StarIQ.com's Cosmic Correspondent Kim Rogers-Gallagher has been invited
to the planets' secret hangout. She's the first astrologer to enter
this starry domain, and reports regularly on her findings there.
Cosmic
Café 26:
A
First-Class Trip To Remember
Our
flight wasn't due to board for two hours, so Jupiter suggested that we
have a drink in the Executive Lounge.
"Sure,
" I said. "You're in charge, darlin."
He
fumbled through his large, over-stuffed wallet for the right card. I wasn't
surprised to see that he had every possible frequent flyer card—but I
was a bit shocked that there were no credit cards. He read my mind, and
explained. "Cash, honey. It's the only way to go. "
The
door buzzed open, and we let ourselves into the lounge. The woman at the
desk in front of us stood, smiled at Jupiter, then came around to us,
extending her hand. "Good evening, Mr. Huge. Welcome. It's so good
to see you."
Jupiter
bypassed her hand and hugged her. She hugged him back, and laughed as
he squeezed her. I was familiar with those squeezes—and the way they knocked
the air out of you. But how could you not love this guy? Even if you weren't
necessarily prepared for his… "enthusiasm," let's say. I had
to grin as she straightened her hair and dress, looking a bit embarrassed—but
quite charmed. She opened the inner door for us, and called after Jupiter,
"Don't forget to say goodbye, now!"
"Cross
my heart, honey!" he called back.
We
sat in the smokers’ lounge and sipped a lovely red wine. The time passed
quickly, since just about everyone in the lounge stopped by to say hello
to Jupiter. He was warm and cordial to everyone—especially the pretty
ladies, I noticed. Ah, yes, of course he was. Taurus is the sign that
most loves beauty—especially sensual beauty.
I
leaned back and closed my eyes, listening to Jupiter chat with his visitors—in
Dutch, French, German and something that sounded like Japanese to my untrained
ears. Amazing. Just amazing. He truly was the God of Foreign Communication.
There was absolutely no one he couldn't exchange words with, and a good
laugh, too.
I
dozed for a while, until Jupiter touched my arm. "It's time to go,
sleepy-head. Europe's waitin'." What a lovely way to wake up. I smiled,
stretched and collected myself while Jupiter said goodbye to everyone.
And yes, he remembered to stop at the desk on our way out. What a guy!
We arrived at the gate just in time to hear an announcement. "We'd
like to begin boarding our flight to Zurich by welcoming our first-class
travelers first."
"That's
us, babe. Let's go." Of course we were going first-class. Jupiter
wouldn't scrimp on a plain old coach fare. He was far too big to fit into
those tiny seats—and besides, he was wearing his richest Taurus attitude,
the sign that expects nothing but the best. Without losing a step, we
approached the podium. Jupiter handed the attendant our tickets and we
walked into the tunnel that lead to the plane.
The
flight attendant who waited at the door greeted us warmly as we boarded.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Huge. " At first, I wondered how he'd known
Jupiter's "name." But then, how could he not know Jupiter? His
business was Jupiter's business—long-distance trips. Of course he'd recognized
him.
Jupiter
shook his hand warmly. "Hey, Don, how ya doin'? I want you to meet
my niece. We're gonna do Europe. "
Don
smiled and nodded at me, extending his hand. "It's a pleasure, Miss.
Welcome aboard. If there's anything I can do to make your trip more enjoyable,
don't hesitate to mention it."
I
thanked him, then looked up at Jupiter and said, "But somehow I think
I'll be all set."
Jupiter
grinned. "C'mon, babe. Right here. This is you." He was pointing
to seat A-1, a window seat, of course. It was my favorite way to fly,
and Jupiter obviously knew that. I slid into my seat and buckled up. Jupiter
remained standing while the rest of the plane boarded, greeting everyone
that passed him as if he'd known them for years. He spent a bit too long
greeting one particular passenger's pomeranian, however, and Don had to
ask him to step out of the aisle. The tiny dog, it seemed, had also recognized
Jupiter. He covered his face with kisses as he jumped up and down delightedly,
and had to be tugged away by his owner, who was amazed at the situation.
But it made sense to me. Jupiter was famous for his love of dogs and horses.
As
the plane began taxiing down the runway, Don brought over a bottle of
champagne and two lovely long-stemmed glasses. He poured for us, and asked
Jupiter if there was anything else he could do for him right now. "Yeah,
there is, Don. Do me a favor," he said. "I want to buy a round
of drinks. We can do that, right, buddy?"
Don
was obviously accustomed to this from "Mr. Huge." "Yes
sir. Everyone, right?"
"Absolutely."
Don turned to make the announcement on his microphone, Jupiter
added, "Except the guys up front," and everyone in first-class
laughed. And laughed. Some of them actually had tears in their eyes. Jupiter
settled back into his seat, obviously pleased with himself. I smiled at
him, and squeezed his arm. It was going to be a great flight. For everyone.
Don announced that all drinks were complimentary today, courtesy of Mr.
Huge in first class. The passengers behind us clapped, some of them hooting
and laughing. The atmosphere of the entire plane suddenly changed. We
were all friends at one giant, international flying party. I knew we'd
be meeting most of them before we landed.
Jupiter
shook Don's hand as he made his first trip through the cabin with the
refreshment cart, palming him a substantial pile of folded bills. "I'm
thinking there's enough there to pay for the movie for everybody, too,
right?" The steward said, "Absolutely, Mr. Huge. I'll bring
you your change."
"No,
you won't, buddy. Take your girl out to dinner. In Egypt."
Don
smiled. "I'll do that. She's always wanted to see the pyramids."
"Then
make sure she gets there, my man," Jupiter said. After Don passed,
he leaned close to me and said, "You get what you pay for, babe—and
we're only gonna have the best of everything. "
I
smiled and sipped my champagne. Sure wasn't too bad so far…
Next
Week: The Journey Begins in Switzerland
Read
the entire Cosmic Café Saga.
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