She really started sobbing then. “Oh my God. We’re about to be sent to airplane jail and you’re quoting Titanic?”
“I’m sorry,” I instantly apologized. “God, baby. I’m so sorry. This was my fault. I should’ve—fuck, I don’t know. I only said the movie quote to make you smile.”
“It worked,” she swore even as more tears flooded her face and the tipping up of her lips looked anything but happy. “It was so beautiful, and I loved it. I just...I didn’t mean to get us into trouble. You’ve been so amazing, and I’m just fucking it all up.”
“No...no, you’re not in any trouble, ma’am.” Jon patted her shoulder hesitatingly, his expression full of worry. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. Here.” He thrust a wad of tissues at her.
“Oh. Th-thank you.” She sniffed and gingerly took a tissue before wiping her face. “So...you’re not...you’re not going to kick us off the plane?”
“Of course not. I am sorry for scaring you. I just wanted you to be aware of the rules.”
She nodded and blew her nose. “It’s okay. I’m aware now. We’re very aware.”
He still watched her warily as if ready to catch her in case she fainted or some shit. “Are you sure? Are you okay now?”
“Yes. Thank you. Thank you so much. If you don’t mind, I...I think we’ll go take our seats now.”
“Sure.” He touched her shoulder again and was lucky I didn’t snap his hand off for it. “I’m going to make you something warm to drink and bring it out to you, okay?”
“Thank you. That’s so kind.”
I lifted an eyebrow as I watched their byplay. When Caroline glanced up at me, her cheeks were still wet from crying, but not a single new tear filled her eyes. She took my hand and led us back to our seats. Without saying a word, we clicked on our seat belts and sat there, facing forward.
“You okay?” I finally asked, dipping my face to get a look at hers.
She turned to me, completely casual. “Of course. Why?”
I blinked. And then it hit me. “Why, you sneaky little shit. You just totally played him.” And me too, apparently.
Her devious grin slipped across her face. “Well, I had to do something. Your petulant smart-ass attitude wasn’t getting us anywhere.”