Chapter 16 - Page 228 - Flying To America

   "Ask him if you, your boyfriend, and Shanha can have a ride in his pretty car." Rhasha looked puzzled. "Do you think he will let us, Jim?"

   "I think so," Jim replied, maintaining a serious expression. "He looks like a friendly man."

   Mario turned off the engines and Chuck opened the door. Rhasha and Shanha walked down the stairs and ran around the back of the plane. They slowly walked up to the limousine. Raymond was leaning against the outside of the car door. When Rhasha and Shanha approached him, he stood up straight.

   "Hello sir," Rhasha said.

   "Hello miss," Raymond replied, "what can I do for you?"

   "I was wondering if Shanha, my boyfriend, and I could have a ride in your pretty car."

   Raymond peered at the plane and scanned the area around the car. "Where is your boyfriend, miss?" he inquired.

   "Well," Rhasha said, "he's busy right now, but he'll be here soon."

   "Miss," Raymond said firmly but kindly, "I'm sorry, but I can't give you a ride. This is a company car, and I'm here to pick up my boss." Seeing the disappointment on Rhasha's face, he added, "Miss, if you really want to ride in this car, you can ask my boss about it. He's a real nice man."

   Rhasha thanked Raymond and started to walk away. Suddenly she turned around. "Sir," she said, "you said this is a company car. Could you tell me who your boss is?"

   "Sure," Raymond replied, "it's Jim Brown."

   "I thought so," Rhasha said, realizing Jim had played a trick on her.

   Jim, Jackie, and Simbatu were walking toward the limousine, carrying the luggage. Jim had a cocky smile on his face, and he was watching Rhasha. She whirled around and ran to meet him. She jumped up and threw her arms around his neck and locked her legs around his waist, kicking the luggage out of his hands. Jim reflexively wrapped his arms around her waist. Rhasha kissed him, then dropped her feet to the ground. She kept her arms around his neck. Raymond gaped.