John watched four single propeller airplanes perform maneuvers at the end of an air regatta. The four planes banked in formation, white exhaust creating lines in the sky. After about ten minutes, John glanced at his watch.
I’m gonna be late!
He made his way through the crowd. He had a job interview at the airport. He fingered the brim of his hat and pulled it low, hiding his face. He didn’t need the job as a pilot, but the owner of the airline was a friend of his. The inaugural flight was in a month and his friend wanted an ostentatious launch. John smiled at the thought of interviewing for the position. His friend was the founder and CEO, but still answered to the board of directors. John had flown his own Gumman G-II from his Jumbolair airstrip. The flight from Ocala to Orlando-Sanford was uneventful, but he had to leave with plenty of travel time due to the air regatta.
“Mister Travolta?”
John looked up to see a young woman with her hand extended. He grasped her hand firmly and removed his hat. Even though he was a celebrity, today he behaved like a sixty-year-old pilot.
“I’m Jessica, I’ll be conducting your interview today.”
John motioned with the hand holding his hat. Smiling, he replied, “Lead the way, Jessica.”
He followed Jessica into an office with glass walls and waited for her to seat herself behind a desk before sitting himself.
“Mister Travolta, please tell me of your experience with the Boeing seven-oh-seven.”
John cleared his throat. “Well, I’ve flown one as a goodwill ambassador for Qantas.”
Jessica smiled. “The flying Kangaroo?” She looked into his eyes, “You an Aussie?”
In the worst Australian accent he could muster, John replied, “Not on your life, missy. I’m all American.”
Jessica laughed out loud. “Mister Travolta.” She paused. “May I call you John?”
John nodded.
“John, that was the worst accent ever!”
Smiling, John replied, “I guess a career as an actor isn’t my fate, huh?”
Jessica leaned closer, almost conspiratorial, “You do have a handsome face, maybe as a father-figure or something.”
John leaned back, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The office door burst open and a middle-aged man rushed through the door.
Jessica and John looked towards the commotion. “What’s going on, Steve?”
Steve ignored Jessica. “Mister Travolta, can I shake your hand? Maybe an autograph?”
“I’m in the middle of an interview, here.” He looked toward Jessica. “Maybe afterward?”
Steve grinned and strutted out of the office, high-fiving a coworker on the other side of the glass.
“What was that all about?” A perplexed Jessica inquired.
John looked over his shoulder before returning his attention to Jessica. “I have actually done some acting before. I guess Steve’s a fan.”
Jessica regarded John with a mask of skepticism. “Okay mister Travolta. I have your qualifications. We’ll make a decision in the next week.”
John leaned over the desk and shook her hand. “Thank you for your time, Jessica.”
August 10th, 2014 at 11:43
Very good! Is Travolta a pilot? I like that interviewer didn’t know who he was! An enjoyable read, Mark! TiV
August 10th, 2014 at 11:46
Apparently he’s an accomplished pilot, owning four or five jets, including a Qantas Boeing 707.
August 10th, 2014 at 12:48
Wow! I had no idea!! He was great in a Pulp Fiction, but lost me with Hairspray!
August 11th, 2014 at 07:51
Haha that made me laugh. It must be nice sometimes to just not be recognized. Thanks for taking part :-)
August 11th, 2014 at 08:30
I just imagined what one of my children would say or do if they were interviewing John Travolta for a job.
August 11th, 2014 at 09:51
Good idea. I believe that when he made Look Who’s Talking and he goes to the airport, it is his plane in the hanger. I believe. But I may have heard wrong
August 11th, 2014 at 10:09
I love that the interviewer didn’t recognize him. That made things interesting.
August 11th, 2014 at 11:19
Thanks, Megan. I’ve been a fan of awkward situations for a long time. (Huh, that sounds awkward) And how better to make a celebrity feel awkward? By not knowing who they are.
August 13th, 2014 at 04:44
[…] “Be Cool“ Article 94 […]
August 13th, 2014 at 12:49
Fantastic job, man! Love you picking a celeb with another talent and having the interview be for that!
August 13th, 2014 at 14:21
Thanks M8! It kinda makes sense, right?
August 13th, 2014 at 14:24
That it does! :) And hey, sorry I haven’t had a chance to catch up on all your recent work. I will, promise!
August 29th, 2014 at 00:22
Great take on the prompt, Mark. I sure hope Travolta is a better pilot than he is an actor! :)