to kill someone. Oh. Does that make him a cheater since we slept together while he had a girlfriend? Information overload. I can’t take it.

  “I’m still not feeling well since I fainted, so I’m going home. Here’s a copy of the doctor’s letter from the hospital stating I should stay home for the rest of the week. I’ll give the original to Human Resources before I leave. I’ll be back on Monday like I said in the email I sent you last night.”

  “I didn’t see it. I hope you’re not pregnant.”

  What the fuck?! How did she ever pass the bar? How is she a lawyer here? I know how. Her father’s a friend of the firm’s owner.

  “Can you return these calls for me before you leave today?” She waves a bunch of notes in my direction while she opens her desk drawer and pulls out a mirror. The nerve of her. I ignore her request, so she waves them again as she wipes the Listerine off her upper lip, then polishes her teeth with a finger.

  “Stephanie, I am injured. I’m sick. I just fainted in the lobby; in case you didn’t hear me say it two times. I’m going home. Your messages will have to wait until Monday.” I respond slowly but firmly, like I’m talking to a two-year-old.

  She glances my way, and her expression slowly turns to stone. “I’m relying on you, so you will call them today.” She pushes the notes at me again.

  “Then you will have to find someone else,” I mock. “I’m sick and I am going home. I’ll be back on Monday. Until then, you’ll have to call them back yourself or ask one of the other associates who work here.”

  She tosses the mirror back in the drawer and slams it shut.

  “And you have Listerine on the tip of your nose.”

  She gasps and covers her nose with her hand. There’s not really anything there. I just wanted to screw with her.

  I turn around and leave her office with my dignity in place. I’ve never spoken to her that way before, but the surprising thing is, I loved it. I’m tired of being a slave. She treats me like crap, unlike my old manager. I worked my ass off to become a lawyer. She can fire me if she wants, but since I do most of her work and she has no cause to fire me, she wouldn’t get away with it.

  Maybe a little bump on the head was a good thing for me. Or maybe all this attitude is my way of releasing my pent-up anger and sadness.

  Chapter 20

  Sam

  How could I have run off like that when she fainted? And how is it possible she works at the law firm Carlotta uses? For an instant, I thought she recogniz
ed me. But I remember her differently.

  Today she had her hair up in a tight bun, and she was wearing black glasses, just like when I met her at the airport, not at the resort. When she turned, all the memories came flying back. She was the last person I saw before the explosion. I don’t think we exchanged names.

  I bolted from the law office as soon as Jenny said she fainted because of me. Jenny was happy about it. She puts me on a pedestal as if I’m God, when I’m far from it. I think she wishes I was, but she knows I’m not. She lives in her own fantasy world. But so do I right now.

  The first time I noticed Ellie was at the LA airport, not in Seattle. Her natural beauty and that tough business-chick vibe she had going on sucked me right in. She sat by herself in the executive lounge while waiting for her flight. What I found fascinating is that she acted like she was the only one there. She had earbuds in and was working on her laptop.

  At one point, she went to get a drink at the bar. I couldn’t keep my eyes off her, and I was surprised she didn’t feel me watching her. Her black business suit emphasized her long legs and narrow waistline. I had wondered what she’d look like if her hair were down. Now I know. Or… I think I do.

  When my flight was called, she packed her stuff too. I waited until she left the lounge and followed her from a distance. I knew it was wrong to be curious because I had a girlfriend. One who I wanted to break up with, but still. The further she walked, the more evident it was that she was on the same flight as me. I kept my distance but was disappointed when she settled in a seat several rows behind mine. My stalking moment was over.

  But luck was on my side when she fell on my suitcase after we arrived in Seattle. She was flustered and maybe a bit sad. Wait a minute. The resort brochure I looked at with her was the same place we stayed. How could I be so stupid? Cass was right—things from your everyday life pop randomly into your dreams. There’s still a tiny shred of hope in my heart that it wasn’t all a dream, but this morning has connected too many unwanted dots.

  It wasn’t easy, pushing her out of my mind for the interview, but I did. Despite that half of my brain was still at the law office, things went pretty well. I have to thank Coach Lockhart for giving me pointers on what to expect during the meeting. I’d planned ahead and was well prepared. I also have several years of coaching behind me. Every summer for the last three years, I’ve been a trainer for the LA Galaxy Youth Camps. SU asked me to stay a couple more days to discuss some tactical plans for the team and the upcoming year. I agreed, but how will I stay away from Ellie—I mean Stella—knowing that she lives in Seattle?

  “Are you waiting for me to open your door? If you are, you’re going to be waiting for a long time. I ain’t no damn limo service.”

  I smother the laugh that surprises me. “Thanks for the clarification. Here’s your money,” I say to the taxi driver. “Keep the change.”

  I step out onto the curb at the back entrance of the hotel—no paparazzi or reporters. I breathe a sigh of relief. I’m surprised Jenny didn’t tell them to look for me here. She texted me to meet her at the bar when I arrive. I haven’t spoken to her all day.

  I turn the corner and find her giggling at the bar where several guys surround her. I lean up against the doorframe and listen to what they’re talking about.

  She bumps shoulders with one of them. “If you want to buy me a drink, you’ll have to ask my boyfriend, Samuel Moore, first.”

  “Oh, the soccer player who’s staying here? The one caught in the airport explosion? I heard about it on the news.”

  “Yup, that’s him. He just got out of the hospital.” She sips from her champagne flute. Why is she drinking champagne? I’m not paying for that. “He’s meeting me here in a few minutes.”

  “He’s getting pretty old now, isn’t he? I mean, for a professional soccer player. Hasn’t he been on the injured list for a long time? I’m surprised he’s still playing.”

  “Well, he is. I’m sure for many years to come.” I ball my fists and push off the doorframe with my elbow. She’s still in denial that they probably won’t ask to renew my contract after it runs out in August.

  I turn away and head for the elevators. I text Jenny to come up to our room instead of meeting at the bar. She walks in as I close my suitcase. I don’t acknowledge her.

  “Hey, sexy. Why didn’t you meet me at the bar?” She strolls up behind me, places her hands on my shoulders, and then slowly traces them down my back. “Did you have something else in mind?” She reaches in front of me and tries to unbuckle my belt. I detach her hands firmly and step away from her.

  “What the hell has gotten into you?” she yells. “Ever since you left LA, you’ve been very distant with me. Come to think of it, probably before that.”

  “It’s always about you, isn’t it, Jenny? Do you have any clue how close to death I was? There were people feet away from me in the airport who died. You’re more interested in your image and your damn phone.”

  She steps forward. “That’s not fair.”

  “What exactly isn’t fair? You didn’t come here to see me because you were worried about me. You came here to utilize my injury for your benefit. That’s what’s not fair.” I point at her face. “Do you really believe walking into a law office with me is going to make you magically turn into a famous model? Give me a fucking break.”

  “Why wouldn’t it? You’re Samuel Moore!” She always does this ridiculous hand wave when she says my name.

  I pull at what’s left of my hair. “Would you stop saying things like that! I want to stab myself with a knife every time I hear it. I’m a normal person who loves to play soccer.”

  “I don’t understand why it bothers you so much. It didn’t seem to when I first met you. You loved the attention as much as I do. That’s why we fit together.”

  “Well… that was before, and things have changed. Did you call the reporters and paparazzi and tell them we’re staying at this hotel? Did you tell them which hospital I was in?”

  She scratches behind her ear and looks everywhere but at me.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought. I’m not surprised. Didn’t you learn anything after you leaked info about my birthday bash in Vegas last month? I knew it couldn’t have been Jackson or Diana this time. They’re loyal.” I shake my head disgustedly and zip the suitcase closed. “I ordered another room for myself.”

  Her head pops up. “What do you mean? Why?”

  “I need to be alone. I’ll pay for this room through tonight. As of tomorrow, you’re on your own.”

  “Wait a second. I—I can’t afford to stay here.”

  “You’re flying home tomorrow, so what’s the big deal? If you’re planning to stay another day, you can stay in your mom’s suite. She has plenty of money to go around. I’m not your cash cow.

  “By the way, my interview at SU went well. Thanks for asking. And don’t you dare ask me what SU means.” She flashes me a nasty look. “They want me to stay for a few more days. I said yes. I’ll be back in LA sometime next week.”

  “Why don’t I stay here with you for the weekend? We need to spend some quality time together.” She reaches for me.

  I take a step back. “Did you not hear me, Jenny? I swear, I’m talking to a wall. I want to be alone so I can figure some shit out.”

  “Does this have to do with that tall lawyer, Stella? The one with the pasty skin and frizzy red hair? You both looked pretty surprised to see each other. I think that’s why she fainted. She asked me if you were a pilot. Why would she ask me that?”

  It’s so hard not to snap at her for talking about Ellie that way. Wait! I told Ellie I had a pilot’s license in the dream. A new strand of hope floats in the air. Stay calm.

  “We met at the airport before the explosion. I told you I didn’t remember anything about that day. Well, when I saw her, it reminded me of what happened. I don’t know why she’d think I’m a pilot. Maybe she fainted because she was injured too, or maybe she’s sick. How would I know? It’s not
like I’ve spoken to her. I didn’t know her name until you said it yourself.”

  “Is she Ellie?” She crosses her arms and glowers at me. “And why are you sweating?”

  I step closer to her. “Because it’s a day I want to forget. I don’t expect you to understand. It’s a waste of time talking to you.” My voice rises in anger. I grab my suitcase off the bed. “I’m leaving.”

  I open the door, but she slams it shut before I can walk out. “What are you doing?” I growl.

  She grabs me by the collar and plants her lips on mine. She forces her tongue into my mouth and strokes her hand against the front of my pants. The taste of champagne is revolting. I stiffen and don’t reciprocate. She pulls back and wipes off her mouth. For a second, I see embarrassment flicker in her eyes.

  “Okay, baby. Your head’s not on straight.” She smooths down my shirt. “You take a few days off. I want you to get better.” Maybe she should be an actress, not a model. “I’ll be waiting for you in LA. Then we can put this all behind us.” She kisses me on the cheek.

  I step around her and walk out the door. Catching it before it closes, she adds, “Good luck at SC. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back home. Love you.”

  “It’s SU!”

  “Oh, my bad.” She blows me a kiss.

  I walk away before I do or say something I’ll regret. The only one I have or ever will love is Ellie. Or should I call her Stella?

  Chapter 21

  Ellie

  I pull the curtains aside to peer out the living room window. Depressing, pouring rain. I’ve been hiding in my apartment the last two days. Gale keeps calling me, but I let it ring. I’ve spoken to Mom a couple of times, but the conversations were short. I haven’t told her what happened at work the other day. She’ll just try to talk sense into me.

  All I want to do is sleep, hoping that I’ll go back to Sam in my dreams. But because I want to sleep, I can’t. When I finally do pass out, cuddling with the sea turtle from my dad, I wake up sweating because the helicopter crash is on constant replay. Now I’m utterly exhausted, smelly, and hungry.