"What's going on?"
"We're short on crew. We need you to run a first class passenger flight. The bigwigs are already sitting in their seats. Come on! Move it!"
They ran to the executive lounge and she put on the uniform Margaret gave her as quickly as she could. Soon they were on the runway being driven to a small, private luxury jet.
"Who are these people?" She asked Margaret.
"Private group, all big shots. No room for screw-ups. That's why I need you with me."
She looked up and saw the pilot waiting at the top of the air stairs. He looked anxious.
"My God," she said, "is that Alex?"
"You mean Captain Drummond? You betcha."
He was waving frantically. When they got within earshot, she could hear the urgency in his voice.
"Come on guys! What's the holdup? We can't afford to mess this one up. Melanie, get your ass in gear."
The two friends jumped the air stairs two at a time and then stopped to make a dignified entrance onto the plane.
First class was filled with people she didn't recognize. The curtains were already pulled to separate it from the rest of the small but very luxurious plane.
Alex ducked into the cockpit, swearing impatiently under his breath and then his stern, deep voice came over the PA system.
"Apologies for the delay, ladies and gentlemen. Just some additional precautions to assure your safety and comfort as you enjoy your flight today."
"Precaution by the name of cabin crew member Melanie Hutchinson." One middle-aged, elegant, and very well-preserved lady sneered.
Melanie took her take-off seat in front of the lady and directed her gaze to the floor. Be professional. This was obviously an important flight for Drummond Airlines, which meant it was important for Alex, and therefore, more important than ever for her.
The small jet began taxiing to the runway immediately and within minutes, they had taken off. As soon as they were at cruising altitude, she went to the galley for a briefing by Margaret and to begin service to what would obviously be a demanding clientele.
"God, I feel so confused today." She to her friend as she smoothed her slightly rumpled flight attendant uniform down over her hips.
"Well, just pull yourself together Mel." Her Margaret said. "We don't have time for that today. These guys can make or break this airline."
"Who are they?"
"No time to explain. Here, grab this and get out there." She pushed the service trolley to Melanie and then turned back to the galley counter.
Melanie began to back out. She was so keyed-up that she let out a shriek as her heel dug down into the patent leather shoe behind her.