Excerpt
Mark was seated outside of a Mexican fast food joint when he saw what looked like the latest winner of the Mr. Pharmaceutical Rep Pageant walk up the stairs. With the look of confidence, along with wavy black hair and immaculate dress, it was a wonder this guy just got off a six hour flight from Charlotte. Carter was wearing a new pair of khaki, nylon outdoor pants with a short-sleeved, designer button-down shirt and a pair of new leather sandals.
Lookin good Mr. Bloomfield!
Hey, just because Im going to a third-world country doesnt mean I cant look good.
Carter, you never seem to forget the important things in life, Mark joked.
Funny its great to see you as well
You know Im only kidding, Mark said, shaking Carters hand. Man, we need to do this more often its great to see you!
Hold on! Lets make it back in one piece - and on speaking terms, before we plan the next adventure.
Good enough.
The two of them sat and talked for about twenty minutes waiting for Jaden to arrive. Mark and Carter were stunned at how LAX seemed to be a microcosm of the Pacific Rim countries wrapped-up in one large airport. It had it all, from the diverse dress, various languages, intriguing ethnicities, and disturbing odors. The airport was an amazing flurry of activity. For Mark, the diversity of people was refreshing after having been raised in what seemed to be the most homogeneous state in the country Utah.
At that moment, Carter and Mark were startled by Jaden who jumped out from behind a group of large, Polynesian travelers.
Ah ha! You guys look like you need a little excitement.
Youre definitely right, we arent excited about this trip at all, Carter joked.
Great to see you guys! Jaden exclaimed.
Mark said, Jaden, I see the engaged-life hasnt added too many pounds.
No, no, the pounds normally come-on after the wedding so Im told.
Carter, nice digs, jabbed Jaden.
Man, do you guys have the same brain or what? Mark already gave me a hard time for looking well, better than the two of you.
Kindred spirits think alike, said Mark.
Carter replied, Yeah, yeah, lets keep the religion talk to a minimum this trip.
Oh shoot, hes figured out our plan, Jaden said, sarcastically.
Carter, I thought you knew that were going to hold you captive on a deserted island and do nothing but talk about faith until our vocal cords wear out, Mark said, sporting a terrible poker face.
That sounds great
Carter, were going on an adventure to have fun and discover the Solomon Islands, Mark said, setting the joke record straight.
Lets get checked-in, Jaden offered, grabbing his backpack.
They wheeled their suit cases and carried their backpacks to the airline check-in counter. They had their passports and visas in good order. The ticket agent was a beautiful, tall, brunette with an attractive, Australian accent. Carter was immediately enamored by her beauty.
Is it true this flight to Brisbane is only four hours?
Im sorry sir the flight to Brisbane is fourteen hours.
Fourteen hours? Is the pilot aware of that?
I think he has it under control, she replied.
I dont know if I can handle fourteen hours in an airplane, Carter laughed.
Are you sure youre tough enough to handle the plane-ride sir?
At that moment, Mark and Jaden started to laugh.
Carter, are we going to have to leave you here? Mark questioned.
No, no, no, of course not I was only kidding.
Youre all checked-in can I help you gentlemen with anything else?
Carter wanted to continue to flirt and his ego wouldnt quite let him walk away. Is it possible for me to upgrade to first class?
Let me check on that for you.
Jaden and Mark shot one another a look of pure ridiculousness. They knew Carter made good money delivering lunches to doctors, but they werent sure his drug rep salary would allow him to afford first class on an international flight.
Yes sir, Mr. Bloomfield, I have a seat for you in first class.
As Carter was reaching for his wallet, she said, That will be $6,238.00 one way.
Carter had been beat. With his ego completely trampled, he slowly replaced his wallet in his back pocket and gave the agent a strained smile and said, I think Ill stick with coach this time. He turned to Jaden and Mark who were almost on the floor laughing and said, You guys ready?
Have a nice flight guys
As they were walking away, Mark looked back at the agent and noticed she was giggling.
Nice work, stud man, said Jaden. Is that how you knock em dead in Charlotte?
I couldve gotten her number, Carter said, stubbornly.
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