"Zone 3 now boarding for flight 7869 to Newark." I heard the announcement over the airport intercom. Gate A34 had been my temporary home for the past three hours as I waited for that call. Many would say I was crazy for getting to the airport that early prior to a flight. As for the remainder, well they would say I was crazy for flying thousands of miles to meet someone who I had only ever interacted with over a screen. I will admit I had questioned my sanity at times over the past one hundred and eighty minutes.

Joanne and I met on April fools 2015; see the irony in that. I would not say we got off to a stellar start but I am sure she would agree that after a few months of chatting we had that lightning in a bottle feeling for each other. It has been exactly five years three months and seven days since we met and though we have faced more hurdles than I dare begin to count, we find ourselves here today ready to take the plunge into reality.

"Last call for flight 7869 to Newark."

I immediately get out of my trans realizing there is no meet if I do not make it on the plane. I race up to the check in for my ticket and ID check. The gate attendant gives me a strange look and shakes her head.

"Is there something wrong with my documents?" I ask.

"O no Miss the documents are good but you were not a zone 3 seat. You were a zone 1; business class today."

I take a closer look at the ticket. Of course, she would I think to myself. Joanne and I had always argued about me paying my own way; I was independent and she wanted to look after everything. Can you see where this is going. Anyways I found an email confirmation for said plane ticket in my inbox a few weeks prior and neglected to look at the details.

The good news for me was once I got through check in, I did not have to deal with the endless trail of bags hitting me in seat 3C.

As I settled into my seat the business class flight attendant Hanna came to do her final pre-flight check over and informed me it was my lucky day; I would have no occupants in either of the seats to my left. She was tall, blonde and from the figure I could trace through her loosely fit skirt and blouse she definitely found time for exercise. I sat there mesmerized just watching her. I also wondered if Joanne was somehow behind this distraction. I had a chore list courtesy of her to focus on before my landing in Newark and Hanna was not going to make it easy to stay focused.

 The chores on Joanne's list actually began long before I ever got onto flight 7869. They commenced weeks before I ever stepped foot on that plane. I think Joanne knew I would do whatever she needed me to do to make this trip happen and she would have been right. We had waited so long for this to happen I was petrified any misstep would cause her to have second thoughts and bail on me. So, I made the best of an awkward situation and began checking tasks off the list:

1. You will need to find a Toronto Blue Jays t-shirt to wear on day one of the journey. I would say New York Yankees but I know you would enjoy me ripping it off you more than I would enjoy ripping a perfectly good tee of my favorite team. No bra and your most fitted pair of shorts. Underwear not required.

2. Please pack light. No need to check a bag; carry on luggage only. It will be uncomfortably hot here during your stay. You don't need to pack a kitchen sink for a week. Essentials only. Personal hygiene products, shorts, light tops and your favorite piece of lingerie. Bras and underwear can be included but that doesn't mean you'll be wearing them. O yes and please don't forget a bathing suit.

As the flight attendants went over the safety brochure, I had seen many times before the plane left the terminal heading toward the runway. I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me once the plane landed in Newark. Would Joanne and I still feel the same about each other when the metaphorical curtain was pulled and we saw each other for the first time? Would our physical and emotional chemistry be as strong as it was over the screen, we had shared for over five years? And why the wardrobe demands; what on earth did she have planned?!

My pondering was interrupted by the intercom. "This is your Captain speaking. We have reached cruising altitude and will be turning the seat belt sign off shortly."

Wow I thought to myself I was so wrapped up in my own mind games I had missed the take off. Though one thing I didn't miss was Hanna on drink service. Three words 'legs for days!' She was beautiful and so personable and was the best on flight sobriety coach I had ever had. My nerves were getting the best of me and I was eager to treat myself to an adult beverage or three to relax. After hearing my story, she twisted my arm for a sprite instead and assured me despite the uncertainty it was important to have a clear mind when we landed.

If only that landing was happening soon. Joanne being the thoughtful woman she is did hook me up with an excellent flight, but unfortunately there are no direct flights from Edmonton to Newark. So yes, there was a lay over coming my way in Toronto. I hated layovers! Nothing is more exhausting than being in an unfamiliar airport and having to navigate and budget your time in hopes of making that connecting flight. Total combined flying and ground time for this trip was nine hours and twelve minutes. On the bright side it gave me oodles of time to prepare myself for what lied ahead. Which brings us back to the chore list.

3. Finding a needle in a hay stack seems impossible; how about five items in one airport gift shop. Please purchase and bring proof of purchase receipt with you: a sweet treat that would have you say no to an intimate encounter. A sweet treat you think I would turn down that same encounter for (it has to be something I can buy south of the border). A personal lubricant; I know this sounds simple so let’s step it up. It has to be flavored! A flask; so, if we do enjoy an alcoholic beverage, you will know your maximum allowable limit. And last but not least pay cash as your last item is to retrieve one loonie in your change for me to keep.

Flight 7869 from Edmonton to Toronto arrived ahead of schedule. For anyone who called Toronto their final destination this was thrilling news. For me it was more time I would have to add to the layover clock. Luckily the ‘Great Canadian Gift shop’ was right across from the gate my connecting flight was departing from so I decided to start my shopping. Joanne seriously underestimated me I thought to myself as I had four out of the five items picked out within five minutes and yes that includes a loonie from my mental budgeting. The only thing left was the personal lubricant…they had it but nothing flavored of course. I could go to another shop I thought but then I start the process all over and won’t be near my gate if the flight details change. I was torn but opted just to buy the regular lube and face the disappointment of not getting the right item. Just as I grabbed the small box off the shelf a familiar voice came from behind me. I turned around to see Hanna standing there boasting an energy drink and a variety of munchies. She glanced down at my items and gave me an inquisitive look.

 “Quite the selection of items you have there.” She chuckled.

I had never been so embarrassed in my life. “They aren’t for me” I exclaimed.

“So, who are they for then? If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’re planning to upgrade to the Mile High club on the next flight.”

“O I wish; more like tasks I have to complete before I get to Newark. Unfortunately, they don’t have one item in more flavors” I said as I pointed to the small box containing the lubricant.

Hanna didn’t say a word she just started laughing at me. “You know I think I can help you with that. It’s not unopened but I do have some vanilla cupcake flavored” she said as she pulled the small travel size tube out of her purse. “Hopefully it will help you out of your bind. I do want it back later though” she said as she winked at me flirtatiously.

“You would let me have yours?” I asked curiously.

“In a round about way yes. Just remember a favor must always be repaid.” She replied.

“Of course, I would never take something for nothing! You’re really pulling me out of a bind. Thank-you.”

She nodded and gave me a look I will never forget; something that resembled the look someone would get when their favorite dessert was on the menu.”

“Come on let’s go get a drink before the flight” Hanna nudged.

“I thought it was best to approach today with a clear mind” I questioned.

“That was before our flight arrived early. Now we have time to burn and there is no better way to spend it than at the lounge.”

Hanna grabbed me by the hand and headed toward the executive member’s lounge. As we made our way to the entrance, I realized I could very well end up failing the next chore if I wasn’t careful.

Chore #4: Travelling alone can present many temptations. Window shopping is always welcome but nothing further…this applies to souvenirs and women. Avoid situations and substances that can alter your better judgment. I’ll be very disappointed if I hear I paid your way for you to lose focus on us.

“Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t you need a membership to get in there?” I asked.

“Not today grasshopper; you’re going to be my plus one.”

As much as I wanted to say no, I had a feeling no wasn’t going to get me out of this one. Hanna led me to the lounge up to bar.

“So, what will it be ladies?” The bar tender asked.

“Dirty martini for me please” replied Hanna.

“Just water for me” I said hesitantly.

“Water isn’t on the menu for you sweetie. I know you know what you want, so just order it!” She said firmly.

“Ok fine a gin and sprite.”

“The panty dropper. I had you pegged for something fruitier.”

“I guess I’m full of surprises” I said as I winked at her playfully.

“You have no idea” Hanna replied with a chuckle.

As the first sip of gin touched my lips and her hand grazed my thigh, I knew today was going to test every ounce of will power I owned.