With ease, I retracted the handle and carried it. “How was the flight in from Seattle?”
Her perfume, possibly a Coco Chanel by the nice way it smelled, blew in my direction. “Uneventful, which is always a plus.”
We entered the building, and I closed the door, scanning on the whereabouts of Mitch and Eric. Eric was walking the length of the plane, likely checking for any forgotten items, and Mitch was giving the underside a thorough inspection. The plane was older, but it passed every inspection as Mitch was proactive in his approach, rather than reactive when there was a problem. Eric put his full trust in his best friend.
Eric hopped down the stairs and over to the mother and child. “I think someone left something behind.” Eric wiggled a little white stuffed bear. “Is this yours?”
“Thank you,” the mother said, and scolded her son. “Jackson, if I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a dozen times. Stop leaving your things everywhere.”
He hung his head full of dark wavy hair.
Eric hunched down in front of the boy and waved the toy side-to-side. “What’s his name?”
“Mr. Fluffy.”
Eric shook the teddy-bear’s hand. “It was lovely to have met you, Mr. Fluffy, and as much fun as it is flying, I think your friend Jackson would like you to stay with him.”
That put a smile on the little boy’s face, and he hugged Mr. Fluffy.
“We’re all good now.” Eric tipped his hat and walked over to my desk, grabbing the binder to detail his flight.
“Is there anything I can assist you with? Do you have a ride, or can I call one for you?” I softened my tone, while still trying to be friendly, yet not in your face.
The mother sighed, glancing around, a nervous smile playing on her lips. “Actually, yes. I’m looking for a Mitch Macomber. You wouldn’t by chance happen to know of him? Heard he works around here.”
My heart skipped a beat, and I glanced over to Eric, who popped his head up from his writing. “Why yes, I do.”
Did I call for Mitch, or ask her to leave her number? This was highly unusual.
Her head tipped back a little and under her breath, she whispered, “Thank God.” Her shoulders sagged in relief. “Do you have a contact number for him?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am. That information is confidential, and I am unable to provide that to you. However, if you leave your number, I can forward it to him.”
“Does he work here?” Her eyes darted around the small, enclosed section of the building.
I swallowed down a hard lump and was about to ask Eric what he suggested, but Mitch opened the door and strolled inside, washing his hands with an orange wipe that always left the best scent behind.
The woman turned her attention in the direction I looked and gasped. “Mitchy?”
Mitchy?
He straightened himself up to his full height of six-two at the same time as his jaw unhinged and hit the floor. “Jas?”
She quickly paced over and stood before him, her dark auburn hair billowing in straight lines as she moved.
I threw a glance at Eric, who immediately came to stand beside me.
“Oh. My. Gawd. How are you?” Her voice pitched in excitement and she embraced him in a quick bear hug.
The colour drained from Mitch’s face, and he stumbled over his words as he put some distance between them. “Wow. Hey, Jasmine. What brings you out this way?”
She squared her shoulders and smoothed out her silky-smooth top. “It’s been a while, right?”
“Yeah.” His dark blue eyes connected with me, confusion clouding his strong features, before he returned his focus to Jasmine.
Lovingly, she pointed to the little guy currently holding tight to Mr. Fluffy. The kid was sitting on the couch a few feet away, swinging his legs and rocking from side to side as he sailed his bear through the air.
“I thought it was time for you two to meet.”