Page 46 of Until It Was Real

My body tingles with the need to escape. To pretend last night never happened.

I lift Rhett’s arm and scooch until I’m at the edge of the bed. I place a pillow under his arm and he cuddles it with a sigh.

I snatch my phone from the nightstand before tiptoeing to the bathroom. I shut the door behind me and open the app for the airline. I change my flight to one leaving in ninety minutes. I need to hurry.

Lucky for me, this fancy hotel suite has a walk-in closet attached to the bathroom. I don’t bother with a shower. I throw on some clothes and shove everything back into my carry-on.

I place my ear against the door and listen for any sign of movement from Rhett. When I don’t hear anything, I slowly open the door and peek out. He’s fast asleep and facing away from me. Now’s my chance.

I carry my bag out of the room and creep toward the front door. I snag my purse from the counter and grab my shoes before leaving. When the door clicks shut, I can breathe for the first time this morning. I made it.

I check the time on my phone. Not quite. I need to catch my earlier flight before I can rule this escape a success.

I hurry to the elevator. When I’m inside, I kneel down to put on my shoes. The door opens on another floor and a couple enters. Her eyes widen when she notices me putting my shoes on. Oh god. Is this what a walk of shame is?

My cheeks heat. “I slept in. I have a flight in just over an hour. I don’t want to miss it,” I ramble.

The woman grins. “Ah, to be young again.”

Apparently, I’m not fooling her one bit.

We arrive at the lobby and I shoot out of the elevator. I ignore the reception. Rhett can deal with checking us out. I have a plane to catch and an escape to complete.

I skid to a halt in front of the doorman.

“I need a taxi to the airport.”

“Of course, ma’am.”

He takes my bag and leads me outside, where a row of taxis are waiting. Oh. Silly me. I forgot we’re staying at a fancy schmancy hotel.

The driver of the first taxi jumps out of his car to open the trunk.

I fidget as the doorman and driver secure my suitcase. Do I tip the doorman? How much?

The doorman smiles at me. “Mr. Raider will settle up with me.”

My shoulders sag in relief. I should probably be embarrassed – again – that my nervousness is obvious to one and all, but I can’t bother to care now. I need out of here.

As we drive to the airport, I watch the taxi meter with alarm. The dollars add up faster than I can count and I can count pretty darn fast. I check the bills in my wallet. Luckily, I have a bit more cash than normal on me due to this trip.

When he pulls up to the terminal at the airport, relief fills me. If I only tip ten percent, I have enough cash.

“Sorry,” I say as I hand him the money. “I don’t usually carry cash.”

He pats my arm. “It’s okay, honey. Be safe.”

Why is everyone being nice to me this morning? Does my face have a sign with ‘pathetic loser’ on it?

I hurry toward the check-in line and show the attendant my ticket.

“You’re in the wrong line.”

Panic hits me hard. I need to get on this flight. “I changed my ticket,” I explain. “I’m taking an earlier flight.”

She points to a different line. “You have a first class ticket. You can check in there.”

Relief flits through me. I can still make this flight. “Oh.”

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