Page 60 of The Love Penalty

I smile into the phone and close my eyes, wishing that he were here sitting next to me. I could really use a Robbie hug right now.

“The reason I called is that I found you a ticket for next week. There’s actually a direct flight this time, but there’s only a few spots left so we need to get it now.”

“How much is it?”

“It’s $400.”

“What? Robbie, that’s insane. That’s $300 more than the flight with one layover.”

“Well, yeah. But do you really want to deal with potential delays? Michigan weather is unpredictable. There could be rain, snow, even a blizzard next week.”

“Are the weathermen saying there’s a blizzard next week?” I ask, annoyed.

I can basically hear him rolling his eyes when he says, “No, but there is supposed to be snow, and you never know.”

“Well, I can’t afford the extra $300 since I had to get my heating fixed. So I’ll take the regular flight,” I say with some bite. I get that he doesn’t have to worry about money like I do, but suggesting this flight seems crazy to me.

“Okay, so let me pay for it.”

“Absolutely not!” I all but yell back.

He’s quiet for a beat, then says, “Why not? At least give me a good reason.”

“Because, that’s too much money regardless of who is paying for it. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with you paying for it. Can we please drop it now? I’m going to get the regular ticket today and forward you the details.” I wait for him to push the subject more, but he drops it, albeit reluctantly.

“Okay. I miss you and love you and can’t wait to see you next week,” he says in a softer voice than before.

“Miss you and love you too. I’ll be there in no time.”

CABIN FEVER

Olivia

I’m so excited for our trip. I apologize in advance for being terrible at snowboarding.

Robbie

Forecast shows lots of snow, so we might end up spending a couple days just huddled inside the cabin.

What will we do inside all day?

I have a few NSFW ideas. And board games.

Who is going to watch Beans and Caramel while we’re away?

My mom will stop by and feed them every couple of days, and make sure they have water and treats.

Tell your mom I said hi.

THIRTY-THREE

Olivia

It’s a week later,and my flight got delayed due to a snowstorm so I am stuck in Chicago O’Hare. This is what I get for skimping on the tickets and not getting the direct flight to Grand Marquee like Robbie suggested. Now I am frantically typing out messages to both Robbie and Alice to let them know the plan needs to be slightly delayed.

The two of them—plus Jordan—were going to pick me up at the airport then we were going to head straight to the Elliots’ cabin three hours to the north. I keep glancing up at the screen but all it says isDELAYED. I’ve been waiting at the gate for half an hour and no one has come up to the desk to give us any information.

My phone rings and I see Robbie’s name flash on the screen.

---