The bustling energy of Westania International Airport buzzed around them as the Nolan brothers and Rivera triplets headed toward their respective gates. Frances walked ahead of her sisters, still clutching her meticulously organized folder, while Carla followed at a leisurely pace, sipping on an overpriced smoothie she'd bought simply to annoy Frances. Geraldine, ever the multitasker, sketched quickly on her pad as she walked, narrowly avoiding a luggage cart.
"Do you even know what gate we're going to?" Frances asked over her shoulder.
"Of course," Carla replied with mock indignation. "It's the one with the big, shiny airplane."
"God help me," Frances muttered, her heels clicking faster as she sped up.
Not far behind them, Liam Nolan was gesturing animatedly to Perce and Kellan. "I'm just saying, if we don't expand into the Westania tech market soon, we're going to miss a huge opportunity."
Perce gave his younger brother a flat look. "We already dominate that market."
Liam waved him off. "Yeah, but what if we—"
"Liam," Kellan interrupted in his calm, cutting tone, "you don't always have to pitch ideas during downtime."
"Fine," Liam said, feigning hurt. "I'll just focus on more important matters—like finding out where Geraldine is sitting."
Perce shook his head but didn't comment. Kellan allowed himself a small smirk.
---
Minutes later, they boarded the plane. Liam's excitement peaked when he realized he was sitting next to Geraldine, who was already pulling out her sketchpad and a fresh set of markers.
"Looks like we're neighbors," Liam said, settling into his seat.
"Let's hope you're not a snorer," Geraldine teased, her grin mischievous.
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," Liam replied, feigning offense. "I'm the perfect seatmate—quiet, polite, and occasionally charming."
"We'll see about that," Geraldine said, flipping to a blank page.
As the plane taxied, Liam leaned over slightly, curiosity piqued by the colorful sketches Geraldine had already begun. "What are you working on?"
"Just some concepts for a new series I'm developing," "it's a blend of surrealism and urban landscapes."
"Wow," Liam said genuinely. "You're really talented."
"Thanks," Geraldine said, her cheeks tinged pink. "But enough about me. What do you do when you're not brainstorming business ideas?"
"Mostly I annoy my brothers," Liam said with a grin. "But when they're not around, I like photography. Urban stuff, kind of like your art, but, you know, with a camera."
"That's so cool!" Geraldine said, her eyes lighting up. "You'll have to show me some of your work."
"Deal," Liam said. "But only if you let me commission something from you. My apartment could use some personality."
Geraldine laughed. "Careful, or I'll charge you billionaire rates."
"Worth every penny," Liam said smoothly, earning another laugh.
---
Meanwhile, Carla and Frances were settling into their seats with all the grace of two people who had very different approaches to air travel.
"Why are you taking out a neck pillow already?" Frances asked, frowning at Carla. "We haven't even taken off."
"Preparation is key," Carla said, fluffing the pillow dramatically. "You should try it sometime."
"I prefer to prepare for things that matter," Frances replied, pulling out a spreadsheet.
Carla snorted. "Of course you brought work on vacation."
"And of course you brought snacks," Frances shot back, "Snacks are essential," Carla said. "You can't face turbulence on an empty stomach."
Frances rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a small smile.
---
A few rows back, Perce and Kellan sat side by side, their conversation quieter but no less engaging.
"We'll need to finalize the Lutoll deal within 48 hours," Kellan said, Perce nodded. "We should schedule the first meeting as soon as we land. That'll give us time to adjust if things go south."
Kellan smirked faintly. "Always the pessimist."
"Realist," Perce corrected.
A moment of silence passed before Kellan added, "You seemed distracted back at the airport."
Perce glanced at him. "No more than usual."
"Liam's been talking non-stop about that artist. Geraldine," Kellan said, his tone almost amused.
"And?"
"And you didn't shut him down," Kellan replied. "You usually would."
Perce shrugged. "Let him have his fun."
"Interesting," Kellan said, his voice laced with an inside joke neither brother voiced aloud.
---
Back in the row with Geraldine and Liam, their banter had turned into an easy rhythm.
"So, what's the quirkiest thing you've ever done?" Geraldine asked, leaning back in her seat.
"Quirkiest?" Liam echoed, pretending to think hard. "Probably when I tried to climb a statue in the middle of a gala because someone dared me to."
Geraldine gasped, laughing. "You didn't!"
"I did," Liam confirmed. "Got banned from the venue for life, but it was worth it."
Geraldine shook her head, still laughing. "You're ridiculous."
"And you love it," Liam said, grinning.
"Maybe," Geraldine admitted with a smirk.
As the plane soared above the clouds, Geraldine showed Liam more of her sketches, and he shared stories of his photography adventures. By the time the meal service rolled around, they were swapping contact details, the spark of something more than friendship already forming between them.
---
Meanwhile, Carla leaned over to Frances, whispering conspiratorially. "Do you think Geraldine and Golden Retriever Boy are hitting it off?"
"Golden Retriever Boy?" Frances repeated, trying not to laugh.
"You know, Liam," Carla said. "All wagging tails and big smiles."
Frances shook her head. "You're impossible."
"Thank you," Carla replied, popping another candy into her mouth.
Frances sighed but couldn't help glancing back at their sister. Geraldine's animated gestures and Liam's easy laughter were hard to miss.
"Maybe it's a good thing," Frances murmured.
"What is?" Carla asked.
"Her meeting someone who can keep up with her quirks," Frances said thoughtfully.
Carla smiled. "Yeah. I guess we all deserve that."
Frances raised an eyebrow. "Even you?"
"Especially me," Carla said, grinning.