I hesitated, then nodded.
“We have some important details to finalize,” I said.
“The pricing schedules must be a real headache this year with the new transport tariffs,” he said.
The flight attendant began her safety demonstration, her hands tracing the emergency exits.
Arthur waved her over and ordered two ginger ales before she could finish her routine.
“On me,” he said to her, then turned back to me. “If you have some slides you need to look over, I would be happy to give them a second pair of eyes. Sometimes a fresh perspective helps.”
I opened my laptop, keeping the screen angled away from him so the columns of numbers were obscured.
“I think I have the main points covered,” I said. “But thank you.”
“It is rare to meet someone who understands the logistics side of our industry,” he said.
He leaned slightly closer, his eyes dropping to my hand.
“Does your husband usually travel with you on these corporate trips?” he asked.
“No,” I said, my voice flat. “I travel alone.”
The plane began its descent, the air vents humming a low, steady note as we broke through the gray clouds.
