At the airport, I stopped to double-check my flight information, although I already knew it. We agreed to meet at the gate, so after checking in my bags, I headed to the security check.
After an utterly embarrassing encounter with TSA, where the guards gave me a subtle laugh and not-so-subtle grins over the number of condoms they found in my bag, I cursed Mady in my head and set off to find my gate.
Trying to calm my flushed cheeks, I fanned my face with a book from my backpack when I heard Luke’s voice behind me. I turned and saw seven people chatting at the bar lounge.
I walked over, mentally preparing myself.
“Come, sit.” Luke stood, brushing his arm against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I shook it off and looked at the group.
“Thanks. Well, you guys are something else,” I said, looking at their matching Hawaiian t-shirts. Luke was wearing a black shirt with green palms, emphasizing his dark features. He looked very different. And very adult.
“You’re one beach cocktail with a straw away from being the craziest thing I’ve seen today. And it’s only morning,” I laughed. “I don’t think I’ve seen you in anything but the suits for the past year, so this,” I waved at them, “is mind-blowing.”
I didn’t let them respond and turned to the girls. “Hi, I’m Hazel. Luke’s told me all about you.”
“Hopefully, all good things,” the girl with a bright smile said. I assumed it was Norah.
“Only the best.” I liked her already. “As for the outfits, they do this every year. It’s ridiculous. They live in suits, but on vacation, they let loose. We call them ‘Chicken tenders.’” I raised an eyebrow. “Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside,” she said, tenderly brushing Logan’s hair from his forehead.
“I’m Summer,” a girl with dark hair added, raising her hand to get the waiter’s attention. “Unfortunately, Hazel, we know nothing about you.”
“Come on, relax,” Luke interjected. “She’s on vacation, too. Let her drink a cocktail with a funny straw first.” He gave me a cheeky smile.
The waiter finally arrived. “Double gin and tonic for me, and you?” Luke asked, looking at me.
“Nothing, thank you. I’m not sure I want to drink before the flight,” I said, taking off my jacket. It was pretty hot in here.
“A water, then?” he asked again, and I nodded.
Luke glanced at me but quickly looked away. Yep, it was definitely hot in here.
“This guy needs a drink before every flight,” Alex said, earning an annoyed glare from Luke. I watched them curiously.
“Wait, is fearless Luke afraid of flying?” I teased.
“No, I’m notafraidof flying.”
“Just heights,” Logan whispered loudly, making me laugh.
“I’m not afraid,” Luke muttered. “Just a little bit annoyed, that’s all.”
Two cocktails later, boarding was announced. We finished our drinks, headed to the gate, and before long, the engines were roaring as we took our seats.
“How did you decide to become a chef?” I asked Ava as soon as something food-related was mentioned.
“Oh, funny story,” she said. “When I was thirteen, a classmate dared me to enter a pie-eating contest. I came second—four pies in exactly thirty minutes.” She leaned in, whispering proudly. “I told them if the pies had tasted better, I’d have eaten faster. That got me experimenting with recipes at home... and I’ve never stopped since.”
“That’s amazing.”
The seatbelt sign lit up, and Luke’s anxiety became obvious. He pulled earplugs from his pocket. As the plane began to move, I decided to distract him.
“So,” I said, trying to distract him. He turned slightly but avoided eye contact, tapping fingers on the armrest. “Interested in my book choices for this trip?”
That got his attention. His caramel brown eyes met mine, a small but nervous smile forming. “Always.”
I reached into my bag, hesitating before pulling out the book.
“Ready? You’ll never guess.”
