Andrew
I’m excited. Today is going so smoothly, even though the stress is lingering. Each second that passes, the stress lessens.
I can see Dylan’s muscles relax throughout the day. I’m willing to bet it’s because we get to see Hazel tonight.
Dylan and I aren’t flying tomorrow, and Hazel made a point to keep her day clear so the three of us could spend the night together. She’s such a thoughtful person, I love it.
“It’s beautiful out.”
I have to clear my throat, for some reason, to keep myself from choking up.
It really is beautiful. The sun is setting, casting ridiculously vibrant hues across the sky. Bright oranges, pinks, and purples cascade behind the minimal amount of clouds.
I wish Hazel were here.
“It is beautiful.”
Dylan’s once blissful expression has gone solemn. Lines appear where they hadn’t been before. He’s looking out at the clouds like it’s the last time he might be able to.
“Wouldn’t it be cool if Hazel became our copilot?”
This brings a smile to Dylan’s face.
“That would be amazing. Speaking of Hazel, I can’t wait to see her later. We’re going to have fun tonight. God, I really fucking need it.”
“I can tell. I can see how stressed you are.”
“You cannot.”
Dylan flashes me his perfect teeth with a chuckle. Maybe this whole Kaitlyn thing is the perfect distraction. I don’t really need to be thinking about how handsome Dylan is.
“Can too. Come on Dill, you’re my best friend. I can tell when something’s up, and I know exactly what it is. It’s been on my mind too.”
Dylan’s tan skin is glowing, and his dark hair looks even darker.
“I know, I know. You know me better than anyone.”
Dylan shakes his head.
“I’m just terrified- I can’t lose my job. But I can’t lose you two either. And I don’t know if I feel right about keeping all of this from Hazel. After everything that’s happened, she’s asked us to continue being open and honest and-”
“Dylan, we need to take this one step at a time.”
My voice is strong.
“I don’t know if there’s any merit to Kaitlyn’s words. We’d have already heard something from Burgess Air if she went to her father, right?”
He nods, a brow furrowing.
“Let’s land our equipment before anything else.”
Landing is smooth as usual. The sky has darkened completely, and stars twinkle above us as we deplane. It feels like we’ve officially entered a whole other world when night crews start to take over.
Dylan and I are walking at a pace slightly above relaxed. I’m just ready to get out of here and have a good night with my people.
“Do you still want to talk about -”
“Talk about what? Me, I hope.”