Forcing my eyes open, I clutch my armrest when the plane bursts through the haze of white outside. Out of nowhere, the ground rises up to meet us. The plane touches down, sways from the left, to the right, left again, and then finally stops zigzagging. The runway is shiny and wet. But we’re on the ground. Thank God.
Denver.
With a ping, the lights flicker back on and although the fasten seat belt light remains illuminated, clicking sounds echo throughout the cabin as passengers release the metal clasps and begin gathering their belongings.
I dig into my carry-on, searching for my phone.
Tucker still hasn’t responded to the text I’d sent earlier informing him the flight was delayed. Impatience gnaws at me to get off this damn plane. He’s supposed to meet me at baggage claim. The thought of seeing him again makes me almost giddy– despite the horrid flight– despite Ashlee’s gloomy predictions. It’s been too long since I felt his lips on mine. Since I’d gazed into his gorgeous, emerald colored eyes.
Too long since we’d done wicked, wonderful things that when recalled, have me clenching my thighs together.
So much waiting.
I desperately want the reassurance I’ll feel when I look into his eyes.
Twenty-seven days.
Finally, the door is opened. Before I unbuckle my belt, the aisle has filled up with passengers even more impatient than me. I don’t even care anymore. I’m moments away from seeing Tucker again. I thank the pilot and flight attendant at the door and step across a small gap onto the long metal walkway.
Freezing air blows right through my flimsy clothing the instant I’m off the plane.
I didn’t think to bring a coat. Why would I bring a coat? It had been eighty degrees in San Francisco that morning. And it’s April!
I’d had other, more important things to think about. Like making one of the craziest decisions of my life. Like moving a thousand miles away from my best friend in the world.
Like seeing my soulmate again!
I follow the herd of passengers down the endless terminal, feeling more excited with each step.
Excited and anxious.
Would he feel the same about me?
Would I feel the same about him?
We’d fallen in love, and I trust my emotions. I trust the decision I made nearly a month ago. Being apart hasn’t been easy, though.
As I arrive at Baggage Claim area “B” I’m more anxious than ever. So many people!
So many people and yet no Tucker.
If he’s here, I know I wouldn’t miss him. He looms about six feet four, oozes strength and energy, and has the silkiest dark brown hair. It’s the color of coffee. Even if he wasn’t so tall, I’d feel his presence. My awareness of him is so keen that I’d feel him watching me.
I glance at my phone again. Nothing. Where are you Tucker?
Maybe he gave up and went back to his car? My flight is over two hours late, after all.
Just as I’m about to hit the button to call him, somebody taps me on the shoulder. “You Isabella Langley?”
I turn around to find a woman, a few inches shorter than me. One look at her face though, and I have a feeling that anything she lacks in height, she more than makes up for in attitude. And she looks vaguely familiar.
“I am. Are you here with Tucker?” Same green eyes. She must be his little sister… what is her name? Jamie? Josie?
“I’m Jessamine.” She doesn’t return my smile. “Tucker couldn’t make it.” Her gaze flicks to the carry-on I’ve been dragging along, and she shrugs. “Good to see you already have your luggage. We’ve a long drive ahead, and I’d like to make it home before dark.”
I try to laugh a little at that. “Uh, no. I–er, checked a few things. I hope you haven’t been waiting the whole time. I texted Tucker about the flight delay but wasn’t sure he ever got it.” The expression on her face gives me no doubt that she’s been waiting. “I’m so sorry.” I apologize again.
In that moment, my two gigantic but fantastic Louis Vitons are dropped by the magical airport gods onto the caterpillar-like carousel conveyor belt. With a vague wave at Tucker’s sister, I hobble over to the merry-go-round apparatus in my four-inch heels and struggle to remove both of them before they disappear back into the bowels of the luggage train tunnel.
