Evie put together the perfect flight itinerary. There’s one stop in Dallas, and the layover should only last an hour or so. She was punctual for the flight, giving us ample time to get through TSA and board the plane. Everything is going according to plan.
“I’ve never flown business class before.” She presses a finger to her lips, as if silently asking me to keep her secret. “I thought it was a myth. First-class is definitely a myth, right?”
Some people in my position would go for a first-class flight. There are even some who would fly private, but that’s never been my style. I’ve even flown economy in the last year, and I remember vividly how uncomfortable it is.
Business is a fine step up.
“Your brother has flown business—and first-class, probably,” I say. “Youknowit’s not a myth.”
She shakes her head and turns away from me, looking out at the blue sky and fluffy clouds. “Everett has been known to lie. His word means nothing to me.”
“You’re here now. Not a myth. This is real, Evie.” I pinch her arm. “Come back to Earth.”
“Hey!” She giggles, carefree in a way I’ve never seen. “How am I supposed to do that when I’m so high up?”
Her happiness only lasts a moment.
The plane jerks. A wave of turbulence hits, as it tends to on departure. I fly often enough to be used to the shaking and rattling, but that doesn’t stop how my heart thumps in my chest.
Every damn time.
The look on Evie’s face is what alarms me. Her eyes grow wide, her head snapping from the window to meet my gaze with one of pure fear. “What’s happening?” she breathes.
“Nothing. It’s just turbulence.”
Her hand reaches for mine, and before I know what I’m doing, I reach back, my fingers curling around hers. She holds onto me tight, her knuckles white.
“Youhaveflown before, right?” I murmur. It’s a silly question. I know she flew from Ohio to San Diego all by herself.
She nods. “I just… hate this part.”
It makes sense that Evie has traveled less than I have and far less than her brother. He was constantly zipping around for surf competitions, and even now, he flies off to judge them.
I stroke my thumb against the back of her hand and don’t stop until the turbulence is over. It’s quick, nothing to worry about, and we’re on smooth sailing through the sky. Evie is rigid beside me, her fingers gripping mine so hard it hurts.
“You’re okay,” I say. “It’s all over.”
“Are you sure?”
“Pretty sure.” The corner of my lip tugs up. “Would it help you if I get into the science behind turbulence? We have another flight to go.”
“Maybe…”
“It’s usually caused by wind. Turbulence like that is mild. When the wind speeds change, it makes it a little bumpy. I think that’s the case this time. That’s all.”
“Oh.” She lets go of my hand, and I pull my fingers from her grip. “Okay. This is fine. I’m fine, and we’re fine. I’m so sorry for freaking out.”
“It’s alright. Don’t apologize.”
“No, it’s silly. I flew to San Diego alone, and now…” She shakes her head.
“The good news is that this first flight is shorter. We’ll be on the ground in no time, and we’ll be fine.”
“Yeah.” She looks at me from the corner of her eye, smiling softly. “We’ll be fine.”
I don’t know if I will. The pressure from her fingers still feels like a ghost on mine, and I can’t shake off what happened. It was for her comfort. I never would have been the one reaching for her, but I’m torn.
What would Everett say if he knew I held his sister’s hand? Maybe he would be happy that I’m keeping her safe, but somehow, I doubt it.
