Black Rose

Eight

"This is your private jet?" I queried in awe, gazing at the shiny white mini plane that sat on the landing strip, waiting for us to board it. The flight attendant and pilot dressed in uniforms stood at the bottom of the stairs that led into the jet. 

"Yes. I always fly private when I'm traveling around the world." Raine said, parking the car a few feet away. I nodded and jumped out of the car eagerly, not giving him time to open my door. I couldn't wait to get inside and get the full experience of flying in luxury. Never in my life did I think I'd be this close to a private plane, let alone travel across the world on one. My bank account wasn't dry of money, but it definitely needed more than what I have now to rent a plane of my own. Standing in front of the car, I snapped a picture of the plane before greeting the people who will accompany us. 

"Hi, I'm Melrose. It's nice to meet the both of you." 

The flight attendant was the first to speak back, while the pilot politely nodded his head with a small smile and left to assist Raine with the luggage. "It's nice to have you with us tonight Ms. Melrose. I'm Deena and I'll be servicing you and Mr. Mercier on the flight and when we arrive in Puerto Rico."

"Oh, please call me Melrose. You don't have to be so formal. I'm pretty calm and laid back, unlike Raine." I told her, making her laugh.

"I don't think Mr. Mercier would appreciate if I address you by your first name." She bashfully replied, stealing a glance at Raine who was talking with our pilot.

"Does he overwork you whenever he's traveling?" I queried curiously. "I know how rich people can get sometimes. Ask for stupid useless things just because they have the power to do so. If he does, you can tell me and I'll force him to give you time off." 

She chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "No, that won't be necessary Ms. Melrose. It's my job to serve Mr. Mercier, no matter how...childish his demands are."

"Well, as long as I'm around, you'll have some time off to relax your feet." She went to speak, but I cut her off. "I don't want to hear it, Deena. We're going to be in Puerto Rico for two weeks! Enjoy yourself and I'll worry about Raine."

"I make no promises, but I'll try for you." I gave her a thumbs up and she led me up the stairs, onto the plane and I was astounded by the interior designs. I've only seen this type of material beauty in magazines and on television. "Judging by the startled expression on your face, I'm guessing you've never been on a private jet before."

"Absolutely not." I shook my head, admiring every part of the plane. "If this is what I've been missing out on, I need to do better in life." 

"I'll be more than happy to show you around or would you rather Mr. Mercier do the honors?" She asked.

"Take a break for once." I waved her off. "He'll show me around when he gets in." 

"She nodded. "Ok, well make yourself comfortable while I step outside and wait for the gentlemen." 

She excused herself while I sat on one of the plush white sofas decorated with throw pillows. I sniffed the air, letting the new car scent--in this case, new plane scent--invade my nostrils. There wasn't a single thing out of place and the floor still had the patterns of the vacuum imprinted on it. Raine, the unnamed pilot and Deena all came stepping through the door with their hands full of bags. Raine kicked my foot purposely as he walked passed me to set our bags on the seat across from me. 

"You could've helped us bring this crap in. Most of it belongs to you anyway." He fussed, flopping down next to me out of breath. 

I shrugged, laying my head on his shoulders. "Sorry. I got too excited when I saw the jet."