Page 18 of Marring an Athlete

Chapter Seven

Anna

Anna was relieved when Michael asked if she would be okay if they switched seats on the next few flights so they could do some recon with McKenna and Sam. Part of her wondered if it was because of the intimate interactions that kept happening between them. But, she brushed the thought off as crazy talk.

The airline attendant started her pre-flight check as Anna buckled her seatbelt next to McKenna. Thankfully, Michael had offered his first-class seat to McKenna in exchange for her economy seat next to Sam.

McKenna was more than happy to give up her seat and was currently stowing the tray table and spreading the complimentary blanket across her lap.

“Michael sure knows how to fly,” she said as she accepted some sparkling water from the attendant who was making her way down the aisle.

“Yeah, it’s nice.” Anna cleared her throat as she focused on her hands in her lap, trying to distract herself from the fear building in her chest. She didn’t have Michael for this takeoff and was mentally telling herself to breathe. She could do this. Right?

“It’s so much better here, than back with Sam. That man slept the whole plane ride. Like, before we even took off he was sawing some hard z’s.”

From the corner of Anna’s eye, she saw McKenna lean closer. “You okay? You’re paler than a sheet.”

Anna nodded. “We just need to get into the air, and then I’ll be fine. Or at least that’s how it was for the other flight.” She swallowed as she squeezed her eyes shut and told herself to calm down.

McKenna sighed as she leaned back in her chair. “I told you it was crazy that an adult your age has never ridden on a plane before.” She clicked her tongue. “It’s settled. Once we get back, we’re doing more trips together. After all, if my marriage is doomed, I might as well have some fun.”

Anna turned to look at her best friend. “Kenna, seriously? Your marriage isn’t doomed. You’re going to work this out. I promise.” She reached out and patted McKenna’s hand.

McKenna stared at her lap, and Anna could see tears forming on her lids. She was hurting. Anna could see that. She just wished there was more she could do than just offer words of encouragement.

“I hope so,” McKenna said. Her voice barely a whisper. “I just wish I could figure out how to get Sam to talk to me again. It’s like I’m failing him at everything. I lost my job last month. I can’t get pregnant. I burn any dinner I try to make.”

Anna stared at her. “You lost your job?”

McKenna nodded. “Yeah. Apparently, they’re getting rid of my division. Last one in, first one out.” She sighed and leaned back on the chair. The flight attendant stopped at their row and reminded them to push their purses under the seat. Anna and McKenna complied.

“He can’t blame you for any of that. The company let you go. And you’ve always been a bad cook—he married you with that knowledge. And. . .” Anna wanted to say something about the infertility but wasn’t sure what. This was an aspect of marriage she wasn’t sure she was qualified to talk about.

“And the lack of babies isn’t my fault either?” Her voice broke as she wiped at a tear. “Except it is my fault. Or, at least, that’s what the doctor told us. I’ve failed him. I wouldn’t blame Sam if he wanted to leave. I’d leave me as well.”

Anna wished she’d prepared better for this conversation. What had started out as just a recon mission was quickly turning into something more.

“Kenna. . .” Anna started, but when she turned to look at her friend, she paused. McKenna’s face had paled, and she looked sick. “Are you okay?”

McKenna held her hand over her mouth. “I think I’m going to be sick. Ugh, why did I drink that sparkling water? Bleh.” She reached for her seatbelt and unbuckled.

“I don’t think you can—”

“Outta my way!” McKenna yelled as she stumbled over Anna’s legs.

“Okay,” Anna said, contorting her body in a way that allowed McKenna access to the aisle. The protests of the flight attendants were ignored as McKenna rushed into the bathroom and slammed the door.

Anna shrugged at an inquisitive glance from the passenger next to them. “Nerves,” she said.

The balding man just nodded and then turned back to his magazine.

A few minutes later, McKenna emerged from the bathroom with her skin still ashen, but looking better. She nodded to the flight attendant who muttered something about respecting the seatbelt sign, but didn’t push it further.

Anna pulled her legs back to let McKenna pass by. Once she was settled in, Anna turned. “You okay?”

McKenna nodded as she dabbed the corner of her lips. “Sorry. Talking about this just makes me sick to my stomach. That sparkling water didn’t help either.”

Anna nodded and grabbed a tissue from her purse and handed it over. “Here,” she said.

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