Trixy Maclean is beautiful, twenty-one, and ready to take on the world. When she finishes her training to become a flight attendant, she begins her career in New York City, where she hopes to find excitement, adventure, and, hopefully, the love of her life. There, she joins her beloved cousin, Janice, but soon Trixy's new life begins to resemble a nightmare. She is torn from the frantic streets of New York and transported to the grand boulevards of Paris, France. Taken to Paris by a secret family tragedy, young, idealistic Trixy must grow up fast, because the terror has yet to end. With the help of charming aristocrat Phillipe de Bray, Trixy may find a way to heal fresh wounds on foreign soil. Still, she has trouble forgetting dashing New York pilot Ryan Smith. As Trixy finds out, it's impossible to know what life-and air travel-has in store for her. No matter the preparations or the intentions, flight plans and life plans change. Maybe there is still hope for Trixy in New York City. Maybe her family's terrible secrets can be washed clean. Maybe it's not too late for love.

Fly with Me

By Crystal Burns

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Crystal Burns
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-5333-9

Chapter One

Trixy was just finishing her packing. This was it. Finally, her big day had arrived, and she was both nervous and overwhelmed with excitement. She had recently completed an intense training program to become a flight attendant, and now, at twenty-one years old, she had so much to look forward to—excitement, love, and adventure. She had the world to explore and experience to its fullest. The morning was magnificent, and there was life in Trixy's big green eyes.

Trixy closed her suitcases and took one last glance around the room to make sure she hadn't left anything behind. She collected her bags, walked to the door, put the key in, and locked it. Outside, she slid into the awaiting taxi.

Katie had just sat back to relax for her long drive to the airport when her cell phone rang, and with a sigh she answered it. God, it was six in the morning—who could be calling her?

"Hello?"

"Hi, Katie."

Katie smiled at the familiar voice. "Hello, Trixy." Both girls laughed. In that moment, they both knew everything was about to change.

Anyone would think Katie was a model. You had to be born with the looks she had. Wearing an off-white suit that enhanced her golden tan and her long, straight blond hair, she walked into the airport pulling two suitcases. She found a comfortable place to sit down and wait for Trixy.

As she glanced around the lounge, her thoughts drifted back to when she first met Trixy. It seemed so long ago now, but it had only been eight weeks since they had shared a room during their airline training. Katie remembered the first time she laid eyes on Trixy, during dinner at the hotel. Trixy had these deep, expressive green eyes, and Katie thought you could almost drown in their depth. With Trixy's dark hair and pale, porcelain skin, people couldn't help but stare at her.

Katie was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Trixy approach.

"Here I am, sweetheart. It's me, Trixy, and I have finally arrived! So what time does our flight leave? Are we on time? Is the weather okay for our takeoff? Are we delayed? Do you think I brought too many bags?"

It was obvious that Trixy was very nervous, but Katie got her attention.

"Trixy, slow down! You're making me dizzy."

"Oh, Katie, I'm sorry! I have something for you." She handed her a small, carefully wrapped parcel.

Katie took the red box and smiled as she opened it. Through a veil of happy tears she saw a small stone frog looking up at her. Katie remembered when the two women had seen it in a shop during their training, and she'd told Trixy it was hideous. Now, there it was.

"Pretty, is it not?" Trixy asked, smiling.

"Very," replied Katie. Both girls laughed.

"Katie! Katie!"

Katie heard the rapid footsteps approach her. Oh god, no. Not here, not now. She did not move or look up, but she knew it was Matt. The previous night they had talked and talked, and both agreed it was over. He couldn't handle the long-distance relationship.

Katie stood like a statue unable to move or respond to Matt calling her name. Thoughts suddenly going back in time of the first time they met. Their background somewhat the same, both easy –going individuals, thus friendship and later a relationship was airborne. Katie had not lived in this city before, but moved here for the job opportunities. She was brilliant and drop dead beautiful, something that she was totally oblivious of. Katie laughed all the time and found life worthwhile living.

Katie, had now made this her new home. Moving into her new career, working for a large advertising firm which consisted of countless hours, Katie was never hostile or unfriendly which enabled her to move forward quickly. Her unwavering pursuit for perfection made her a key player. "Yes, the first few months were indeed all work, but soon realizing she must make friends and have some kind of outside social network. Work was great, but she did realize that she was lonely. Katie would go for long walks , and often entered the park. Everything was so green and magical, just to hear a bird's twitter non-stop, children laughing was relaxing at its best. The days moved into weeks as she continued working and wished for a change. She would sit in the park and think how much tranquility this gave her. One is certainly unruffled in these surroundings. A sudden scream jolted her from her calmness she was feeling moments ago. Looking around to see what may have caused this abrupt noise, she focused her full attention in the direction of the swings , and jumping horses. A small boy of about three years old had fallen from the jumping horse. He was dreadfully upset. An adult male tried to console the child, thinking this must be the parent. Moments later the child had become uncontrollable, soon to become hysterical. Katie immediately walked over to enquire if she could help in any way. As she approached the child and parent, the young boy looking up at Katie with swollen eyes and a flood of tears still flowing down his tiny cheeks, unexpectedly stops crying. Katie leaning over spoke ever so softly to the child. Did you hurt your head when you had that big tumble.? You see I was sitting over there on the bench, and saw you fall. The small boy replied slowly." Yes, it hurts here." He was still sobbing quietly as Katie touched his tiny head. Now does that feel better? I don't now but it still hurts. This must have frightened you very much, and now everything hurts. He promptly stopped whimpering, and looked directly in Katie's eyes, saying you are a very pretty lady. As it was in Katie's nature laughter came easy. Moving her head from side to side burst into laughter, thinking things are about to change. So I see you seem to be feeling a little bit better as she looked in the direction of the man that was observing them both. I am so sorry to have rushed in like that, please forgive my ill-mannered behavior." I am Katie.' Well, please allow me to introduce you to my nephew Jack, and I am Matt. "You're very kind, Katie." She looked at Matt and did not know what to say, a rare moment for her indeed. The little boy interrupted the silence by asking if he could go on the swings and have some fun. Yes, we can. Katie would you like to join us? "Yes." With a feeling of anxiety, something she could not understand, as all three walked side by side to the swing section. Katie was enjoying herself immensely all smiles and laughed. Matt noticing how her laugh had a special tingle to it. He knew this was an unrealistic hope, but asked anyhow. I have three steaks just waiting to be BBQ, would you like to join us, we live just around the corner. Matt leaning down to his nephew asking, what do you think, should Katie have one of those big steaks? Yes, yes, I want the lady to come eat with us. Katie was quite warmed by the sense of intimacy they both shared. That is so kind of you both to invite me to dinner, and I would be delighted to join you both. Thank you for stepping in. I must admit I was at a loss. Suddenly Matt turns and adds, I feel this is going to be a fun evening. Matt was a conversational man and a great communication between them was developed that evening." My goodness," What time is it?" I must run. I did not realize how time flew. This may sound foolish, but I would like to see you again. I have tickets to the theatre Monday night, are you free? "I don't know. Why? I believe this may be rushing things, I do not know you. What better...