“Somebody’s birthday is coming up,” he says while typing.

I smile without saying anything.

Then he stops, looks at me, and says, “It’s your lucky day. We have a seat available in first class—and from the looks of it—no one will sit next to you. Happy birthday.”

“Oh my God, I...thank you so much,” I say gratefully because I could use the extra room and a comfortable seat.

“I wish I had some free time,” he says, typing while talking to me. “I could use some sun and a few tequilas.”

“Well, you know, maybe next time,” I say, flirting with him just enough.

He’s cute, and I wouldn’t mind going on a date with him once I’m back from vacation.

“My number is here.” He circles a 720 area code number right above the gate number on my boarding pass. “In case you have an emergency.”

“See you around, Steve,” I say, waving at him.

I put away my passport and head toward my friends.

We take the escalator toward the security checkpoint when Courtney asks, “What took you so long?”

I shrug, getting out my driver’s license and boarding pass.

“You were supposed to drop your bag,” Madeline says, staring at my boarding pass. “Not get a phone number.”

“You bitch.” Courtney snatches it from me. “Why are you in first class?”

“He bumped me.”

“More like he wants to hump her,” Madeline says, dancing a little provocatively. “Look at you, already getting phone numbers and shit.”

As we step into the security checkpoint, the same rude guy from the check-in storms by, almost running me over.

“What’s his problem?” Courtney says.

“He’s an asshole,” I say. “He’s the same guy who cut the line.”

“First class,” he says, as he enters the security line.

I wave the ticket. “I’m first class too, asshole.”

“Good for you,” he replies with a deep voice. The ladies helping the Fly First line wait on him before they acknowledge us.

“He’s hot,” Courtney says in a low voice.

“Fuckable,” Madeline agrees with her.

“And rude,” I add, trying to get a closer look at him.

“Where are my glasses?” I protest.

“Oops,” Courtney says, her eyes widen. “I think I put them in my luggage, along with my full-size makeup bag.”

Great, I’ll have to deal until we arrive at the hotel. I take a deep breath.

“Guys like him are the worst,” I say my rant, guzzling the water Madeline gave me before I have to toss the bottle in the trash and set my tote bag in the bin.

“Stop complaining about the hottie,” Courtney says once we pass security and pick up our stuff.

“They think they own the world and can do whatever they want. Just like earlier. Now he’s going through the security line like some asshole who owns the place.”

“We did too,” Madeline argues.