‘Grab a seat,’ I offer. ‘You okay?’
Callum stays standing, eyes narrowed. ‘What, no snide remarks this morning, Moss?’
‘Some things don’t change.’ I sigh loudly.
‘I beg your pardon?’
‘Never mind. I hear you’re coming to Australia too.’
‘Yup. Lucky you.’ He smirks at me.
‘Yes indeed. I simply cannot wait to spend the next day in transit arguing with you. We’re both totally screwed.’
‘Stirring words, Moss. Have you considered retraining as a life coach?’
‘Very funny. I’m just saying—’
‘I know, I know. You hate me. The idea of spending any time with me is an unimaginable chore. You wish I hadn’t been sent on this trip and you resent my very presence here. Is that about the size of it?’ he asks, hitching his bag further up his shoulder.
I mean, yes, but …
‘What’s up with you today?’ I ask.
He pinches the top of his nose. ‘Sorry. I’ve got a lot going on.’
‘Join the club, pal,’ I tut. Callum doesn’t know the half of it.
‘Maybe we should just meet later at the gate?’ he suggests.
‘Fine by me,’ I huff as he stalks off.
Wow. Way to make the vibe even weirder, I think grumpily as I finish my coffee and make my way to the departure gate. Still, forget Callum, I’ve got a new plan to hatch anyway.
Our flight hasn’t been called yet but I suspect I already know the gate number and practically jog along the travelator to get there. Only difference this time is that I’m not in competition with the freakishly fast Callum Bang of my dreams. Or should I saynightmares.
I know exactly what I need to do. I find a member of the airline we’re flying with, flip my hair behind my shoulders and unleash Business Nina, my competent alter ego who is very impressive and gets stuff done.
‘Hi, I’m so sorry to trouble you but I’m hoping to swap my seat on this flight,’ I say.
‘I’m afraid we can’t do that once boarding passes have been issued, ma’am,’ she replies with a kind look.
‘I totally understand,’ I say, leaning in. ‘And I know it’s a huge ask. But the thing is, I’m pretty sure that the one that got away is on this plane.Myone that got away. I haven’t seen him in years and I would so love to sit next to him.’
The attendant’s interest is piqued, I can tell. I proceed to tell her my entire life story and the sweeping romance that was Hamish and me before he left the country, only this time with less of the him-ghosting-me element that Dream Callum and All-the-Time Penny seem to find so annoying.
She clutches at her chest.
‘That’s so sweet,’ she says when I come to an end. ‘Let me see what I can do.’
After a quick type into the computer, she looks up at me. Then she hands me a brand-new boarding card.
‘You’re in luck. The flight isn’t quite full and I’ve put you right next to Mr McKellan.’
‘Oh my word, thank you so much!’ I squeal. I can’t believe that, a) Hamish actually is on this flight and, b) my plan worked. Future happiness, here I come!
‘You’re welcome,’ she calls as I skip off to grab a seat, excitement building in my stomach. This is it. This is my chance. Maybe I won’t even need my new rose-tinted sunglasses now there’s the promise of Hamish in my future, too.
I hear the divorce party before I see them, because they’re singing Men At Work’s ‘Down Under’ at top volume. On closer inspection, one of the party appears to be clutching a mini didgeridoo. ‘The Australians are going to love them’, I chuckle to myself as they close in on the gate.
