“Not far…Do you have a busy afternoon?”
“No,” she lied. “Nothing special.”
“Good.”
When they reached the airport turnoff, Larry swung the car into the entrance.
“Is the restaurant at the airport?”
“At the other end,” Larry replied. He parked the car, took Catherine’s arm and led her
inside to the Pan-Am gate. The attractive girl behind the desk greeted Larry by name.
“This is my wife,” Larry said proudly. “This is Amy Winston.”
They exchanged hellos.
“Come on.” Larry took Catherine’s arm and they moved toward the departure ramp.
“Larry—” Catherine began. “Where…?”
“Hey, you’re the nosiest girl I’ve ever taken to lunch.”
They had reached Gate 37. Two men behind the ticket counter were processing the
tickets of emplaning passengers. A sign on the information board read: “Flight 147 to
Paris—Departing 1:00 P.M. ”
Larry walked up to one of the men behind the desk. “Here she is, Tony.” He handed
the man a plane ticket. “Cathy, this is Tony Lombardi. This is Catherine.”
“I’ve sure heard a lot about you,” the man grinned. “Your ticket’s all in order.” He
handed the ticket to Catherine.
Catherine stared at it, dazed. “What’s this for?”
“I lied to you,” Larry smiled. “I’m not taking you to lunch. I’m taking you to Paris.
Maxim’s.”
Catherine’s voice broke. “M—Maxim’s? In Paris? Now?”
“That’s right.”
“I can’t,” Catherine wailed. “I can’t go to Paris now.”
“Sure you can,” he grinned. “I’ve got your passport in my pocket.”
“Larry,” she said, “you’re mad! I have no clothes. I have a million appointments. I
—”
“I’ll buy you some clothes in Paris. Cancel your appointments. Fraser can get along
without you for a few days.”
Catherine stared at him, not knowing what to say. She remembered the resolutions
she had made to herself. Larry was her husband. He had to come first. Catherine realized
that it wasn’t just taking her to Paris that was important to Larry. He was showing off for
her, asking her to fly in the plane he was navigating. And she had almost spoiled it. She
put her hand in his and smiled up at him.