Page 7 of War
She said, “Back to work. Nice to meet you, Zion.”
“You, too, Amantha.”
She smiled at me and answered the phone. “Airplayne Adventures, how may I help you?” she asked the caller.
I stood from my seat and walked to the hangar. As I did, I unwrapped the second Reese's cup and bit into it. Maybe I'd listen to Joey and keep Amantha around a little longer.
Chapter 4
“Hey, guys! Did you have a good day?” Amantha asked the next day as Joey and I walked from the hangar into the lobby. We'd already done the end of day work, including re-packing the parachutes, and changed to head out. He and I wore our street clothes, simple jeans and T-shirts.
We moved around to the front of her desk, and I grinned when I saw her bright smile. Contagious.
“Yeah, babe. Great flights today,” I said.
She frowned. “Don't call me ‘babe.’ It makes me think of the pig from that kids’ movie.”
I couldn't help myself. “Is ‘sugar tits’ better?”
She pursed her lips and studied me. “Sure. But if you call me ‘sugar tits,’ I'm calling you ’salty balls.’”
Unexpectedly, I barked a laugh. “Deal.”
Joey rolled his eyes. “Don't tempt him. He'll answer to that.”
Amantha smiled sweetly. “Well good. I expect him to answer to it if I answer to ‘sugar tits.’”
She wore a purple shirt, and her pink hair was tied in a messy knot on top of her head. She had a devilish but innocent look on her face.
I licked my lips. She was exactly my type. I...
Abruptly, Joey elbowed me in the ribs.
Ow. I cringed and rubbed the spot where he elbowed me.
“Are you settling in okay?” Joey ignored the situation and asked. “Do you need anything?”
She genuinely smiled at him. “Thank you. I have everything I need.”
I wanted to receive one of those genuine smiles.
“We’re going for dinner at McKay’s down the road,” Joey said. “Do you want to come?”
She smiled sadly. “Sorry, but I can't. I have to be somewhere right after I finish this.” She gestured at her monitor. “Maybe another time, though. I'd love to go.”
Did she have a date after this?
My eyes narrowed. I didn't like the idea of Amantha dating.
“That's too bad,” Joey said. “Definitely next time.”
Wait, why didn't I like it? She could do whatever she wanted.
She beamed again. “Definitely.”
I tried to analyze the situation. What didn't I like? Amantha was single, same as me — at least, I assumed. She could go out with whoever she felt like seeing. I did it all the time.
“The pilot left, and we already locked the rest of the shop. Are you good to turn off the lights and close the door behind you when you leave?”