Page 25 of The Disasters of Dating
She frowns, and I head her off.
“This week I had a meeting first thing on Monday morning with the CEO of the company, so I couldn’t fly in until later that day.”
She folds her arms. “Ooh. The CEO of the company, huh? Sounds like you’re pretty important and influential.”
Now I laugh. “Hardly.” I should tell her that the CEO is my brother. But she’s looking at me with a very impressed gaze. And I admit, I like it. Probably too much.
“That’s pretty impressive. Didn’t you say you graduated with your master’s? You must have done well in school to land such a great job.”
My smile drops slightly. If she only knew.
Over the loudspeaker, they call the pre-boarding for my flight. I grab the handle of my suitcase. “That’s my flight.” I nod like an idiot. “Maybe I’ll see you around?”
She grins. “If you fly in at night, it’s a good possibility. I’m not going to be here as much until school starts in a couple of weeks. But after that, I only work nights because of school.”
“Nights…got it.” I say like I’m a stalker taking notes. Man, I need to chill out or she’s going to change her school and work schedules just to avoid me. I take a few steps back. “Well, then, I guess I’ll see you on Sunday?”
“Yep! See you Sunday.” She lifts her hand and waves.
I turn around, even though I’d love to watch her as I leave. I suck in a much needed deep breath as I blend into the crowds of people walking through the terminal. I get to my gate and move to the end of the business class line. I used points to upgrade this flight. Like I told Poppy, it’s been a long week.
I pull out my phone—my personal one—and look at the message from her yesterday. Without even thinking more about it, I start a new text.
I’m sorry to have bothered you! Thanks for letting me know. I would hate to chew out my bro for leaving me hanging at the restaurant when he didn’t even get the text.
I press send and glance over my shoulder just in time to see her take her phone out of her back pocket.
She smiles.
It’s going to take strategy and time, but pretending to be a wrong number guy may be worth the risk.
CHAPTER 9
POPPY
You’re on a roll today! Go run those errands. Visit friends. Maybe even check out a new local restaurant. The Pisces moon will make your transit smooth and ensure the conversation is on point. Don’t hold back what’s on your mind. Talking it out will offer you clarity.
I followKeaton with my eyes as he walks to his gate and gets in line. I know the universe told us in no uncertain terms that we were a no-go, but I can’t ignore the pull towards him. And it’s not just the kiss. I think about more than that. I mean, I probably wouldn’t slap him if he tried to kiss me again. But I’d also be good if we just talked.
I shake my head lightly as a customer looks at the self-checkout and then looks at me. He bypasses the self-checkout and drops an armful of snacks on the counter.
I smile. “Long flight?” I ask, taking in the volume of treats.
The short, gangly guy pushes his glasses up on his nose. “Not terribly long—just to the east coast.”
I quickly scan each item and drop it into a plastic sack. “Business or pleasure?” I ask. Not because I’m overly interested. Although I find it interesting to hear where people are going and why.
“Business,” he glances over his shoulder and looks to the gate where Keaton is standing.
“Are you headed to Boston?”
He nods and gives me a look I’m all too familiar with. Hurry.
I open my mouth to give him the total, but he has already tappedhis card and is grabbing his bag of snacks off the counter. He is nearly to the terminal before I can shout, “Have a good flight.”
He doesn’t even glance at me over his shoulder.
I shrug it off. Whatever. He isn’t going to kill my good vibes today.
