Page 2 of Stolen Kisses

"He's not answering."

"Okay, I'll tell him. Want me to jump in for you and do the stuff on your list for tonight?" Duncan asked.

"Yes, I'd really appreciate that. I don't know when I’ll find out anything about the flight, but even if we fly out later tonight, I'll miss most of it."

"I got you covered."

"Thanks," I said and ended the call. It was a good thing my brothers were already there. In hindsight, I should’ve taken the earlier flight with them, but I didn’t want to miss my meeting.

We all worked together at Sterling Investments, and each of us also had separate ventures in various industries. I saw my brothers on a regular basis, but this weekend would be a chance for us to let loose. We’d had a tumultuous week on the stock market and were exhausted—I’d personally spent half my time trying to calm down clients—and we were looking forward to hanging out together and relaxing.

I turned back to the attendant at the counter and asked, “One more thing, miss. I flew in from Seattle this morning, and my luggage got lost. I’ve been assured it would be waiting for me at the gate. It was a carryon and I made the mistake to check in.”

Her eyes widened, which was not a good sign. “Let me check.”

I waited while she made frantic calls.

Fuck!I hoped she found it, or I’d have to do some shopping tomorrow morning.

I turned around and noticed a line was already forming to board the economy passengers.

Just then, I looked up to see the word “Delayed” appear on the screen.Damn it.I tried calling Josh again. I had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

***

Hannah

“I can’t wait for you to get here,” my sister said into the phone. My heart swelled. My little sister, Blair, was about to tie the knot.

“Just a few more hours, okay?” I replied.

“I’m so excited, and also terrified. I can’t believe I’m getting married, you know?” she murmured.

Neither could I. She’d only met Josh four months ago. I’d introduced them after he and I met at a finance conference. Blair had come with me to keep me company. One thing led to another, and now they were getting married. And despite the fact that my divorcée heart was still bleeding, I thought this was amazing. Love at first sight and all that. My parents’ story began that way too. At twenty-nine, I was still an incurable romantic. I only hoped it would really happen for me one day.

“You’ll be the most beautiful bride,” I said. I rose on my toes, trying to look over the crowd to the counter. The line wasn’t moving at all. I glanced at the screen and my heart sank. “Crap, the flight is delayed.”

Blair gasped. “By how long?”

“No clue. Let me find out more and I’ll text you, okay?”

“Sure. Mom and I are waiting for you.”

“Okay, have fun. I’ll text you when I know more. Love you. Can’t wait to see you.”

“I can’t either.”

We were born and raised in San Diego, but my sister had been living in Cape Cod for a few years. Our mom had moved to Ontario after retiring. It had been Gran and me for the last three years in San Diego. Now it was just me.

The crowd began to disperse as the announcement of the delay was made, and everyone went to sit down. I hurried to the counter while the attendant was free.

Balancing my phone on my shoulder, I grabbed the handle of my carryon, pulling it forward. I was holding my maid of honor dress in my left hand; I'd put it on a hanger and was still hoping to find a place to actually hang it in the plane. I didn't want it to get too wrinkled.

“Hi!” I said.

The airport attendant looked at me wearily. “Listen, there is nothing we can do about the delay.” She sounded exasperated.

“I know that. I’m just wondering if you know how long the delay is.”

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