Fly with Me: a novel by Andie Burke

chapter 7

Chapter 7
“You need to come with me.” The man rubbed sweat from his shiny head with a towel as he ushered her down a hallway.

“Oh?” Olive flipped her phone anxiously in her hand. Was the reservation bad? Were they going to tell her she couldn’t run, after all the effort to get here?

Too nervous and confused to ask questions, Olive followed and was greeted in a large conference room by three other people, two in suits, all wearing bright, toothy smiles. She focused on the suited man whose smile seemed to boast the highest wattage. “Is there a problem with my bib? Please, I really need to run today.”

He chuckled. “No, we saw the footage of what happened when you saved Mr. Feldstein’s life.”

“Mr. Feldstein? Was that the man on the plane? Is he okay?” Olive clasped her hands in front of her.

“He’s doing fine. Mr. Feldstein’s a very beloved cast member here, and we’d love to do some press photos with you after the race. He’ll be here tomorrow, and we thought we could get a photo op of the two of you too.”

Olive frowned. “You want to do press photos with me after I run thirteen miles?” After her last long run she looked like she’d been dragged on the pavement for the last few miles. “I’m worried I’m not going to be able to physically walk back to the shuttle bus to get to my hotel after. I’m not sure I’ll be in any state to take photos.”

His smile didn’t falter, as if working at Disney World meant he tried to imitate the Cheshire Cat. “Oh, yes. About the hotel. As a thank-you, we’ve upgraded your accommodations to one of the suites.”

“Oh … thank you. You didn’t have to—”

“You saved the life of one of our own. Mr. Feldstein’s brother insisted. It’s the least we can do. We want to make sure you get the honor you deserve. We really hope you enjoy your new accommodations. The photos wouldn’t take long at all.” There seemed to be an implication that this meant press photos was the least Olive could do …

Olive rubbed the back of her neck. She was already sweating, and she hadn’t even started running yet. “Can I see how I feel afterward?”

“Of course. Of course. Do you mind signing a few release forms so we can use any photos in promotional materials?” He handed her a pen.

“Sure, that’s fine.” She skimmed the page and then scribbled her name at the bottom. “I think tomorrow will be better. Um … can I go get my bib now? I probably need to find my corral.” She also desperately needed to answer a few messages. Derek was going to be pissed.

“Would you like a golf cart to bring you to where you need to go?”

“No, I’m good. I’ll be fine. Uh—thank you. How do I get in contact with you if I decide to do the photographs for tomorrow?”

“Pick up the phone in your room. There’s a note on your account.”

After an awkward goodbye, Olive trotted outside. She waited in line to check her shoulder bag and then tried to find a quiet enough space to call Derek.

Derek answered on the third ring, which was weird given the time of day. “What in god’s name happened on that plane?” She heard another muffled male voice and the sound of blankets moving.

“I’m guessing you’ve seen the video.” She tapped the toe of her sneaker onto the pavement.

“Have you seen the video?”

“No. I hate watching myself on camera. This is mortifying. The Disney people want me to do photos. The airline forced me to do photos. This is a goddamn circus.”