They lay together for what seemed like an eternity. At last, he forced his eyes open and began yanking frantically on the handcuffs.
"Melanie, get these things off me now. I need to get out of here."
She sleepily opened her eyes.
"Let's just stay a little while longer. I don't want this moment to end so soon."
But he was insistent. "Melanie, come on. I'm not asking. Just get these things off me. You've had your fun, now let me go. There are things I need to do. Now."
Melanie sat up and began looking for the key.
"Come on Melanie, goddammit, hurry up."
Her heart began to sink as she searched for the key. Was this another side to Alex she hadn't seen? She finally got the cuffs open and he jumped from the bed.
"Get ready to go. We have to be at the airport in an hour."
"I don't understand, Alex. Honey, just tell me what's happening."
"There's no time to explain. I need to make some calls. You need to get your hands on a Drummond flight attendant uniform."
"Now you really have me confused."
"You still work for Drummond Airlines, right?"
"I guess so, I mean, wasn't that the final outcome?"
"And I'm still part owner."
"Yes."
"Well, some things are more important than lying in bed. Drummond Airlines is in trouble and that means we all have to do whatever is necessary in order to keep it afloat, and that means you and me, too."
"Okay, Alex. I'm sorry, I understand. I'll call Margaret and let her know I need a uniform. She'll have one ready for me by the time I get there."
He took her head in his hands and kissed her on the forehead.
"Great, now you're talking. Have the driver take you there." He was pulling on his clothes as he spoke. "I'll meet you in the executive lounge in an hour." He headed for the door.
"Alex, wait." She said.
He stopped and turned around. "What is it?"
"I love you."
He smiled. "Yeah, me too. See you at the airport." He slammed the door behind him.
Melanie sat in stunned silence for a minute and then made the call to Margaret. Maybe this was just part of being a billionaire's girlfriend. Whatever. She was still on the payroll and needed to pay her mother's bills. She pulled her things together and then buzzed the driver to collect her and drop her off at LAX.
When she arrived at the airport, Margaret was waiting for her at departures.
"Where the hell have you been, Melanie? There's a planeload of people waiting for us. Get your ass in gear and let's go!"