Brett boarded the plane for the twelve-hour flight and made his way down the aisle. When he reached his seat, he was momentarily disappointed at not getting a Siren to sit beside. The window seat was occupied by a young Demon man wearing a crisp dress shirt and tailored pants. Brett glanced down at his own outfit: sweatpants and a sweater. Far more comfortable for a long flight, he thought.
The man looked up and smiled. Brett returned it politely before sitting down and pulling out his book.
“Trail Life,” the man read off the cover. “What’s it about?”
“Non-fiction?” He raised a brow. “Smart guy.”
“Not really,” Brett said. “Not many people read non-fiction anymore. Everyone’s on their phones.”
“Yeah. I camp and hike all the time. It’s refreshing to get away from… the city commotion.”
The man’s face lit up. “I feel the same way. Sometimes I just want to disappear into the woods and do my own thing. Back to the basics. I try to surround myself with nature as much as I can.”
Brett smiled, genuinely this time. “Yeah. Exactly.”
“I wouldn’t want to go alone though. I like company,” the man added. “But I don’t have many friends in the city. I skipped uni and went straight to work. It’s hard to make friends that way.”
“I get that,” Brett said. “I’m between terms at college, so I’ve just been working these past few months. I try, but I can’t make friends at work. Honestly, they’re all-”
“Insufferable,” they said in unison.
“Yeeaaah,” the man laughed. “I had a feeling we’d get along. Name’s Jude, by the way.” He extended a hand and Brett shook it.
“I’m Brett. You live in Grodo City?”
“I’ll take you on a hike some weekend.” Brett replied.
“I’d love that.” Jude grinned and reached into his pocket, pulling out a business card. “Here. Take my number. I promise I’m not trying to sell you anything.” He winked. “You couldn’t afford me anyway.”
Brett stared at the card longer than necessary, caught off guard by the comment. He took it and gave Jude a tight smile. “Sure.”
He was absolutely not calling him.
“So,” Brett said after a moment, “what’s your job?”
“Financial investment advisor. Private firm.”
“I’m guessing you work at a call center,” Jude continued. “Or maybe food delivery?”
“What? Is that bad?” Jude’s smile faltered, looking confused.
“I’m going to use the bathroom,” Brett smiled.
Inside the bathroom, Brett gripped the edges of the sink and stared at his reflection. “Young. Arrogant. Spoiled rich kid who probably got his hotshot job through daddy.” He thought to himself. When Brett returned to his seat, a Siren flight attendant was passing by with food and snacks. Brett asked for a cookie and coffee. Jude ordered wine and a full meal kit.
“For my friend as well,” he added, lightly tapping the back of his hand against Brett’s chest. The flight attendant nodded and moved on before Brett could object.
“My treat,” Jude said. “And my apology for offending you earlier.”
“You didn’t offend me,” Brett replied plainly.
“Why did you book economy instead of business class?” Brett asked.
“Last-minute flight,” Jude sighed. “Didn’t have a choice.”
“Right? Economy is garbage; there’s barely any leg room.” Jude groaned. He glanced toward the flight attendant once she was out of earshot, and lowered his voice. “She’s got a nice rack.”
Brett frowned. “Keep that to yourself.”
“You’re thinking it too,” Jude said, grinning wider. “You totally are.”
“I’m not.” Brett glared at him. “You’re gross, man.”
“You’re just mad that you wouldn’t be able to afford her.”
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” Jude lifted his hands in surrender. “Chill out.”
The flight attendant soon returned, setting two glasses of wine and a meal kit on their trays, as well as a coffee and cookie for Brett. Jude immediately began complaining about how unappetizing the meal kit looked, and how tiny the tray table in front of him was. Brett ignored him, a headache brewing.
He checked his watch; only twenty minutes had passed on the 12 hour flight. Brett glanced at the wine, then drained his glass in one go. He was going to need it.
