Now in full voice, Sam began working his way through first class, dancing with passengers in business class, switching past Gail in coach, and working his way back up. The whole plane began cheering and yelling as their energy fueled Sam to even greater and more outrageous lengths of his performance. He was standing on seats, dancing and prancing up and down the aisle. The plane had been transformed into a Broadway stage, and Sam was the star. Finally, after he came to the big finale, the whole plane broke out in a standing ovation, everyone cheering, some throwing flowers, some throwing coins and dollars, some men even slipping Sam their numbers. Sam was the holiday belle of the ball.

Sam and I were still hugging, the passengers where still cheering, and Gail was in coach, still mad, when almost in slow motion an arm came rounding the corner. Then a leg, then a waist, chest, neck, and…no, it couldn’t be. It wouldn’t be. It was. Standing almost twenty feet away was Graham Jackson, boarding the plane and taking his seat in first class. I quickly grabbed a pillow from the overhead bin, covered my face, and headed toward the back of the plane.

“Flight attendants, prepare your cabin for takeoff.”

First class was my scheduled post but there was no way I could confront Graham. I wasn’t ready. What would I say? How would I act? How would I react to him still being married and me still being single? So, I did the only mature thing to do. I hid in the coach lavatory.

“Flight attendants, prepare your cabin for takeoff.” Again the voice came through the loudspeaker.

“Montana, what are you doing in there?” It was Gail banging on the door. “The captain is ready to take off!”

“Do you mind if we switch posts?”

“Yes, I mind! It’s a fine brother in 26B. What are you doing in there?!”

“Thinking.”

“Thinking?”

“Yes, thinking.”

“About what?”

“Life.”

“Hello, flight attendants?” the captain’s now annoyed voice shot through the plane’s loudspeaker. “Cabin doors? Takeoff? Do either of these words make you want to do anything in particular?” By now, Gail’s banging had increased and I could hear the passengers on the plane laughing at the captain.

“Montana, I swear if you don’t open up this door…”

“Heifer, move out the way.” It was Sam. “Montana, honey, it’s me, Sam. Are you all right? What’s wrong?”

“Who you calling heifer, stinkerbell? You move out the way! I was here first.” Opening the lavatory door, I peeked out, making sure the coast was clear.

“Girl, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Graham.”

“What’s Graham?”

“Graham’s in first class.”

“Graham who?”

“Chicago Graham.”

Again, only more frustrated, the captain came over the loudspeaker, “If anyone on board would like to begin a rewarding career as a flight attendant, I’ll be passing out applications momentarily.”