The plane landed days later back in Massachusetts. I remained seated watching the other passengers unload. I liked being the last one out, which is why I almost always selected a seat in the far back. The back of the plane is one of the safest, as well. It was also the only place on an airplane you were allowed to smoke cigarettes, back in that time of America's aviation.
The guy in two rows up appeared to be rummaging under a seat looking for something. He and I were the only ones left on the plane. Far up front, a stewardess glanced at us both and then went behind some curtains. The man was in his early thirties, if I had to guess. He stood up and began putting his hands into the sections between the seats. "Did you lose something?" I asked.
He looked over at me, the sound of my voice didn't seem to startle him. A sheepish smile began at his lips and went to his eyes. He looked embarrassed. I suddenly felt embarrassed myself and blushed warm on my cheeks.
We both were trying to be the last one off the plane.
"Do you want help looking for whatever item you can't find?" I asked, although I knew nothing was lost. "Or do you just like being the last one off the plane, like me?"
He laughed. Then he walked back to where I was and we were both red faced and laughing softly. "It's not a superstition or anything," he said, "it's just I like to leave in complete silence, with nobody in front of me, and nobody behind me."
"I'm the same way," I said and grabbed my duffle bag and pocketbook. We walked up the carpetted lane to the front of the plane quietly and unboarded together. He was in front of me, until we got to the door. Then, we both motioned for each other to go ahead. I smiled and went out. He followed behind me slowly, pausing purposely it seemed to get a slight distance. I glanced back at him and raised an eyebrow. He glanced down at my ass. I smirked. He winked. I smiled again and faced forward and walked down the ramp knowing the whole way he was gazing at me with wicked thoughts. As he headed to the baggage claim area, I contemplated giving him my name and number. By the look in his eyes, it would have been an interesting way to begin things.
But I suddenly thought of Joe. I waved goodbye and he pouted at me and then laughed.
As I walked away, the thoughts of Joe got stronger. I could not wait to see him.