There's No "I" in Threesome: One

Airports & Slippery Tongues 

“Emirates Flight 573; Nairobi to Entebbe now boarding...Emirates Flight 573; Nairobi to Entebbe now boarding...” came the announcement through the airport PA system.

Robert glanced up at the small, box-shaped speaker perched in the corner of the bathroom as the announcement was made again. He shook his head. finally! It was about friggin' time!

Robert's attention quickly returned to his reflection, continuing with the task at hand. Taking the small battery operated beard clipper he held in his right hand to his face, Robert speedily removed what was left of the three day old scruff that had sprouted on his face. There was no friggin' way he was going to miss his flight again. Robert had no desire to spend another night in the airport. One night had been torturous enough. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable those waiting lounge chairs are?

Robert has a thing, you see. Well, more like a thing against. He does not like the city of Nairobi. Thinks it a bane on the map of Africa. Swore to himself that he would never, no not ever, under any circumstance, spend a night there. No matter what the situation. Not even if he missed his flight home and had twenty four hours to kill before the next one. And so with this in mind, Robert had reasoned that since one does not really arrive at a destination until they have left the airport, bus park or whatever, all he had to do to keep his vow was to not leave the airport. And so that's exactly what he did.

Finished shaving, Robert tossed the clipper into his toilet bag and zipped it up. Next came his shirt. He was in such a rush that he buttoned it up, not realizing until much later that he had buttoned it up wrong. Jacket and tie were next in line. Once those were on, Robert had a look at himself in the bathroom mirror. Crap. He looked like he had just spent the night in an airport lounge. Which of course he had but that didn't mean he had to look like it. Adjusting his tie, re tucking in his shirt and playing with the lapel of his jacket, Robert tried his best to amend his appearance. Another mirror inspection told him however, that there was not much of a difference but seeing as he really didn't have the time, the only thing left was getting his stuff together and hustling his butt to catch that plane.

Dumping his toilet bag into his carry on, Robert zipped up the carry on, slung it over his shoulder and dashing from the bathroom, hustled his butt towards his terminal.

He needn't have worried, he made it with plenty of time to spare; finding quite the queue waiting to board. As he waited, Robert got out his ticket and passport. Had a glance at them. Shaking his head at his passport photo. Like most people he thought it was terrible.

Seven and a half minutes later and Robert was in his seat, albeit on the isle, much to his chagrin, wondering if he would be able to convince his neighbor, whoever that may turn out to be, to switch with him. He had a thing you see. Or rather a thing against. He abhorred the isle seat. It gave him the willies. He just...didn't...like it. His only hope was that he could convince his neighbor of that.

Five minutes later he got his chance.

“Excuse me.” she asked leaning over so Robert would be able to get her clearly.

“I think I'm sitted next to you.”

Robert looked up at her. His purpose nothing more than to size her up. To see how much of a push over she would be.

She must have been at least six foot tall. Caramel complexion. Captivating eyes. Sensuous mouth. Slender but with just the right amount of “curve”. Dressed like she had money as well as fashion sense. Something about her told him that she was used to getting what she wanted. He was going to have to ask nicely.

“Sure. I just have a small favor to ask of you.”

Raised eyebrows; she seemed interested.

“Cool. Shoot.”

“Um, would you mind if we exchanged seats? If I had the window and you had the isle? I would really appreciate it.”

She didn't even think about it.

“Sure. I was actually about to ask you myself.”

Robert threw her a disbelieving look.

“Seriously,” the girl said defending herself, “I have this ridiculous fear that if I'm sitting at the window, it just may crack and if that happened it could break and if that happened I would get sucked out of the plane. Stupid I know but,” she managed a small shrug, “Everyone's afraid of something, right?”

Robert had to smile. Now that was original.

“Well that saves me from having to use the slippery tongue on you.” Robert said, getting up out of his seat just enough to settle into the one next to him.

Shaking her head, the girl sat down in the freshly vacated seat.

“Did you just say 'the slippery tongue'? Like really?”

Robert glanced over at her.

“What? It's a little term I like to use.”

The girl smirked.

“Maybe it's time for you to find another little term to use.”

She shrugged.

“I'm just saying.”

“And what would you suggest?” Robert asked, angling his body so that now he was facing her.

“'Powers of Persuasion' has always been a popular one. A whole lot more palatable than ' the slippery tongue' anyway.”

“I'm Robert.” Robert said, making sure to offer his right hand. He didn't want her getting a whiff of the wedding band just yet. He was starting to get a good feeling about this girl.

“So does that mean that you'll think about dropping that whole slippery tongue thing?” the girl asked, not taking Robert's proffered hand.

“It means my name is Robert.” Robert alliterated.

The girl smiled. Nice teeth.

“Samantha. Nice to meet you.” the girl answered, finally taking Robert's hand.

“Now,” Samantha said, removing her hand from Robert's grip, “Why don't you tell me more about these fabled Powers of Persuasion of yours...”