Love is in THE AIR

Jemima was stunned when she saw who was sitting next to her on the plane

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Jemima settled into her seat and buckled her seat belt. The cabin of plane was filling fast.

Through her window, she saw the last luggage trailer returning to the terminal. Maybe this flight would leave on time.

A man plonked heavily into the seat beside her. 'Sorry, he said, but his apologetic smile quickly faded. 'Jemima?' 'Tom?' She stared at him in dismay. The odds against meeting him like this had to be a million to one. And they would be stuck together for hours.

'Now we've verified our names, how are you?' he asked.

'Fine, thank you. What about you? Your father told me about the car accident.'

'I'm good as new. He reached for the in-flight magazine, plainly as uncomfortable with the situation as she was.

Just a couple of passengers still to reach their seats, and the cabin crew were checking everyone else was buckled in.

'I wish things weren't so awkward, Jemima said.

'So do I. But that's life.'

'It's been five years. Mum and Piers are very happy.' Jemima's mother marrying Tom's father - what a drama that had been! Tom dropped the magazine back into the seat pocket and faced her.

'I wish I could say my mother was happy, but she isn't. She just can't move on. According to her, men are cheating so-and-sos who should never be trusted - and it's probably hereditary.

'I'm sorry."

His expression lost some of its harshness. 'It's not your fault. Or mine.'

'Do you see her often?'

'Not as often as I should. It's never a pleasant visit.'

'I don't see as much of Mum and Piers as I'd like. You know they've moved to Cornwall?'

'Dad rang to tell me. We talked for a few minutes. I don't know how my mother found out about it, but she wasn't pleased we'd spoken, let's put it that way.

'She's the wronged woman. Still, it has been five years, and he is your dad.