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  By Emjay Haze

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  Warren’s Peace

  By Emjay Haze

  The holidays are a time for second chances.

  Warren Blessing lost his wife (two years ago), and his kids decide he’s been alone too long. They send him on a holiday singles cruise so he can meet someone new.

  On the flight from Chicago to Miami, he sits next to an attractive man, but when the flight’s over, he doesn’t think he’ll see him again.

  Fletcher Hammond is a professional mystery shopper for vacation destinations and travel. After a split from his unfaithful fiancé, he’s embarking on a singles cruise. He meets a lovely gentleman on the flight, whose conversation and cocktails help Fletcher through his fear of takeoffs, but he doesn’t expect to see him again.

  As if by fate, a meeting in the ship’s dining room renews their mutual attraction. But can they build a relationship with distance and baggage working against them? Or will they part ways when they return to port?

  “THIS IS so cool!” Stephanie pulled out a blue-and-purple-striped sweater dress from the box she’d just unwrapped, and held it up, twirling in a circle. “I can’t wait to wear this to Claire’s New Year’s Eve party.” She ran over and kissed Warren on the cheek. “Thanks, Dad.” She sat back down and began tearing into her next gift.

  Daniel sat on the other side of the family room on the big chair facing their tree, pawing the neck on the new guitar Warren had gotten him. Dan always loved music. So did their mom.

  His kids had grown into fine young adults. He only wished Sarah were here to see them now.

  Warren Blessing sat surrounded by the pile of gifts from his kids: a floral Hawaiian shirt, flip-flops, some new khaki shorts, and a turquoise and gray bathing suit with whales patterned in white. He couldn’t leave them the day after Christmas.

  “Dad, you’re not changing your mind.” Stephanie had abandoned her gift pile and stomped over to Warren with her hands on her hips and a surly expression on her beautiful face. “We talked about this. You deserve to have some fun. Maybe you’ll meet someone.”

  “But, it’s Christmas.” What kind of parent left their kids on Christmas? Well, the day after.

  Dan sat straight up in his chair. “Dad, we’ll be fine. Promise. Anyway, the cruise is already booked, and I know there’s someone out there waiting to meet you.” The determination in his children’s voices nearly convinced him.

  “But a holiday singles cruise? It sounds depressing.” His kids had talked him into this cruise a few months ago, and it had seemed like a good idea at the time. It had been two years since Sarah passed, and four years since she’d been diagnosed with cancer. It was difficult watching someone you love wither away; even more so for his kids. He’d gotten Stephanie through high school, and now they were both in college. He was lonely and ready to move on.

  “What about you guys?” They were only home for a couple more weeks before they went back to school.

  “We have wild parties planned for the entire time you’re gone.” Stephanie’s wide grin told Warren she was joking. They were great kids. “Dad, we’ll be fine.”

  “And, only one wild party,” Dan added, chuckling.

  “You’ll be home the day after New Year’s. Besides, Dad—” Stephanie picked up the shorts and shirt she’d picked out and held them up to him. “—you’ll look hot,” she sang.

  A blush warmed his face. Was he ready for this? He knew he was, but it was scary, just the same.

  STEPHANIE AND Dan reassured him all evening. When they went out with their friends after Christmas dinner and Warren sat alone on his leather recliner, sipping a glass of wine and watching the news, he was finally convinced. He needed to get out and meet people. Even if not a love interest, although that would be nice. He was tired of being lonely.

  The next morning, Warren’s kids dropped him off at O’Hare Airport. After saying goodbye, he watched them drive away, wondering again if this was a good idea.

  Warren entered the terminal with his bags. The airport was bustling with holiday traffic; families going on vacation, honeymooners…. He remembered his honeymoon in Hawaii. He and Sarah were so in love back then. A young couple stood in front of him. The man had his arm around the woman, who looked several months pregnant. The man placed his hand on his wife’s tummy and kissed her.

  Three months after their honeymoon, Warren came home from work, and Sarah had a pregnancy test in her hand. “What? Are you serious?” She nodded, smiling at him. “Baby, I’m so happy,” he told her. And he was.

  He stepped up to the counter and handed the agent his ticket. The woman glanced over at him, smiling. He was still a handsome man and not that old, thank you very much. He’d just turned forty-two last month.

  “Traveling alone, sir?” Was she fishing for information on his marital status? She’d glanced at his hand, apparently searching for a ring.

  “Mm,” he responded, taking the boarding pass from her and returning the smile.

  “Have a nice day,” she said. He’d already turned around and was walking away, her gaze probably following him.

  He hadn’t been attracted to many women. Before her, he’d dated mostly men, and thought he was gay until he met Sarah. His senior year of college, Warren went to a party with some friends. He wasn’t usually into the scene, and his friends just went to hook up. Warren had no intention of hooking up with any girl. But then he walked out back and saw this pretty brunette arm-wrestling with one of the jocks. The guy looked like he was struggling, sweat pouring off his brow. Sarah, he found out her name later, took a final huff and slammed the athlete’s arm down, picked up a bottle of beer and downed it, and slapped him on the shoulder. “Better luck next time,” she said. Warren was smitten. He’d never met anyone like her. She played piano, ran track, and could outdrink most of the frat guys he knew. Fortunately, they both grew up after graduation and decided to get married. He knew he was at least bisexual, but he had wanted to raise a family.

  For the last year, both his kids encouraged him to date again. They introduced him to their friends’ divorced moms. He never told them his secret. Sarah knew, of course. But he wasn’t interested in dating women. No one could replace Sarah. Besides, he missed being with a man. Maybe it was time for him to embrace that side of himself again.

  He arrived at his gate a few minutes before it was time to board, so he took out his phone and typed a quick message. Hey guys, I’m getting ready to board. Love you.

  Have fun, Dad. We’ll be fine.

  He knew they would. They were all grown up. Stephanie had just started at the university this fall, and Daniel was a junior. Unfortunately, losing their mom made them grow up sooner than Warren intended. He regretted that the most.

  He handed the gate agent his boarding pass. “Have a nice flight,” he said, as Warren walked away and headed toward the jetway where three friendly flight attendants greeted the passengers. The first was long and lean, with a severe bun and short bleach-blonde bangs. “Welcome aboard, sir.” The second was a few inches shorter than her coworker and had curly brown hair. They were both pretty, but not his type. The third had light brown hair, short on the sides and longer in the back, and long eyelashes that framed his brown eyes. Warren took a step back and swept his eyes from the younger man’s face to his lean figure.

  The male flight attendant curled his lower lip as he gave Warren a once-over with his eyes and shook his hand. “Welcome to flight 786,” he said, his sultry voice making Warren shiver as the soft hand touched his.

  “Thank you.” Warren didn’t mean for that to come out so flirty
. The guy was probably half Warren’s age. He sucked in his breath and continued down the aisle of the crowded airplane.

  He’d secured the aisle seat online, but a mother and rambunctious child occupied his row. He just hoped they would settle down in their seat before takeoff. The small boy jumped on both seats while his distraught mother tried to occupy her overactive offspring, throwing a desperate look toward Warren like he could do something about it.

  He returned a friendly nod, picked up one of the in-flight magazines, and began flipping through it. Hopefully the kid would settle down during takeoff.

  The flight attendants walked down the aisle, closing overhead compartments. The male attendant, whose name tag read Darien, stopped at Warren’s row and leaned toward his ear. “Sir, would you like to be upgraded?” He spoke softly and slowly.

  “What?” He couldn’t have heard that right. The mother next to him was now consoling her crying child over not having brought some toy, and screaming baby sounds permeated the cabin from a few rows back.

  “First class?”

  Warren bobbed his head up and down in a rapid movement. “Yes, thank you.” He didn’t think to question why as he stood up before the flight attendant took back the offer, and grabbed his bag overhead.

  He gave Warren another smile. “Follow me, sir.”

  Darien opened the curtain to first class. “This way,” he said, leading Warren to his row. There was a gentleman sitting in the aisle seat wearing a charcoal-gray business suit and typing on a laptop resting on the pull-down tray attached to the seat in front of him. He looked around Warren’s age, maybe slightly younger. He had jet-black hair, framing a strong jaw, broad shoulders, and a wide chest. “Here we are, sir.” Darien’s voice pulled Warren out of his internal survey of the beautiful man blocking his seat.

  Darien walked away, and when Warren glanced back toward his seat, he caught the well-dressed man checking him out. “Excuse me,” Warren said. “They upgraded me to first class, and that’s my seat,” he said, pointing to the window seat.

  “Certainly,” the man replied, with a kind smile. He picked up his laptop and closed the tray. Then he stood up while Warren placed his bag in the overhead compartment. “Thank you,” Warren drawled, scooting past him. Their hips brushed against each other as Warren slipped into the window seat, while the other passenger sat down, laptop still in his hand as he lowered the tray again and placed it on top.

  “Sorry to disturb you.” Warren felt the need to apologize. He was probably looking forward to having the entire row to himself.

  He turned his head. “Not a problem. There’s plenty of room.”

  “Thank you,” Warren said, settling into his seat.

  “How did you score first class?”

  “I think the flight attendant took pity. There was a screaming toddler next to me.”

  “Hmm,” he added, like he didn’t quite believe Warren’s answer. “I think he was flirting with you.”

  That was a strange thing for a straight guy to notice. Warren shrugged his shoulders. He was just glad to get away from that commotion.

  “He’s cute,” the guy continued. “A little young, of course, but….” The words slipped off, and then he went back to typing on his keyboard while Warren took the opportunity to take a good look at his new neighbor. He had the most amazing green eyes Warren had ever seen, and he appeared, not wealthy, but definitely refined. It made Warren wonder what the guy did for a living. Why that mattered, he had no idea. He’d never see the guy again after they landed.

  He must have been staring, because Green Eyes gazed back at him again. He turned his body to face Warren and offered his hand. “I’m Fletcher, by the way.”

  Warren cleared his throat, taken by the man’s confidence. “Nice to meet you.” He shook hands. “Warren.”

  “Nice to meet you too, Warren.” The man flashed a pretty smile, and Warren felt warm all over. Fletcher went back to working on his laptop.

  They remained in comfortable silence as the airplane slowly backed out of the terminal and headed down the runway. Fletcher seemed nervous while he closed up his laptop and replaced the tray table. Darien appeared while the televisions located throughout the cabin played the safety demonstration and explained where all of the exits were, and how to turn your seat into a flotation device in case of a water landing.

  Fletcher’s breathing quickened, eyes shut tight like he was willing the plane to stay on the ground. Warren leaned toward him, and Fletcher opened his eyes.

  “Oh.” Fletcher chuckled, lightening the mood. “I hate takeoffs.”

  “I see. How about a drink?” Warren snapped his fingers to get Darien’s attention.

  Fletcher nodded appreciatively, while the young man made his way over. “What can I get you, sirs?”

  “A couple of cocktails before the takeoff, please. What would you like, Fletcher?”

  “Dry vodka martini, please, no ice,” he answered, shakily.

  “And you?” Darien lowered his voice. Warren appreciated the attention from the younger man. It made him feel good. But he was way more intrigued by his new friend, Fletcher.

  “Tanqueray and tonic, thank you.”

  “Coming right up.” Darian shimmied back down the aisle.

  The monitors blanked when the presentation ended, and the plane came to a stop shortly afterward at the runway to wait for its turn.

  Darien returned moments later with the makings for their cocktails. On Warren’s tray, he placed a bottle of the imported gin and a glass of ice filled with tonic water and a lemon slice. “Thank you.” Warren opened the tiny screw bottle and poured the contents into his glass, while the attendant handed Fletcher two bottles, a nondescript brand of vermouth and Grey Goose Vodka, and a plastic glass with an olive lying on the bottom.

  Fletcher prepared his martini and then took a long sip. “Feeling better?” Warren asked.

  Fletcher sighed and placed his glass on the tray. “Sorry, I get nervous taking off. Once I’m in the air, I’m fine.” He picked up the glass again and drained it. “I do this all the time. You’d think I’d be used to it.”

  Warren downed his, too, and flagged Darien down for another round. “We’re getting ready for takeoff in a few minutes, so I’ll need to collect those before I take my seat.” His reprimand was light, yet clear.

  Warren nodded. Fletcher looked ready to inhale his second drink anyway.

  The airplane glided down the runway, and Warren resisted taking Fletcher’s hand. He looked scared as the plane picked up speed, his face paling as the airplane began its ascent. The pressure invaded Warren’s own ears, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of Fletcher.

  Fletcher kept his eyes closed. The noise was deafening, as the jet powered the large flying machine higher into the clouds.

  Once the airplane had leveled out, the sound lessened, and Fletcher appeared to relax. “Thank you—for that.” He sighed.

  “Anytime.” Warren sat back, while Fletcher took out his laptop again. He remained quiet until Darien came around with the beverage cart and took their dinner orders. Both men opted for a glass of water. Warren felt relaxed and maybe a little bold. This man, Fletcher, intrigued him. He wanted to get to know him.

  However, the opportunity never presented itself. Darien delivered their dinners, and they made chitchat about the flight and Darien as they ate their roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, garden salad, and chocolate cake for dessert. After Darien removed their trays Warren ordered another cocktail. Fletcher fell asleep and remained so for the duration of their flight. He woke up just as the pilot announced their descent into Miami International Airport. Maybe landings bothered him as much as takeoffs.

  When the airplane finally came to a stop, Fletcher hurried out of his seat and grabbed his bag overhead. “Thank you, again,” he said to Warren. “You made the flight bearable.” Then he flashed him the most beautiful smile that Warren had ever seen.

  Warren snorted a laugh. That wasn’t exactly a co
mpliment. “You too.”

  Fletcher gave him a nod and stood up, falling in line with the rest of the passengers. Warren followed him down the aisle where the flight attendants stood, saying goodbye to each of the passengers. When Warren came upon them, Darien flashed him the same flirty grin as when he’d greeted him before the flight; the young man was good for his ego.

  “Thank you,” Warren said, extending his hand. “I really appreciate the seat upgrade.”

  “You’re very welcome,” Darien winked at him. God, if he were ten years younger….

  Warren shook the hands of the other two attendants, and then walked down the jetway into the gate area of Miami International Airport. Fletcher was nowhere to be found. Warren sighed. Guess it wasn’t meant to be.

  The Miami airport was filled with families greeting loved ones, those going on vacation, business people, and lovers. Maybe this vacation was a mistake. He wasn’t ready. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and began texting his daughter. Steph, I don’t know about this.

  NO! No way. Dad, you deserve this vacation. We’re fine, but you need this!!

  Okay, point taken. He chuckled. I love you, you know that, right?

  I love you too, Dad. Dan says hi.

  Love you both. Wish me luck.

  You’re gonna have a blast, I promise!! :)

  Should I be scared?

  :)

  Warren laughed while putting his phone away, then walked toward baggage claim. He recognized a few of the passengers from his flight. Then he noticed him; Fletcher stood on the other side of the baggage carousel, waiting for his luggage. He was gorgeous. Warren wondered what his deal was. He obviously traveled frequently but feared flying. He was probably some sort of businessman—Warren could tell that from Fletcher’s expensive suit—maybe here on business or returning home. He wondered whom Fletcher went home to.

  Fletcher’s gaze met Warren’s, and he looked away, not wanting Fletcher to think he’d been staring. When he turned back, Fletcher had pulled his bag off the carrousel and was headed toward the exit. A tinge of regret flooded him. He heard his daughter’s voice reprimanding him. His bag came around, and he grabbed it. “Okay, Warren,” he told himself. “Are you ready for this?” He mentally shook his head. Taking a deep breath, he walked through the automatic doors, into the Miami air.