For the Sake of Love Read online

  “You know I will. Love you too.” Bria pressed the end button.

  “Ma not happy about you going out of the country to be with some man she’s never met,” Nya said.

  “Not really, but she’ll get over it.” Bria knew that her mother meant well, but as a grown woman, her mother needed to respect her decisions.

  Bria called an impromptu staff meeting to let everyone know that she and Nya would be out of the country. Meagan jokingly asked if they could pack her in the suitcase. And Dani gave fifty million reasons why she should go with them. Although she gave some compelling arguments Bria still refused to bring her along.

  The following day Bria received an e-mail confirmation from Kerryngton letting her know that he had arranged for their private flight and provided her with their itinerary, which included the chauffer contact number and exact address of the accommodations. She e-mailed a copy to her mom and printed out copies for her, Nya, and Dani. Then she and Nya took the day off from work to get ready for the trip.

  Chance’s shift swap came through, and he was able to travel with them. Thank goodness!

  Bria verified that her passport was valid for the dates she’d be out of the country, and it was. As a precautionary measure she made copies of her passport. That way, if her passport was lost or stolen, it would be easier to get a replacement with a Xerox copy as backup.

  She then notified her bank and two credit card companies that she’d be travelling out of the country so that they would not question her charges in Europe. While at the bank she requested to convert some of her money into pounds. Not too much, 250 pounds. The teller informed her that the money would be ready the following day. She then requested $500 USD in small bills.

  Knowing that her mom would be worried sick about her, she made arrangements with her cell phone provider to make sure she’d have use of her phone while in England.

  As she packed for the trip she remembered that Kerryngton told her to pack a rain slick with a hood. He explained that no matter what time of year in Europe one could expect rain showers. She found a small, lightweight black roll up convenient enough to carry in her purse. He also advised her not to bring any new shoes—blisters from all the walking—or flip-flops because of the possibility of getting sunburned. She packed walking shoes and dress shoes that had already been broken in.

  She checked and double-checked to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything like her laptop with the cord, cell phone and charger, camera and batteries, passport, driver’s license, and London contact numbers. She left contact numbers, as well as copies of Nya, Chance, and her passports, with Dani and Mrs. Murray in case of an emergency.

  Finally, she called Nya on the phone to go over the checklist with her, making sure that she and Chance were all set. When she finished talking to Nya she said a prayer for safe travels. Even still, an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach.

  Eighteen

  Kerryngton sent a car and driver to pick up Bria and her friends to catch their four o’clock in the morning flight to London. On any given day, Bria would’ve been just turning over in bed. Today, though, she felt so excited about her trip that she hardly slept a wink and still didn’t feel the least bit tired.

  “I can’t believe we’re going to London!” Nya said, unable to hide her enthusiasm.

  “I’m beyond excited,” Bria confirmed.

  Chance just closed his eyes and slept the entire ride.

  They arrived at the airport, and Bria felt like royalty not having to stand in line at the check-in counter and go through security . . . her least favorite part of traveling since 9/11. She didn’t like having to take off her shoes. Something about standing barefoot in a public place seemed unsanitary to her.

  They went straight to the large Boeing 727.

  “Oh my God,” Bria said when she saw the plane. “I can’t believe that’s us.”

  Nya stared in amazement.

  The driver unloaded the luggage and assisted the baggage handler with loading the plane. Some things in life are just quintessentially perfect. One item on the list of perfect things for Bria was that unique scent that all aircraft emit and pervade while either sitting quietly or dancing through the skies. She loved the smell of burnt aviation kerosene in the morning.

  The three of them walked a red carpet, boarded the jet, and a flight attendant greeted them. Once inside, Bria marveled at the plush interior decorated in cream, wood, and gold-framed art. The dining room could seat four and had fine china and crystal goblets for place settings.

  “This is incredible,” Nya said with her mouth agape.

  “We’re moving on up just like the Jeffersons,” Chance smiled.

  “Check this out,” Bria said, pointing to the drop-down projector screen, DVD, and Blu-ray players.

  “Impressive.” Chance nodded.

  Nya found the bathroom and shouted, “You’ve got to see this!”

  The master bathroom boasted a bidet for ladies, deluxe vanity lighting, a circular shower, and a gold-plated sink. Bria took a moment to take it all in. They continued to tour the aircraft and ended with the master bedroom featuring a queen-size bed.

  “The good life.”Chance rubbed his bald head. “Must be nice.”

  The flight attendant came up behind them and asked, “Would you like to meet the pilot?”

  “Sure,” they all said.

  They followed the flight attendant to the living-room area and met the captain sharply dressed in a captain’s uniform.

  “Welcome.” The captain shook their hands. “I’m Captain Jordan Nussam.”

  “What made you become a pilot?” Bria asked.

  “I always had a deep-seated passion to fly. There’s no other feeling in the world like it.”

  Nya chimed in, “Have you ever flown any celebrity passengers? Come on, any juicy stories?”

  He laughed. “As a private jet pilot, I’ve flown hundreds of celebs, but I’m afraid I’m sworn to secrecy. I can’t give any details, but let’s just say they lead colorful lives.”

  Everyone laughed.

  “I had read that the pilot and the copilot can’t eat the same meal. Is that true?” Chance asked.

  “Yes, it’s true. It’s an unwritten standard operating procedure, but it’s mainly due to the fact that we often travel to places where we could eat something and catch a stomach bug. For that reason, pilots will not order the same meals in restaurants either before flying.”

  Bria found that interesting.

  “It was nice meeting all of you.” He tilted his hat to them and went to the cockpit.

  The flight attendant gave them safety instructions, demonstrated the air mask, and pointed to the emergency exits. “Please fasten your safety belts. We’re getting ready for takeoff.”

  They clicked the gold-plated buckles in anticipation of takeoff. Chance said a quick prayer of protection.

  The pilot’s voice came over the intercom. “Ladies and gent, this is your captain speaking. We’d like to welcome you onboard this flight to London, England. The flight is nonstop and will take approximately eight and a half hours. We are expecting a fairly smooth flight today. Once again, we thank you for choosing to fly with us, and we hope you enjoy your flight.”

  Afterward, Bria looked out the window as the plane taxied the runway, ascended successfully into the air, and leveled off. Seeing the clouds reminded her of her hot air balloon ride with Spade. His words, “The sky’s the limit,” once inspired her and now they haunted her. She bit her lower lip and pulled down the shade.

  The flight attendant gave them permission to take off their seat belts and move about freely. She brought them three bottles of sparkling mineral water and a tray filled with delicious fresh fruits, imported cookies and candies, fresh gourmet cheese, crackers, and incredible-tasting golden pineapple.

  “Let me know when you’re ready for breakfast,” the flight attendant said. “You can choose a continental style or a traditional, hot breakfast. We also have orange juice, a
pple juice, cranberry juice, and coffee or tea.”

  “Sounds good. I’m not hungry right now,” Bria said. “Maybe in an hour or two.”

  She gave them a pleasant smile. “Help yourself to the refreshments. I’ll be up front if you need me.” She pointed to a phone encased in the wall. “You can use that to reach me. You don’t have to dial anything, just pick it up and start talking.”

  When they thanked her and assured her they didn’t need anything else, she left them alone.

  The captain’s voice came on the intercom again. He sounded jovial as he told them the weather en route and expected cruising altitude.

  Chance stretched and yawned. “I’m ’bout to go take a nap.”

  Nya tapped him on the rear as he stood in front of her. He looked down at her. “Sleep easy,” she said.

  He bent over to kiss his wife, and Bria pretended to gag. She could hear their lips smack. Chance stood to his full height and told Bria, “I don’t know what you did to ol’ boy to have him flying us around on a private jet and an all-expense paid trip to Europe, but your big-head self better not do anything to jack this up before we get back on American soil.” He tousled her hair, annoying her.

  “Ewww, you make me sick.” She made a face at him. “Are you trying to pimp me out?”

  “Well . . .”

  “Chance!” Nya scolded him.

  He sucked air between his teeth. “I’m just playin’, but I don’t want to get stranded overseas with no way to get back.” He turned his pants pockets inside out. “I’m not ballin’ like that. I can’t afford to spend thousands of dollars on airline tickets.”

  “Just don’t break the bed,” Bria teased as Chance smacked her on the leg and retreated to the bedroom.

  Nya shook her head. She stood up and stretched. “So what do you want to do?” She ate a pineapple chunk.

  Bria retrieved a pack of Uno cards from her purse and held them in the air. “Ready to get your butt whipped?”

  Nya sat down. “In your dreams. I’m the Uno Queen.”

  Bria smirked. Somewhat competitive Nya tended to talk trash whenever they played games.

  “That remains to be seen,” Bria said as she dealt the cards.

  She ended up winning the first hand. Several hands later they called it quits with Nya waving her hands in the air and singing, “I am the winner” over and over again.

  “You’re such a baby,” Bria teased her. She left the cards on the table and browsed the selection of DVDs. She stumbled across the last romantic comedy that she and Spade had watched together and blurted out, “What am I doing?”

  “What’s the matter?” Nya sounded concerned.

  Holding the DVD in the air, Bria told her, “This was the last movie Spade and I watched together.” She held the case to her chest.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” Nya joined her on the floor and rested her arm around her shoulders.

  “How am I supposed to get over him when little things trigger memories of him?”

  “It’ll get easier with time. Trust me. I remember my first heartbreak. I didn’t think I’d ever get over it. But I did. Three months later I had moved on. Three years later I wondered what I ever even saw in him in the first place.”

  They both laughed. Bria did indeed remember Nya’s first heartbreak and helped nurse her back to mental health. Many late-night crying sessions, lots of talking, too much ice cream, and plenty of prayers. She didn’t think Nya would ever get over the high school jock that cheated on her and broke her heart.

  Bria tossed the DVD to the side and picked out a dramatic suspense movie. The friends watched the entire movie before eating a continental-style breakfast. Afterward, they dozed off and slept soundly for the remainder of the flight.

  The sound of the flight attendant jolted Bria out of her sleep. She nudged Nya, who wiped drool from the side of her mouth and face.

  Yawning, Nya said, “We’re finally here. This is so exciting!” She stretched her arms over her head.

  Bria scrunched up her face. “Make sure you brush your teeth.”

  Nya placed her right hand in front of her mouth and blew. “Ewww.” She opened her oversized handbag and ruffled around for her toothbrush and toothpaste . Then she went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. When she returned, she placed her face two inches from Bria’s and showed her teeth. Bria could smell the faint odor of mint toothpaste.“Happy now?”

  Bria blew her an air kiss. “Much better.” She then took her purse into the bathroom and freshened up. She brushed her teeth, gargled, blotted the oil from her nose, and brushed her hair.

  Chance came from the back rubbing sleep from his eyes. He looked rested. “That was some good sleep,” he said as he took a seat next to his wife and kissed her on the cheek.

  The flight attendant instructed them to fasten their seat belts because they were getting ready to land. They did as they were told.

  She checked her watch. “The time in London is . . .” she paused for a brief moment, “. . . six p.m.” She glanced at them. “So, set your watches five hours ahead.” Her friendly expression reassured Bria that she’d made the right decision to come on this trip. The attendant then took a seat and fastened her seat belt as well.

  The captain’s voice sounded across the intercom announcing they were cleared for landing at London Gatwick Airport. “The weather in London is sixty-seven degrees Fahrenheit with a slight chance of showers later in the evening,” the captain said.

  Bria rubbed her hands together. She felt like an inflated tire—ready to roll.

  When they were safely on the ground the captain said, “Welcome to London, England.” He told them to carry lightweight rain jackets with them everywhere because London is known for rain. “Enjoy your stay,” he concluded.

  They disembarked from the plane and a car and driver awaited them. Not just any car but a white-on-white Rolls-Royce! Bria’s jaw dropped. Nya let out a squeal, and Chance coughed, covered his mouth with his fist, and mumbled something inaudible. They waited as the flight crew unloaded their luggage from the plane and into the car.

  Nya turned to Bria and said, “That Kerryngton sure doesn’t miss a beat.”

  The driver greeted them as he opened the car doors for them. Nya and Chance piled in the spacious backseat while Bria took her seat up front with the driver. The interior smelled like cigarette smoke. Bria could not stand that smell. She didn’t want to be rude, but she couldn’t take it. She pulled a small can of travel-size Lysol spray from her purse and sprayed the air. It immediately neutralized the odor.

  “I have to call my mom,” Bria announced. She placed a brief phone call to her mother just to let her know they had arrived safely.

  “That’s good,” Mrs. Murray said. “I hope you all have a great time. Love you.”

  “Love you too.” She put her phone away.

  As the driver drove them to their hotel, Bria and Nya looked out the windows. London reminded Bria of an older New York. The driver took them to the heart of London where they would be staying at Hotel 41. Bria couldn’t stop smiling when she saw the massive, neatly manicured green lawn with red flowers.

  The driver looked into the rearview mirror and said in a British accent, “forty-one is a boutique five-star hotel directly opposite the Royal Mews and just behind Buckingham Palace. It’s about as close to the Royal Family as a visitor can get.” He pointed. “Directly opposite Buckingham Palace are the green and leafy royal parks, St James’s Park and Green Park. Not far beyond are Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and London’s West End theatreland.”

  “Wow,” Bria and Nya said in awe.

  “Your boy hooked us up,” Chance said.

  The driver parked the Rolls and unloaded the vehicle. He took care of the luggage while Bria, Nya, and Chance checked in. The moment they entered the ground-floor reception area they were given a friendly welcome. From there, they were whisked away to the fifth floor and taken to their suites. They reached Bria’s black-and-white luxuriously decora
ted Conservatory Master Suite first. Bria marveled at the view. She looked forward to sleeping in such opulent luxury underneath the twinkling stars.

  “If you tire of the view,” the staff member demonstrated, “electric blinds turn your split-level suite into a private paradise.”

  “Impressive,” Bria said.

  Bria and Nya walked around the suite admiring the décor. Bria fell in love with the marbled bathroom and whirlpool tub. She couldn’t wait to unpack and enjoy the stunning views. The open fireplace and soft furnishings set the mood of carefree glamour.

  They left Bria’s luggage in her room and headed to Nya and Chance’s Junior Suite. A split-level Junior Suite gave the couple room to spread out. On the upper level, there was a luxuriously seductive bedroom; on the lower level, a spacious lounge for eating, relaxing, and entertaining. The eye-catching black-and-white suite had a homely yet thrilling feel. Bria detected a hint of romantic mystery about the room. Thoughtful touches such as fresh fruit and flowers, delicious snacks and treats, scented candles, rich mahogany furniture, and an open fireplace added to the luxury.

  The staff member told them, “If you get hungry, you can enjoy round-the-clock informal and personalized dining. Choose between the stunning Executive Lounge, the Mezzanine level overlooking the lounge, or alternatively, the ultimate in-room dining experience. The glass roof of the Executive Lounge also makes for the brightest sunlit breakfasts and the most reviving afternoon teas. We also invite you to Plunder the Pantry.” She used air quotes around the words Plunder the Pantry, then continued. “Each evening from 8:30 p.m. onward, you can take your pick of complimentary snacks and light bites in the well-stocked fridges of the Executive Lounge.”

  Bria loved her British accent! She sounded so prim and proper.

  “There are plenty of grand restaurants nearby; two of them are right next door,” she continued. “The award-winning Library at our neighboring hotel, The Rubens, is renowned for its roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, while the cool and relaxed BBar restaurant offers inventive cocktails and exciting South African-themed cuisine.”