I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.

~Mark Twain


Shane, Dana, Alice, Bette, and Tina all were waiting anxiously in the terminal at LAX.

Bette and Tina were trying to learn the finer points of blackjack while studiously reading, The Worlds Greatest Blackjack Book.

Alice and Dana were looking at the Idiots Guide to Las Vegas and arguing over which shows to see. Dana wanted to go see the Blue Man Group and Alice preferred Penn and Teller.

Shane was pacing and looking at her watch. Ryan was a little over 15 minutes late and Shane was getting nervous.

Bette got up and tried calm Shane down. Shanes pacing back and forth was driving her crazy.

*****, Bette, shes never late.

Im sure its fine sweetie. She probably got stuck in traffic. Its not like she changed her mind about going and didnt tell you, or anything.

As soon as the words came out of Bettes mouth, she wished she could have sucked them back in.

Tina, Alice, and Dana dropped what they were doing and looked at Bette like thats a stupid ***** thing to say.

***** me, she wouldnt do that, would she? Would she??? Shane was talking to herself. Not really caring who was listening. And not really wanting a response from the peanut gallery.

Im sure she wouldnt. Bette said. She then figured it would be best to shut up. She patted Shane on the shoulder sheepishly and took her seat next to Tina.

Its ok Babe, you meant well. Tina said trying to console Bette.

About 10 seconds later Shanes phone rang. Everyone stopped and sat in silence as Shane answered the phone.

Hey. Said that husky voice mixed with anticipation.

I am so sorry. My boss is just now dropping me off. Im right outside. Our meeting ran a little longer than it should. I didnt have a chance to call. Ill be there in a minute.

Alright, bye. Shane said as she let out a sigh of relief.

Shane sat down next to Bette and laid her head on her shoulder releasing some tension.

Youre really gonna like her. Shes very cool. Shane said with a grin, to Bette and Tina.

Im sure we will. Tina said as she held Shanes hand. Both Tina and Bette recognized the early look of love on Shanes face. Both were reminded of memories of their first moments together, and both wondered if they could get back to that point. They acknowledged each other with a “I know what you are thinking smile.”

Just about that time Ryan came around the corner. She was dressed in a pink, cotton v-neck sweater, a lightweight camel colored blazer, tight ***** vintage boot cut jeans, and newly purchased Steve Madden rustic leather cowboy boots with “I’m kicking your *****” heels. She had her light brown hair pulled back to accent her dark blue eyes and the beautiful Tiffany necklace that Shane gave her hanging on her neck. Ryan walked with such grace and ease. Her Louis Vuitton carry on bag was on her shoulder and she had a Starbucks cup in her hand, but the best feature was the smile that lit up as soon as she saw Shane.

Bette nudged Shane, I think shes here.

WOW, Shes gorgeous! Tina said.

Tell me about it. Dana responded. As they both were referring to the beautiful woman approaching them.

Yeah, Wow. Alice said to Bette faintly, as they were referring to the absolute look of adoration on Shanes face.

Shane got up and met Ryan with a hug and a quick kiss. She whispered in her ear, God, Ive missed you.

Ive missed you too. Ryan responded warmly.

Hi. Ryan greeted everyone.

Shane began re-introducing Ryan to Bette and Tina.

Its so nice to meet you Ryan, things were kinda crazy the night we met. We are so happy you are coming with us. Tina said politely and offering her hand to Ryan.

Yeah.. Bette was a little messed up.

Shane said amused. Remembering Bettes first encounter with the Jolly Green Joint.

Bette offered her hand to Ryan, and graciously introduced herself a second time. This time in a more professional manner. Bette Porter, its very nice to meet you, Ryan.

Its nice to meet you too, Bette.

Hey Guys. Ryan said as she turned to Alice and Dana.

Hey Ryan. They said in unison.

Shane walked with Ryan to go check in.
Im so glad youre here. As Shane slung her arm around Ryans shoulder.

Me too. Ryan leaned into Shane.

Just about the time they sat back down. The call was made to board. They headed down the ramp and started to board the plane. They found their seats. Three and Three straight across.

Shane, Ryan, Bette sat together and Tina, Alice, and Dana sat together.

Bette sat by the window and Shane sat in the middle, since Ryan asked to have the outside seat.

Once everyone was settled, Ryan found the senior flight attendant.

Whats she doing? Bette asked Shane curiously.

I dont know?? Shane said shrugging her shoulders. She was curious too. Shane saw Ryan show something to the flight attendant, then Ryan was introduced to the co-pilot, and the rest of the flight attendants.

What the *****?? Shane thought to herself.
Ryan came back and sat down.

What were you doing up there? Bette asked her.

Its a courtesy to let the flight crew know Im an FBI agent. I was showing them my credentials and introducing myself. Ryan explained.

Whoa.youre not carrying a gun or anything?? Bette asked.

NoNo..nothing like that. Its just a very simple courtesy the airlines like for us to do since 9/11. Its really no big deal.

The flight took off smoothly. It was a quick hour and ten minute flight to Las Vegas International Airport.

Dana bought everyone a glass of wine which was actually a plastic cup of wine. The ladies began to relax and enjoy their brief flight. They were laughing and joking around, talking about all the things they were going to do.

Ryan looked up and noticed a young man getting a little rowdy with a flight attendant. She noticed that the attendant looked upset and so did the traveler beside him. Ryan kept an eye out while the others were still talking.

Whats up Babe? Shane asked, the Ryan jolted up, and headed to a couple of rows up.

Is there a problem here? Ryan asked the flight attendant.

Shane, Bette, Tina, Alice, and Dana looked on in wonder, and a little frightened.

The flight attendant explained that the young man was drunk and being extremely belligerent.

Ryan pulled out her credentials and showed them to the young man. He was drunk, and not paying attention that she was an FBI agent. Ryan then asked the young man what his name was. His response was, ***** you lady.

Stupid *****. As he turned to the lady sitting next to him.

Shane, along with the rest of the girls, not to mention everyone else on board, grimaced and braced themselves for what was about to come. Shane had never seen Ryan in action before.

Oh *****.. Shane said as she shook her head then buried it in her lap for a second.

Okyou wanna play it that way Shithead. Ryan got tougher as she snatched the young man up with lighting quickness. Did you know interfering with a flight or duties of an airline flight crew is a felony and carries a minimum of 20 years in prison, *****?

You ready to go to jail, Mr. ***** you lady?

The man wasnt too drunk to realize he screwed up royally.

No man..sorry..I.didnt.mean.

Ryan stopped him mid sentence then let go of him. She figured he was just a punk ***** drunk kid being stupid, so she gave him a break. She also figured she scared the ***** out of him.

Ok..now sit down and shut the ***** up.

She then walked over to the flight attendant and told her if there were any more problems to let her know.

Shane blew out a breath of relief as Ryan headed back to her seat.

***** man.thats was ***** intense as *****. Shane said to Ryan when she sat down.

Good Job. She got a small applause from her new friends sitting with her. They were all extremely impressed with the skills of their new friend.

Wow…you are amazing. Shane whispered in her ear. “That was so wicked hot, I’m totally turned on.”

You havent seen anything yet Baby. Ryan responded as she kissed Shanes hand.

Shane wickedly smiled and silently thought of the evening ahead.

To be continued.