The Greatest Lie Part 18

"I am still sleeping off the last cookie I ate." I yawned in what I hoped was a provocative way.

"A hash brownie?"

"No, only an Ambien. Better living through chemistry, I always say."

He laughs and nods. "Mine wore off over Pennsylvania, but four hours is not long enough for a second dose." He pulls from his seatback a chocolate chip cookie ensconced in a Styrofoam cup.

"Thanks, I am starving." I took a bite, and put the rest aside. He has a chiseled jaw, cleft chin, and a sharp nose. His jaunty manner, crisp white shirt, jeweled cufflinks and Zegna tie proclaimed wealth and power. His face was so perfect that I imagined he too may have had a cosmetic nip or tuck.

The flight attendants offered champagne as compensation for our delay, and we took a couple of glasses.

"To homecomings." He clinks my plastic cup. I detect a little extra emphasis on "comings" but I ignore it.

"I love my home, but this is travel for me."

"Really? You sound American."

Alexandra had re-emerged in conversation with her new American friend. It's easier to inhabit a false identity in a foreign land. But Alexandra faced danger, especially as she approached U.S. Customs. I re-oriented frantically to Alessandra, and started lying.

"I went to part of high school and started college in the States. My Dad is American, but my parents are divorced, and I live with my mom in Italy. I'm not even a citizen. I'm here on a work visa." His eyes told me that my deceptions are plausible. He studied me closely, though.

"You look so familiar. Is it possible that I recognize you from the internet?"

I fight off a blush. "Maybe you do. The internet is big. What's your favorite site?"

"If I'm not mistaken, I've seen you on a quite a few, and even read some of your reviews. You have quite a following."

"I am lucky to have many friends."

"And I was lucky to have had your company on this long plane flight. I would love to see more of you."