Well, that wasn’t very nice. I smile sweetly. “My sister is getting married today over on Azure Island. I was supposed to be there four days ago, only I?—”
She holds up one hand. “Save it. I don’t have any more planes today. It’s the Caribbean Cup. All the pilots have gone to the pub.”
No, no, no, no, nuh-uh. “What? That’s not a thing. The world doesn’t shut down for a soccer game.”
“It’s called football, and yes, it bloody well does.” She shrugs and turns from me.
“Wait! Please. I have money. There must be someone who would take me.”
She turns back and sighs. “You could try down on the docks. There are a few seaplanes there. You might find someone, but I doubt it.”
“Okay, great. Which way is the dock?”
She points to her left. “That way, but it’s too far to walk. It would take an hour.”
“No problem. Where can I get a cab?”
She shakes her head. “I feel like you already forgot about the part when I told you about the football game.”
“I did not, but I was hoping that there might be at least one taxi driver who doesn’t watch soccer.”
“Football.”
“Same thing. Which way is it to the taxi stand?”
“Far end of the airport. Just out the doors, but you won’t find anyone. Everyone’s gone already.”
I blink quickly, feeling those pesky tears threatening yet again. “It’s just … so important that I get there. I can’t miss my little sister’s wedding.” I hold up the dress bag. “See? I’m a bridesmaid. I should be there already getting my hair and makeup done and wearing this awful peach dress. There must be a way. Please help me, Noreen. I really need help.”
Pointing to her right, she says, “You can rent a car at the next kiosk.”
“Rent a car? But I’m going to be there for four days and it’s just a quick drive.”
Shrugging, she says, “You can either rent a car or call your sister and tell her you’re going to miss the wedding.”
I close my eyes for a second, then open them and grind out, “Thanks for your help.”
“You’re most welcome.”
She didn’t mean that. But to be fair, neither did I.
I sprint the ten steps it takes to get to the San Felipe Car Rental kiosk and find the bell. Banging on it quickly and repeatedly, I call, “Hello! Is there anyone here?”
A door to my left opens, and Noreen walks through it. She takes off her name badge and pulls another one out of her suit jacket pocket and affixes it to her lapel. This one says: Noreen, San Felipe Car Rentals. Smiling at me, she says, “Can I help you?”
“Seriously?”
“Did you need a car, ma’am?”
Okay, I’m going to lose it.No, Paige. Stay calm. You need this woman.I force a smile which I’m sure makes me look like a complete lunatic. “Yes, I need a car.”
“What type of vehicle are you looking for? Luxury? Mini-van? Economy?”
I’m so angry, my eyeballs are shaking. “Economy. The cheapest thing you’ve got.”
She makes atsking sound. “I’m afraid we’re all out of economy cars at the moment. Would you like to wait and see if one comes back in a few hours?”
I swallow the tirade on the tip of my tongue, exchanging it for, “No. I’ll take whatever you’ve got.”
