Chapter 10: Friday Rush

Lisa and Steve arrived early at the airport to confirm Chris’ arrival details and find a place to meet her there. Instead of going to pick her up at her shabby apartment in the afternoon, they wanted to get to her quickly, and avoid the quick taxi ride she usually would take.

“Lisa? Steve? Oh, my ... You’re here at the airport? Why?”

“We’ve missed you, every hour you’ve been away. Hurry, my car’s in the garage, and I’ve got us a room at the Best Western.”

Lisa pushed Steve in his wheelchair, while Chris dragged her scruffy bag behind her, its noisy old wheels making a racket on the concrete. Finally, they were loaded up in Steve’s SUV with Chris and Lisa (driving) in the front seats.

“Alright, Steve, now I can talk without shouting; my throat is sore. Are you two so horny for me that we’re going to a motel instead of back to your apartment? I mean, there’s a lake in my panties now because I feel the same, but...”

“Chris, I’m hard for you too, but that’s not the reason. I have my coat and tie on because after we check in, I need to get on Zoom.”

“You have to work?”

“No, sweetie, this is for you. You probably know there’s a lot of air travel to and from Austin from the big tech companies. The big electric car company, the big fruit computer and phone company, some big PC companies, all those big names have shifted operations from Silicon Valley to Austin.

“Those corporate bigwigs aren’t on planes like where we met, Chris, they fly private charter jets. You know, the ones with only six or eight plush leather seats.”

“I know about that, Steve, but what does this have to do with Zoom, or with me?”

“I have an old friend who works for one of those private jet operators. They fly celebrities, executives, and rich people all over the place. I’ve coaxed him into meeting with you on my laptop. It’s actually good that you’re still in your duty outfit, just to show him you really have relevant experience.”

“Oh, Steve, I’m all frazzled from work, I need to fix my makeup, oh, I’m not ready for being on camera...”

Lisa interrupted Chris, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you get ready. We have a little time. Steve?”

“Here’s the motel. My appointment with Walter is in 40 minutes. Lisa, park us near the entrance and help me with the chair and my laptop. Chris, grab your case. I asked for an ADA, uh, an accessible room. We should be on the ground floor.”

Walter Henderson flickered up in the Zoom window. On his desk was the obligatory plastic jet model, this one was a Gulfstream, likely big enough for eight passengers.

“Hey, Walter. I see you’re still flying those weenie little planes. Don’t the passengers mind that rubber band running the length of the cabin?”