it began innocently enough

later went off the rails

the whole unexpected

Seat 34B

          Christ

last row middle seat

he parked his bag overhead Row22

                                      no need to carry it all the way back rows immediately before and after seats were filled only a few entering the craft behind him

he was considerate

then to his surprise

                      a knockout seated at the window 34A

Looks more like a 38doubleD

Shaddup

           

his Mariachi shehes heshes often provided unwanted commentary

                                                                                 Arya kiddin

Im not Annot tha I disagree

She cant hear

You effect my eyes

                     Anya know  Windows to the soul

But you havent a soul

Awright awright Howbout windows to peer inside through

Don look now

                Shes lookin

Yes she is

What did you do wrong

she smiled all teeth  amused 

                                Excuse me?

To be confined to the back of the plane

                                         Im aware of my transgressions We may share onetwo   Maybe more

she laugheddidnt cover her mouth which was appealing he hadnt the words how appealing

                                                                                                   Transgressions?

Have a seat. You can elaborate.

OhChrist Tell me you work at a brain factory

Brain factory?

Psych

In fact I do.

An overseer

Psychiatrist.

We talk you gonna charge

Not if you’re interesting.

Well kiddo I believe youll have your hands full

                                                  before sitting he extended his hand  Joe

Raquel.

cleared his throat into his fist 

                                 Any relation

Excuse me?

Welch

Oh stop.

OhHellno Take a compliment

Well . . alright . . . thank you.

Thank you

the flight was fouranahalf hours

                                   during brief interludes when they werent talking he fauxgazed out the window enjoying her profile the curve of her breasts the back of her shapely head

Montana  Were nearly over Missoula

Excuse me.

Over Montana

Oh.

     Raquel looked again facing the window murmured It’s beautiful. 

It is Nearing Missoula

                       his voice cracked surprised him   he teared up

turning she saw

                  Are you . . are you okay?

I I am

What? If I may ask.

he choked a bit voice upset  Todays my wedding anniversary

                                                                  An this is the closest weve been since she died

Shes buried ninety miles south of here We married in Hamilton  Spent two awesome years before we had to leave

We wanted family but unfortunately coudnt afford one in Montana

                                                                         Two wonderful years

Rachel reached out held his forearm

                                        I am sorry. My condolences. From our conversations, I take it, she must have been quite a woman. she chuckled

                                  You’re a handful.

You know it You know it

she squeezed his arm firmly

                               She was a lucky woman.

Yay thank you

                 Im an awfully lucky guy

1500 midair,  2sday,  24  9. 24

1119,  Reggaefriday,  27  9. 24