The Perfect Husband (#wattys 2015)

1

"Come on," Malik said, fidgeting in his driver's seat as he was slowly becoming impatient. He looked down at his watch, thinking that he was going to be late for his flight.

If he hadn't made that 10 minute stop to visit his old friend, he would have made it to the airport already or at least made it further than he was now.

And if he had followed his mind, he would have taken the back road instead of the highway.

Now he was stuck in one place, with a lot of traffic ahead. No one seemed to know what the cause was, and all the honking wasn't helping the cause either.

In fact, it was driving Malik nuts, not to mention two cars ahead. Some guy came out of his car because someone was trying to overtake, causing another car to run into him, making it all the worse.

Malik sighed and leaned back into his seat, he knew that the two arguing will just add more to his delay.

His phone made a beeping sound and he read the text from his wife, he smiled to himself then replied to her.

She would always send him cute little messages which were what gave him the motivation to go through the day.

He made a promise to himself, which he was more than willing to keep it.

Malik sat in his car for another hour barely moving in the line of traffic, he was glad when highway patrol came to resolve the issue between the two men, he just wished they could have done the same for the overall traffic.

He knew that he would be late for his flight, and that might just cost him a lot.

He was to meet with a very important client and was already 1 hour and 30 minutes behind that time.

A car cut in front of him, which had him hitting the brakes to prevent from slamming into the back.

"Idiot," Malik said under his breath, as he picked up a bottle that fell from his hand and into his lap.

He was grateful that Elena thought of making him a snack for the road, it was like she knew this would happen.

He would always joke around and call her his wonder woman.

Malik breathe out a sigh of relief when he finally made it to the airport, but he had to beg one of the receptionists at the counter to let him on a flight that was leaving in the next 15 or so minutes.

"Sorry Mr. Franco, but I can't do that, you have already missed your original flight and I'm afraid that you would have to book another." She said, her practised smile never leaving her face.

"Yes, and I'm booking this flight now, Airjet 47 to San Francisco, that is leaving soon." He said in a stern voice.

She was about to shake her head and tell him, no, but he slapped the counter with his palms.

"Listen, Debby, it's Debby, right? Well, of course, that's what your name tag says. I have a very important meeting to attend to and if I don't make it in time it will be my ass in the frier. And if I don't make this deal, I will get you fired, make both our lives miserable. Yours more than mine because at least I own my company." He said between tight lips.

"I'm sor-"

Malik laughed cutting her off, "sorry, sorry. Oh darling you don't know sorry yet." He leaned in closer then pushed a wad of cash her way. "Maybe we can even meet up in the bathroom." He winked.

Her grey eyes lit up and she start typing away on the keys to her computer.

"Well Mr Franco, today is your lucky day, there are a few seats available on that flight. Your seat number is A4, business class. Please do enjoy your flight and thanks for making it Noram international airport. Here is your boarding pass." She smiled brightly at him.

Malik returned a smile, he pushed the wad of cash back in his carry on.

"Next time, make sure you get the cash first, then you send through the ticket after. Please enjoy your day." Malik winked.

The male that was at the counter with Debby laughed, Malik looked back at them and waved then looked ahead again to make his way through security.

"He guys should do something about that Debby at the check-in counter for Airjet. You should hear the ridiculous amount of cash she was trying to scam from me just know. I have travelled and used this airport so many times, but never have I ever felt so threatened, insulted or victimized." Malik complained to security as he removed his shoes and belt.

"Is this what the workers do? Solicite money from travellers, it is a good thing I'm not gullible.

"Sorry, to hear that. I will inform someone of this violation." The security told him.

Malik smiled, "please do and thank you."

Malik had to sprint to make it to the gate before they closed the gate.

"Just in time." The man at the gate said. Tearing the ticket. "Enjoy your flight."

Malik nodded his thanks.

He sent a quick message to his wife, telling her about how much he loved and missed her.

He then relaxed in his seat with earphones plugged in listening to soft comforting music.

Not even 10 minutes into the flight and an oversized guy was already in the seat next to him Malik was annoying him.

He pulled the earphones him Malik's ears, "so hot shot what brings you to San Fran?"

"Business," Malik simply said, before he could return his earphones into his ear the man spoke again.

"Well, of course, a man dressed finally like you must be going on business, but my real question is how do I lose all this weight and look like you. Well, not like you, you but you know. I'm sure you have an eight pack hiding under there." He tried to touch Malik's stomach but he swat him away.

"Sorry." He gave one old rusty laugh.

"I bet a good looking man like you have a girl in every city."

Malik tried to ignore the man.

"I bet you even have one of them being friends with your wife." The man tapped the ring on Malik's finger.

"If you don't leave me the hell alone I will pay the captain to throw you out of the plane."

For the rest of the flight, the man was silent until the plane landed.

"So where are you headed?" The man asked.

Malik walked right by him without a word.

"Hey shot I'm talking to you," he called out but Malik continued walking and never looked back.

"I so need that private jet," Malik said to himself, stepping out of the airport to where is waiting.