Chapter One
Is there a worse place to be than the airport a few days before Christmas? I shuffle my way through the crowds, struggling with my oversized suitcase and my smaller carry-on.
It’ll be worth it,I tell myself when a stranger knocks right into me without even a “sorry.”
Once I’m on that plane, my week of bliss can begin. I’ve been dreaming about this holiday all year. Literally, I booked the trip on a whim on New Year’s Day. I needed to do something for me, something that I’ve always wanted to do. And spending a week in a tiny little European town is just what I need.
I can already picture the snow falling, walking through the Christmas markets with a hot drink. The charm, the lights, the music, the magic of the season. Sure, I’ll be alone, but I’m okay with that. I don’t need anyone to entertain me. I’m plenty good company.
When I get to the United Airlines check-in counter, I join the end of the mile-long line. My gaze falling on the nonexistent business class section next to me. And I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be able to afford that kind of luxury. Not having to stand around for an hour or more would be worth it.
That’s not going to happen on a hairdresser’s salary, though. I’m okay with economy. There was a time in my life where even the cheapest flights to Europe were a dream. I smile. I’m really doing this. Nothing is going to bring me down.
While I’m waiting in line, I go over the mental checklist I always have. I locked the house. I left enough food in the freezer and fridge for Riley. I tried to convince my baby brother to come with me, but he wasn’t having it. He was adamant that eighteen was old enough to stay home alone for Christmas.
I feel bad. I’m supposed to be there for him. At the same time, it was his choice not to come. I was going to work extra shifts and scrimp on things to get him a ticket.
Ever since our parents died in a car accident a few years ago, it’s just been the two of us. I never planned on becoming responsible for another whole person at the age of twenty. ButRiley was only fifteen, so Ididn’thave a choice in that. It was either he moved in with me, or he ended up in a foster home.
On the day of the funeral, I promised Mom and Dad that I would always be there for Riley, that I’d look out for him. That I wouldn’t let them down.
Again, guilt eats at me. I shake it away. He is going to be fine. He’s not a kid anymore. Right?
Shit. I pull out my phone and call my best friend. The sister I never got but always wanted.
“Shouldn’t you be catching a flight right about now?” Jade answers.
“I’m checking in. I just wanted to make sure you’re going to stop by the house and look in on Riley tonight?” I ask her.
“Hayley, Riley is a big boy. He will be fine. You need to enjoy yourself, meet some sexy German hunks who will whisper dirty things to you in a language you don’t understand. I mean, who cares if you don’t know what they’re saying? It’s still hot.” She sighs. “I should have come with you.”
“It’s not too late,” I tell her, wishing there was even the slightest possibility. Jade is six months pregnant. She’s not flying anywhere.
“I think it is for me.” She laughs. “But I promise to look in on Riley, make sure he’s not throwing ragers and all that. Allyouneed to worry about is having fun. And lots of dirty sex with those hot German hunks.”
I don’t tell her that I don’t actually find the German language sexy. If anything, it scares the crap out of me. Everything sounds so… angry.
“Okay, thank you. I love you, and kiss your belly for me. Tell my niece I love her.”
“Sure, I’ll do that.” Jade laughs again. “Love you too, babes. Go have fun.”
Pocketing my phone, I look at the line ahead of me. Only ten people to go. The closer I get to that counter, the more nervous I am. I’ve never been overseas. I’ve never been anywhere other than Miami—where I was born and raised. Why on earth did I pick some place so far?
I close my eyes and take a deep breath.You can do this, Hayley. You’ve got this.I repeat the pep talk over and over in my head.
“Next.” The lady at the counter waves me forward.
“Hi, I’m going to Germany.” I smile at her.
“Passport?” she asks.
“Right, sorry.” I dig through my bag until I find my little blue booklet and pass it over the counter.
“What city are you flying into?”
Before I can answer the woman, my phone rings. “I’m so sorry,” I tell her as I glance at the screen. I see my brother’s name and silence the call. I’ll call him back as soon as I’m done checking into my flight. “Ah, Munich,” I reply, “I’m going to have a white Christmas.”
She gives me a look that tells me she really doesn’t give two shits what kind of Christmas I’m going to have. Then I’m handed a ticket and told to put my luggage on the conveyor belt. After watching my bag disappear, I head towards the departure gates. I still need to get through TSA.
