Chapter 45 CHARLOTTE Im sorry , you were crying in your sleep , he uttered as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat . Are you alright ? My eyes darted to and fro as I tried to remember where I was . The sound of the planes engine hummed in the distance as I realized what had happened . While I was having what seemed to be one of the worst times of my life , he was watching it happen in real time . I looked around , wondering if anyone else was watching this , but thankfully , they were lost in their worlds . I turned my attention back to the man on his knees . Please stand up , I said , but he ignored me and watched me curiously , Do I need to get the medic ? he asked Oh , no . Im fine , I just need to catch a minute , I replied , closing my eyes for a moment . Youre sure ? he asked , and I opened them and turned to look at him . I nodded in response and wiped the tears off my face . I looked around for the tote bag I had carried with me and found it on the floor . Some of the contents had spilled out in front of me , and I sighed as he started to pick them up . Thank you , I said , secretly wishing hed stop . Not to be ungrateful or anything , but it was starting to feel weird ; I felt embarrassed . First , he woke me up from what started as a good memory and quickly turned into a nightmare , which I was grateful for , but the thought of it was silently killing me . He was still on his knees , reaching for my notepad , and I joined him . I picked up the rest of the items and tossed them in the bag . Thank you so much . Just a bad dream and some headaches . I could get you some painkillers , he stated as he stood up , and I returned to my seat . I shook my head in response and forced a smile onto my face . No , thank you . I think I can handle it . Ill just rest my eyes for a bit , and Ill be fine , I muttered , and he nodded in understanding . He turned around and started to walk towards his seat , but turned around . I started to heave a sigh , but as I stared at his hair , I remembered where I had seen him , and he turned around . I swallowed as he walked towards my seat . Weve met before . I think so . Why ? I blurted before I could stop myself . I wasnt angry about the incident ; if anything , I didnt want to be reminded of yet another embarrassing moment in my life . You bumped into me , and I think your bag fell . I just walked away , he said , running his hand through his hair . His tone was laced with apprehension , and his face crumpled into a frown . It was nothing like the person I had seen laughing earlier . It made me curious yet indifferent . Yeah , I wasnt watching where I was going either . Im sorry about that . Im sorry for being rude ; I couldve stopped to help . 2123 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Ca 29.1 % Chapter 45 You were probably having a bad day ; I was too , I said , trying to make light of the situation . He laughed at the joke and admitted that he was annoyed at something at the time . Now that weve gotten that out of the way , thank you for helping me now , I added , and he nodded . His expression had gone from being concerned to a relieved one . Im Thiago , he announced stretching out his hand for a handshake . I quietened the thought in my head that reminded me of my vow not to entertain everybody . The man just helped me pick up my items and apologized for my bad behavior . I had already admitted my fault in the matter ; the least I could do was acknowledge his attempt to start over . Charlotte . Charlotte Edwards . I took his hand in mine and let go shortly after . He nodded in response as a smile crept onto his face . I started to count the seconds till he would say something else or take the hint to leave me alone at this point . So , youre going to L.A ? For the holidays ? he asked , and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes . Now I have to make small talk , I wasnt prepared to meet anybody on the plane and start talking to them . No , Im moving there , I responded with a thin smile , and he arched his head as his eyes twinkled with surprise . Thats nice . What do you love about being there ? Oh , I havent been there in a long time . I lived in Milan ; I bet a lot of things have changed . Im just looking to experience what its like there , I replied , and he nodded in response , then grinned . Youll have a great time there , thats for sure , he replied , and I smiled . A real one this time . I sincerely hoped I was going to have a good time now . Given what I was trying to run away and build a different life from , it would be great to catch a break . I hope so . He shared with me the vibrant culture of our destination , his role as a club owner , and the exciting nightlife . His lively anecdotes sparked a sense of adventure in me . Despite feeling both terrified and comforted by his presence , I realized it was time to end the conversation . Just as I was contemplating how to do so , he pulled out a card from his pocket . Here , if you ever need any help navigating the city , dont hesitate to call me . I took the card from his outstretched hand and glanced at it for a bit . Thank you , I murmured , and he proceeded to suggest we take a tour around the plane . I started wondering how he jumped to that point and why he thought Id want to do that . I was grateful for the help , but I simply wanted to remain in my seat . I shook my head slowly . No , Id like to remain in my seat . The headaches , I added , and he nodded as an understanding look crossed his face . Alright then , Ill come to check up on you if thats okay . Maybe a few minutes before the plane lands ? he asked , and I nodded in response . Id take that ; we were barely acquaintances , but I was willing to shelve it under a stranger who did a nice thing trying to see it through . That would be nice , thank you . Chapter 45 He walked away , and I turned my attention back to the bag . I secretly hoped he would forget to come , but he seemed like the type to keep his promises . I tried to focus on the flight and what it would seem like to be in a different place , but my thoughts kept going back to the dream . Then they would slowly shift to Thiago . I looked at the card and sighed . Maybe he was right , a walk might be better than just sitting here , unable to think of anything else . But I wasnt really up for walking with him . So , I decided to head to the restroom instead . I waited a few minutes more , then grabbed my bag and headed straight there . Once inside , I let out a relieved sigh and turned on the tap , washing my hands and face . The cold water splashing onto my skin was a welcome shock , waking me up . After I finished , I pulled my hair back into a bun and gazed at my reflection in the mirror . I felt energized and decided Id go for a small walk , maybe grab some snacks from the economy or business section . I just wanted to move my legs around for a bit and munch on something . I slipped out of the toilet and started my journey ; I found the air hostess with a trolley and she handed me three bags of chips . I thanked her and started walking when I heard a voice behind me . Hi Charlotte , we meet again , a familiar voice said , and I turned around to lock gazes with Thiago . Wow , what are the odds ? I said sarcastically , and he chuckled at the joke . You look better , thats good , he added , and I nodded in response . I feel better . I came here to grab these too , I retorted , lifting the bag of chips . Oh , I love those , he said , and I threw one of them in his direction . Have fun , I grumbled before walking away . You too , he responded , and I gave a little wave without turning around to look at him . A few minutes later , I had finished my tour , and the plane was ready to land . We were finally in Los Angeles . The life I wanted was only a few minutes away from me , and I felt waves of excitement and trepidation course through my body as I returned to my seat . Soon , Id be an entirely different person , stepping into a new chapter of my life in a new city . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!