“Huh?” I blink enough to make out the person talking. “Alec?”
“Wake up. You need to get ready to head to the airport. Becky, Ben’s wife, is going to take you.”
To the airport? Did I sleep that late? “What time is it?”
“Seven thirty.”
But my flight—
“Hurry. I made you some toast and coffee.”
I roll out of bed slowly. I’m sore all over. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I rest my head in my hands and think,Oh boy. It’s coming to me. I drank too much wine.Way too much. A few minutes later and the rest has come into focus. “No wonder he wants me out of here.” Honestly, I don’t blame him.
Taking my toiletry bag and the clothes for my return flight into the bathroom, I make quick work of a shower. Leaving my hair to air dry, I dress in the overalls I came in and a white tee. I’ll throw on my cardigan once I get to the airport. It’s too warm for it now. Not bothering with makeup, because who cares? I shove everything into my carry-on bag and roll it out into the living room. A woman is there on the sofa.
I stare at her for a minute, trying to place her. She looks familiar. Maybe there’s a photo of her and Ben around here somewhere. “Hi,” I say softly. Walking to her, I hold out my hand to shake. “I’m Matilda.”
She smiles and replies, “I’m Becky. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
I’m not sure what that means, but I smile.
“Toast for the road?” he asks, handing me a paper plate with two pieces of toasted bread slathered in butter and jam of some sort. “No, thank you. My stomach is a bit unsettled this morning.”
He sets the plate on the counter, then puts his hands in his front pockets.
I have to ask. “I, uh, thought you were taking me to the airport.”Later.
“I’ve, uh, gotta work.”
I glance at Becky who’s frowning at Alec.
Ignoring whatever is going on between the two of them, I raise my hand and wave. “All righty. I guess we should go. Thanks for, uh, everything, Alec.”
“You’re welcome. Have a safe flight.”
Like I have any control over that. “Okay. Bye.” I take my bag and roll it out onto the landing and move right as fast as I can go because I’m on the verge of tears again, and the last thing I want to do is cry in front of him.
* * *
We’ve beensilent in Becky’s minivan for the past fifteen minutes. We chatted a little as we drove out of Killeen. Because I didn’t want to talk about Alec and I cared, I asked about her husband Ben. She said he’s doing okay, as well as expected, and “she’s just happy he’s alive.”
God, I’m terrible person whining about my stupid problems when she and Ben are going through all of that. Except, I can’t help it. I’m an emotional wreck over everything. I can’t even bring myself to say Alec’s name because my emotions are at the brim, ready to overflow. I still don’t understand what happened this morning.
Thankfully, Becky breaks the silence with, “So, you train dogs for veterans?”
“Yes, but I’m thinking I need to do something else. Maybe I should move to California or something.”
“Why?”
“Why not?” I shrug. “I think I need to venture out on my own.”
She’s quiet on her side of the car. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” Why not?
“What happened between you and Alec this weekend?”
“Nothing.” Literally nothing.
