Free Flight by Siena Colmer Page A

looked like someone who’s used to being in control; the one who tells everyone what to do.”
    “ Well he’s not.” Charlie said a little too sharply. She grimaced and quickly looked towards the cot to make sure she didn’t wake Megan, but the little girl was still sleeping peacefully. She continued in a softer tone. “He doesn’t seem to know anything about avionics.”
    Mandy grinned, “I’m sure not everyone at PAL has a Masters in Engineering like you.”
    “ There are many very knowledgeable and highly educated engineers in PAL. Ryle Sullivan is not one of them.”
    “ Still, he looked quite intelligent to me.”
    Charlie couldn’t admit that Ryle, despite his lack of experience, knowledge and education in aeronautical engineering, seemed to be a quick learner. Any procedures, processes and tasks only needed to be explained to him once and he quickly grasped it. He might not understand the technical side of it, but he seemed to grasp the concepts and logic behind it easily. Having worked closely with him, she had noticed that he needed no supervision when a task is set to him. He had initiative; and whatever he did, he did a good job. She had to admire him for that, however grudgingly she felt about it. It made her wonder why he would waste his time being in a cleanup crew at a factory when he seemed intelligent.
    “ And he’s so hot.” Mandy added.
    Charlie didn’t want to be reminded of that either. She remembered how his bare legs look, and his arms, and his chest and…!
    Before Mandy could say more, Megan woke up and demanded attention. Charlie was glad to stop thinking about Ryle. The weekend would be her reprieve from him.
    Charlie was ready when Jeff picked her up at six o’clock for their date. She wore a little black dress with sheer black hosiery and black heels. It was a safer choice for the opera and to meet Jeff’s friends afterwards at his friend’s diner.
    Jeff looked very handsome in a dark suit, his sandy brown hair just brushing the collar of his white linen shirt. He was holding a bouquet of flowers when she opened the door.
    “You look breathtaking.” Jeff said softly, his hazel eyes warm as they ran appreciatively over her.
    “ Thank you.” She smiled. “You look very handsome too.”
    He grinned. “These are for you.”
    “ Jeff, they’re beautiful. Thank you.” She smiled, taking the bouquet from him. “How did you know I love tulips?”
    “ Mandy told me.” Jeff grinned sheepishly.
    “ Oh, that sneak, she didn’t tell me you bought flowers for me.”
    “ I told her not to say anything; I wanted to surprise you.”
    “ Thank you, I’ve never received flowers before.”
    “ You’re kidding.” He said disbelievingly.
    “ No, I’m not.” She grinned. “Let me put these in water first and I’ll be ready to go.”
    The opera was very enjoyable.
    Afterwards they went to a family diner where two of Jeff’s good friends were waiting for them. They were really nice and made her feel welcome. Charlie had a good time with Jeff’s friends. It was a relaxing evening.
    Yet as she lay in bed later that night, trying to fall asleep, she couldn’t stop thinking about Ryle and what happened at the floral shop. Was that young blond really his girlfriend? Was she staying with him tonight? She said she was visiting him for the weekend; what could that mean? Her comment about the blond being a child was uncalled for. She didn’t know what drove her to say that. It was none of her business what Ryle chose to do. She shouldn’t care.
    But she did.

 
     
    For the next couple of weeks, Charlie tried to avoid Ryle as much as she could. It was not easy since he was supporting her team, and she was far too conscious of his presence. She didn’t need this complication. Not now. Not when she already had a lot to think about regarding her relationship with Jeff and the impact it might have on her life at PAL if it became public knowledge. After so many years of firm resolve, it