Page 22 of Break Out

Thankfully, there was no line at security, so I was able to get through relatively fast. I’m not sure what I would have done if I’d missed my flight. Probably get in my car and drive to Key West, like I’d originally planned. Thankfully, I didn’t have to cross that bridge.

As much as I protested when Brody bought me first class tickets, I’m secretly thrilled about it because the seats are so much nicer and wider than economy and there are only two seats per row.

I push my carry-on bag under the seat in front of me and buckle myself in. The aisle seat is still empty, and I wonder if anyone’s going to sit there. How much luckier could I get? First class and no one else in my row? A flight attendant comes down the aisle asking if anyone would like a complimentary beverage while the rest of the plane boards. I opt for a glass of wine. When in Rome and all that jazz. Brody has definitely spoiled me. I don’t know how I’m going to go back to flying economy after this.

This is already far better than driving for eight hours. Even if I have a connection in Charlotte. Yes, that’s right, I go from Gainesville to Charlotte to Key West.

How does that make sense?

I take a sip of my wine. Here’s to hoping the next week is smooth sailing. I’m ready for this wedding to be over and done with. All the late-night FaceTimes and constant text messages from my mother or sister have taken a toll on me. Not that I expect to relax much on this trip because of all the preplanned group activities. Which means I’ll be spending all my time with Clara and her friends. And my mother.

“Hello,” a deep voice to my right says. I turn and smile at the guy in jeans and a red polo sitting down next to me. He grins back at me, running a hand through his curly blond hair.

“Hi,” I say, taking a sip of my wine. I reach into the seat back pocket and grab my phone so I can set it to Airplane Mode. I unlock it and see I have a message from Brody.

Brody: See you soon. Meet you at baggage claim. A car’s going to pick us up.

I type a quick response telling him I’ve boarded my first flight and turn my phone to Airplane Mode before returning it to the seat back pocket.

“Work or vacation?” the guy asks.

I sigh quietly. I hope he doesn’t plan to talk to me the whole time because I was hoping to read a book. I love to read but between my job and this wedding, I haven’t had time to.

“My sister’s wedding. What about you?”

“Vacation.” He blows out a breath. “A much-needed vacation.”

I’m saved from having to think of a reply by the pilot coming over the loudspeaker to tell us that they’re closing the doors and we’re first in line to take off. A flight attendant steps into the aisle and gives the safety demo as we taxi down the runway.

Within twenty minutes we’re airborne. I pull out the book I packed for the trip. I’m excited to dive into the new fantasy novel by my favorite author. I don’t even get through the first chapter before my seatmate is talking to me again.

“You a fan?” the guy asks, and at first, I think he’s asking about my book until I notice he’s eyeing my Storm shirt.

“You could say that,” I answer, going back to my book and hoping he gets the hint that I don’t want to talk.

“Me too. Horrible way their season ended with Thompson missing that goal.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and I glance up at him. “Come again?”

I know the team lost in the first round in a heated series, but Brody didn’t tell me the details. I didn’t get to watch any of the games except the first one. The first round of the playoffs fell right at the end of the semester when I was spending all day and night dealing with office hours, final papers, and exams. Now, the comments from his teammates at the beach make a little more sense.

Shit.

Why didn’t he say anything?

But also, how did I miss that?

Because I’ve been a bad friend. I avoided him for months after the kiss with his teammate.

“Yeah, it was game five, and the Storm were down by one with seconds to go of the game. Thompson got the puck. Had a clear shot of the net. He missed. Bounced off the post,” the guy says with a grimace.

Before I can respond the flight attendants come around with drinks and snacks. Shortly after my seatmate falls asleep, and I’m left to read in peace. Unfortunately, that’s where my luck runs out. The Charlotte airport is busy, and we sit on the tarmac for thirty minutes waiting for a gate. By the time the plane’s doors open, my hour-long layover has turned into a few minutes. Thank goodness the flight attendants came around and made sure those with connecting flights got off first.

I make my way out to the concourse and sprint toward the gate for my flight, which appears to be almost done boarding. I let out a breath when I’m buckled into my seat. At least I made it. And this time, I do get lucky, and the seat next to me remains empty. I hope that my luck holds out and somehow my luggage makes it too.

Although I highly doubt it.

My stomach rolls at the thought of my luggage being lost. I’m sure there are places in Key West to get clothes. The issue is there are quite a few events that I need more than a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for. I take a few deep breaths. There’s nothing I can do right now. At least I packed a change of clothes and my necessary toiletries in my carry-on. I shove my bag under the seat in front of me, after pulling out my book, and buckle my seatbelt.