by James Patrick Focarile

Diane glanced at the large digital monitor that hung from the ceiling. The word “boarding” flashed next to her gate assignment, A-5.

Unfortunately, she was in Terminal B.

She’d have to run if she was going to make her connecting flight. She couldn’t miss it. Too much effort had gone into this trip, too much planning.

At age fifty-five, she was in the best shape of her life. A new gym membership to the Y and hours on the treadmill—that dreaded machine—had really paid off. Her promotion to assistant manager of Lilies & Lace Gifts only fueled her self-confidence. Divorced and with her daughter Maggie successfully off to college, this was Diane’s time to shine.

At first, she wasn’t sure about attending her high school reunion. Especially since it combined multiple graduating classes. And what if people asked about her divorce?

But then she thought better of it. Why not use the reunion as motivation to build her new life? A reason to get into shape. A reason to turn the page. Destiny was in her hands now and she’d earned a happy ending.

Diane quickened her pace and turned left down a long corridor. Gate A-5 was in reach. Her form fitting slacks and sensible travel shoes had served her well. There’d be plenty of time for strappy black dresses and heels at the reunion.

“Final call for Flight 901,” paged the gate agent.

“Wait for me,” called Diane.

“You just made it,” said the agent, scanning Diane’s boarding pass and waiting for the check-in light to turn green.

A red light flickered back.

“Is there a problem?” asked Diane.

“Sorry, we had to relocate you,” said the agent. “We had a mother with two young children and they needed to sit together.”

“No worries,” said Diane. Her thoughts shifted to Maggie and how they had bonded over the last year…prepping college applications, drafting personal essays…most importantly, becoming friends.

“The good news is you’ve been upgraded,” said the agent. “First class.”

“Wow,” said Diane, revealing her signature smile. She’d found it again recently. “Things are looking up.”

***

With the jetway happily behind her, Diane boarded the plane. The flight attendant welcomed her. “Row six,” he said, reviewing her new ticket. “You have the window.”

Diane headed to her seat, her carry-on trailing behind. “Hi,” she said to the man on the aisle. “Looks like I’m with you.”

He looked up, a gold glint in his hazel eyes. “Here, let me help you with that.”

“Thanks so much,” said Diane. She handed him her bag and took a seat.

“I’m Rick,” he said. He stood a little over six feet tall, his dark hair flecked with grey.

“I’m Diane,” she said. “I guess it’s my lucky day. They upgraded me to first class.”

Rick sat down. “I’m pretty sure you always belonged in first-class.”

“Nice line,” said Diane, laughing. “And quick too.”

“You don’t recognize me, do you?” he said.

Diane took Rick in. He certainly was handsome. “You look familiar, but something’s missing.” She thought for a moment and then it hit her. “A fedora and a pin-striped suit.”

“Good memory.”

“Rick Miller. You played the lead in the school musical.”

“Guys and Dolls. And you were the ingénue.”

“I was a little nervous,” she said. “You being a senior.”

“And you a freshman,” he replied. “I remember, it was pretty scandalous at the time. You sure could sing.”

Diane blushed. “I always wondered what happened to you. Married?”

“Divorced. A couple of years now.”“Me too,” said Diane. “I have to confess I had a bit of a crush on you back then.”

“Right back at you.”

“Even though it was just a stage kiss, it was my first kiss,” she said.

Rick nodded. “I remember it well.”

They held each other’s gaze. Then Rick reached down into the duffle bag by his seat and withdrew a yearbook, its cover etched in red ink with the picture of a knight in armor.

“That’s a blast from the past,” said Diane. “Go Knights!”

 Rick opened it, paged towards the back, and handed it to her.

Diane read the inscription: “Rick—I enjoyed playing your girlfriend on stage. Maybe someday we can try it for real! I’ll miss you. Love always, Diane.”

“I’d hoped you’d come,” he said.

Diane’s new confidence brimmed over. “Maybe this is the start of something.”

 Rick grinned. “We have the entire flight to get reacquainted.”

“Timing is everything,” she said.

“That, and a little luck.”

“Hey, what was the name of that song you performed?” asked Diane.

 “You mean Luck Be a Lady?”

  Diane smiled.

  “Well, you certainly are that,” added Rick.

  “What?” she asked.

   “A lady.”                                                                                 

   “Thanks,” replied Diane, beaming. “And I’m making my own luck these days.”

                                                                        END