She had understood his words.
That didn’t make them hurt any less.
Now, sitting in the cockpit on her birthday, Elena adjusted the cuff of her immaculate uniform and reminded herself that she had chosen this life.
And she was proud of it.
Mostly.
“Captain Brooks?”
Elena turned.
Her first officer, Marcus Reed, stood beside his seat, reviewing the flight information on his tablet.
“Everything looks good on my side,” he said. “Weather is clear for the first part of the route. Miami is expecting some clouds later, but nothing concerning.”
“Good. Let’s keep an eye on the conditions as we approach the coast.”
Marcus nodded, then hesitated.
“By the way, Captain, happy birthday.”
Elena smiled politely. “Thank you, Marcus.”
“Any plans after we land?”
“Hotel room. Dinner. Probably a video call with my mother if she’s awake.”
He gave her a sympathetic smile.
“That sounds peaceful.”
“It sounds like a normal Tuesday.”
