“He is, and as down-to-earth as dirt,” Felicia said, with a big grin. “We are going to be delayed a few minutes as our copilot is running late.”

“I can’t see how that would be a problem for me,” Lauren said.

“It’s never a problem for anyone. We all love Mr. G, plus this aircraft is easy to hang in, delay or not.”

That was one of the highest compliments an employee could give their employer. “Does everyone call him Mr. G?

“He insists on it. Says his Italian name is a tongue twister, and that he has trouble with it, too. Though most people know he’s a jokester.”

“It certainly is going to be a pleasure to get to know him,” Lauren said.

“Wait until you meet his son. You will think you’ve died and gone to heaven. He’s as nice as his father, but oh boy. I’ll let you form your own opinion when you meet him.”

Lauren laughed. “I’ll do that.”

“We’re serving lunch in half an hour.” Felicia opened a drawer and handed her a leather-bound menu.

“Wow again,” Lauren said.

“We have a full kitchen. Staff, too.”

Lauren could not wait to share this experience with Madison. She’d flip out.

“What’s your recommendation?”

“The flight’s around five and a half hours, so I would choose something to tide you over until dinner. Of course, you can have snacks, desserts, espresso, ice cream. We have almost any snack you can imagine. Also, there is this.” She took another smaller, leather-bound menu and gave it to Lauren. “These are the movie selections if you decide you want to watch a movie.”

Lauren skimmed through the list, all movies that were currently in theaters. “I’ll see. I planned on reviewing my notes, but who knows? Thanks so much.” She returned the movie menu to Felicia.

“I’ll try the captain’s course,” Lauren said. “I like the aviation references.”

“I know; that’s a great choice. You’ll get a taste of everything Seattle.”

“It looks like it,” she said. “I adore salmon and oysters, so this is a real treat for me.”

“Then I’ll leave you to get settled, and if you need anything, just press this.” She handed her an iPhone. “There’s an app for everything you need here. Lights, movies, and, of course, online shopping.” Felicia gave her a quick tutorial on the apps, then excused herself.

Lauren sat down on one of the leather swivel chairs. Feeling giddy, she used her high-heeled shoe to take a short spin in the chair and felt like a kid at Christmas. Felicia was right. She couldn’t imagine anyone being afraid to fly in such luxury. A virtual home in the sky. She almost wished the flight was longer so she could sleep in the giant bed and have a shower. Unreal, she thought.

A tap on her door startled her.