“Maybe the line will move quickly?” I glanced at it. A person waiting a few feet from the door appeared to be taking a nap.
“I doubt it, ma’am. People tend to come here with complicated problems.”
Like mine. “Thanks.” I trudged toward the end of the line.
Inexplicably, Cole followed me.
“Didn’t you hear what he said?” I asked. “I probably won’t even get in today. You should go to the airport.”
“And what are you going to do?” he asked. “Camp in front of the embassy until Monday?”
“No, I’m going to wait it out until they close. If I don’t get in, I’ll find a hotel.”
“I’m not leaving you in Costa Rica alone.”
“Stan wasn’t serious about that. I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl.”
“You told me the other day you weren’t a girl.”
“Figure of speech. I should’ve said I’m a grown-ass woman who can take care of herself.”
His eyes flared at that. “Regardless, I’m staying. I just have to make a phone call.”
“So do I.” I wasn’t ready to give up hope, but the obstacles to reaching my family’s dinner table seemed insurmountable. It was better to deliver the bad news now rather than to call early on Thanksgiving morning.
Cole stepped away, and I parked myself in the line and dialed my mother.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, honey. How was your trip?”
“Funny story…” I tried my best to make my tale humorous, despite its tragic outcome. To keep her from worrying, I filled it with positive statements about how well the retreat had gone, and I didn’t mention Cole at all. She tried her best to believe that I’d make it home late tonight, but regretfully, I assured her it was unlikely. Why,whyhad I insisted on squeezing a retreat into my first thirty days despite a national holiday? Now it seemed ridiculously naïve and prideful.
While Mom described who was bringing what to the meal, I glanced at Cole. He winced as if whoever he was talking to was telling him off. It was my fault he’d most likely miss his family meal. He was being nice and helping me out. I could’ve offered to explain it to whoever was chewing him out, but that felt like an overstep.
What kind of family did Cole have, anyway? Were they big and loud and in everyone’s business like mine, or were they quiet and cold like Justine’s? He didn’t wear a ring, so I knew he wasn’t married, but did he have a girlfriend? Or a boyfriend? I couldn’t imagine who’d put up with his bullshit. I snorted out loud at the thought.
“Oh, no, honey, was that a sneeze?” Mom asked. “Are you catching a cold?”
“I’m fine, Mom. But I’ll let you go. I’m really sorry. I’ll make it up to you at Christmas. I’ll do all the cooking while you put your feet up.”
“You know I like to cook,” she said. “I’m grateful to have the means to put a meal on the table for my family.”
I knew exactly what she meant. During the bad times, I’d told myself I’d never be ungrateful for a meal again. Even if it was liver and onions, which I found revolting. I’d eat it and be thankful we had food.
“We’ll cook it together, I promise,” I said. “I’ll videocall you tomorrow, okay? It’ll be just like I’m there.”
“I know you’ll try your best,” she said. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mom. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I ended the call and heard a shocking phrase from Cole.
“I’m sorry, baby. I won’t be there like I promised.” I’d never heard his voice go that soft before. Did he have a special someone? “I know, Cait. I know. I feel terrible.”
Holy shit. He had a girlfriend. And I’d fucked up his plans to spend the holiday with her. I felt like a heel for making him miss it.
