Page 72 of Jingle Bell Jilt
Nathan
It sounded like they said Gate G-5.
Maybe he should change occupations and work as a phone background decoder (That’s not a real job, right?).
G-5. Got it. Thanks, Nathan!
I take a deep breath. Why is Evan going to Chicago? Maybe this isn’t serendipity. Or is it kismet? I can never get those two straight. Maybe it isn’t either of them.
Nathan
I hope he makes you happy babe
I ignore the ‘babe’ and send a thumbs-up emoji. Time to head back toward Gate G-5.
* * *
EVAN
I can’t seemto get Nathan off the phone. He said he’s sorry he was a jerk, which is nice of him. He was a jerk. But I was kind of one too. So we both apologized. But now he’s just rambling about—well, I’m not sure because I tuned out after he complained that Shay’s parents were going to sue him. I can’t hear about Shay right now. I’m already way too nervous to see her again as it is. I don’t need to think about her parents suing people.
“Oh, yeah?” I say methodically. I don’t know if it even applies to what Nathan said. How long until they begin the boarding process? I’m beginning to think that’s the only thing that will get him off this call.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to begin boarding our non-stop flight to Chicago. We’ll start with those people needing special assistance and families with young children and babies.” Aren’t babies young children in actuality? It feels repetitive.
“Hey, Nathan. They’re calling my flight. I need to let you go. But we can talk when I get back, okay? I’m really glad we patched things up.”
“Okay, I guess we can talk later.” He sighs, but doesn’t hang up. “Are you going on your trip alone?”
“Yeah. But I’m hoping to meet a friend once I get there.” I pause. What’s he waiting for? Just hang up already, man.
“Cool.” He’s quiet for a minute. “Okay, well I guess I better let you go.”
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Thanks again for calling. Bye.” I end the call before he can say anything else. I don’t think Nathan and I will ever have the same relationship that we had before. I know what a tool he is now, and I’ve lost a lot of respect for him. But if I manage to get back together with Shay, it’s possible we’ll bump into him if we’re with her family, right? At least this way it won’t have to be awkward.
I sling my messenger bag strap across my chest and grab the handle of my carry-on. I may as well wait closer to the podium for my group to be called.
I step into the walkway and a person looking at their phone collides with me.
“I’m so sor—,” we both say at the same time.
I stop with my hand halfway out to steady her when recognition dawns. “Shay?”
She swallows. “Hey, Evan.” She glances around her like she’s looking for an escape.
“What are you doing here?” Manchester airport is not really a layover to anywhere. If you’re here, it’s pretty much because you want to be here. Which means she came here on purpose. My chest tightens when I think about what this could mean.
“Well, I was hoping to meet you in a more private location. But it seems this is the place it’s going to be.” She gives a nervous laugh.
“We will now board Group one. Please have your boarding pass ready, Group one.”
I glance over at the flight attendants checking people in for the flight.
“You’re going to Chicago?” Shay’s voice is unnaturally high.
I shake my head. “No, that’s just my layover.”
She nods but her brow is creased in confusion. “Oh. Sounds fun.”
