Lauren relished the chilled briny oysters. It had been forever since she’d had any. It was not something on the menu at Ruby’s Diner. Next was poached salmon, cooled and served with tender greens, fresh tomato, hard-boiled egg, and capers. The food literally melted in her mouth. “I don’t think I’ve ever had salmon prepared this way. It’s delicious.”

“I’ll tell Jean Simone Laurent, and he’ll give you his recipe, if you ask.”

“Not sure I could re-create this, but I would love to try his recipe at home,” Lauren said between bites. She felt a bit intimidated, as Felicia stayed with her while she ate, but if this was the way Mr. G operated, then so be it.

As soon as she finished, Felicia removed her plate and refreshed her ice water. “We have red velvet cake for dessert. I had a taste earlier. It’s to die for, like most everything Jean prepares.”

“I don’t think I could eat another bite, but maybe later. With coffee?” she asked, knowing her wish would be granted. Lauren didn’t think it would be too much trouble getting used to fancy meals like the one she’d just consumed.

“Then I’ll leave you to roam the aircraft, have a look around, or take a nap. I’m just a touch away,” Felicia said.

“Thank you so much. I’m going to roam, see if I can walk off a calorie or two.”

“Like you need to,” Felicia teased. “I, on the other hand, could afford to lose weight. Three babies almost back-to-back takes a toll on a girl’s figure.”

“Really? I mean three babies? I don’t mean that in a bad way, you just look”—Lauren paused—“so polished, and well put together.”

“Trust me, when I’m home, the hairdo and makeup disappear, but I do love those little ones,” Felicia said, clearing away the last dish. “Eight, ten, and twelve. All boys.”

Lauren laughed. “Well, I think you’re lucky. I adore kids. I’ve always wanted children.” She rarely voiced that and surprised herself when the words came out of her mouth.

“You’re young; you have plenty of time.”

“Not so much. I’m thirty-five.”

“No way! You definitely don’t look it,” Felicia said.

“Thank you. I think.” She laughed. “I get a lot of that because of my size. Up close, the wrinkles are there, trust me.”

“Well, regardless, you’re a beautiful woman, and I’m sure you’re going to have beautiful babies when the time is right. Now, I’ll get out of your hair and let you enjoy your trip.”

Lauren thanked her again, then stood and stretched. She’d put her heels back on. She would have liked to walk around the plane without them but didn’t because it wasn’t very professional, plus it gave her four extra inches in height.