“It would be great.” His hand found mine, his fingers trembled slightly as they blended with mine. “You could come to the store with me and work the drink bar while I make faces at you from the stacks.”
“Don’t tempt me.” I squeezed his hand, as he had no idea what his playfulness was doing to my heart. Iwouldgo to Vermont with him if I felt like he was even remotely serious right now. “I hate to leave, but I need you to drive me back or I’m going to miss my flight. But…” I stressed the T, hoping to keep our parting positive, as I stood up. “I have a week scheduled for New York high schools next month. It would be great if you could drive over.”
“Next month is too far away. Why don’t I come to Florida in two weeks?” He grabbed the cooler, still sitting where he’d put it last night. “I want to see what your life is like.”
I dragged my feet to the car because I didn’t want to leave him. “I would love it if you came to see me, but are you sure you can do that with Hadley?”
“I’ll make a few calls and figure stuff out.” He stopped in front of the car. We stared at each other, not even teasing a smile now. I hated this. I already missed him.
“Actually, I have a family wedding in two weeks. My cousin is getting married. I’m a bridesmaid.” I patted his chest. “I’d love it if you could come as my plus one.”
“Why didn’t you say something? I’d love to go with you. Oh, wait.” His lips parted in caution but his smile lingered. “Does that mean your dad is going to be there?”
I cringed through the flashbacks. “He’s gotten alittlebetter over the years, but I promise my mom will keep him occupied, and there’s no taxidermy allowed at the wedding.”
“If you can make that a promise, then of course I’m in.”
I was all smiles as I leaned in for a deep hug. I tried to memorize every detail—the way his arms felt around me, the scent of his cologne, and the way my heart drummed against my rib cage. It was only going to be two weeks, but the thought tugged at my heart like a relentless ache with no sign of ending. “I won’t say goodbye, because I don’t want to cry. I’m going to say see you in two weeks.”
“Absolutely.” He echoed my positive tone and kissed my forehead. “See you in two weeks.” With a bittersweet smile, I pulled away, holding his gaze for a moment longer before turning to get in the car. And as I did, warmth filled my chest, reminding me all my dreams were coming true. I just had to be patient.
By the time we returned to the hotel, I had barely enough time to grab my things and race to the airport. I got my boarding pass scanned right as they closed the gate. Something was up with the plane. We sat on the tarmac, waiting, the air smoldering. They couldn’t even pass out water for us until we were in the air, and I was getting dizzy. I reached for my phone, texting Graham.
Me: Haven’t left the airport.
Graham: R U serious? Did they say how long your delay will be?
Me: They said fifteen minutes, but that was an hour ago.
Graham: Hopefully it won’t be too much longer.
Leaning forward, I checked down my row, and everyone seemed to be fidgeting in their seats, and craning their necks around. This was getting ridiculous. I swiped my forehead as I was getting clammier by the minute. Another vibration from my phone.
Graham: I’m looking at flights to Florida.
A smile filled my lips as his dedication made me so happy.
Me: And?
Graham: I don’t know if I can make it in two weeks. Things look pretty booked.
Me: Oh, that’s okay. If it doesn’t work out, we can pick another weekend.
They announced it was time to activate airplane mode on our devices. I was dying at the thought of our plans being thwarted but obediently switched off my phone. When we landed four hours later, I still didn’t have a reply.
Me: Hey, I made it home. Did you find a flight?
I took long strides down the corridor, pulling my carryon bag behind me, checking my phone every ten seconds. No reply.
Me: I’m home now. Call me when you get time.
When I passed through the front door of my house, Bre was conked out face down into a throw pillow on the couch. She was piping out little snores. I tiptoed around her, trying to get to my room without waking her. I had a sickening feeling in my stomach. Even if Graham was working, he should have replied with a short text to acknowledge he’d at least gotten my messages. Surely, he’d lost his phone. Maybe Hadley was sick? He’d find a way to get ahold of me soon. Finally, as if he knew my heart couldn’t handle the waiting anymore, I got a text.
Graham: I managed to find a redeye flight that comes in early Saturday. I can’t wait to see you.
fourteen
Graham
