Page 44 of The Vow We Made
I fan my blushed face with the laminated safety procedures while glancing towards the now smiling older gentleman beside me. “I’m fine, thank you.” Then I attempt to cover my tracks. “Hot in here, isn’t it?”
The flight attendant appears beside us, requesting our breakfast order. It’s during those few short minutes, I realise why my fellow passenger had found amusement in my sleepy state of mind.
“What can I get for you sir?” she asks with a brilliantly white smile and ruby red lipstick.
“I’ll have whatever concoction you gave this young lady to help her sleep.” The old man nudges me in the arm. “I haven’t heard moaning like that since the late Mrs Drew was in her prime. It must have been quite a dream.”
I smile politely and shift in my seat.Kill me. Kill me now.
* * *
It’s now 9.30am and the airport terminal is heaving. Luckily, I had the foresight to pre-book a taxi for my arrival, and the driver is on the other side of the barrier, holding up a sign with my name scrawled across it.
I’m meeting Faith at 11am and it will take me thirty minutes or more to get through what’s left of Glasgow’s rush hour. During my journey, I spray my armpits, squirt my mouth with freshener and brush my hair. I do all this while imagining the smart, hot doctor I left behind just a few hours ago. I drop him a quick text to let him know I’ve landed, as per his request. To my delight, he replies straight away. My heart beats so fast while I imagine the husk of his voice and his smile as he texts.
“I was just thinking about you. It’s good to know you got there safely.”
“Aren’t you meant to be working?”
Immediately, he replies with.
“Just about to start my shift. I hope it goes well today. Let me know if you can.”
His answer brings a slight flutter to my stomach as I read. He’s actually interested in what I do. That has to be a first.
My response is simple,
“I will. I’ll call you later.”
After I press send, there’s an abnormally long pause. So long, I assume he’s now at work until my phone buzzes to life and his next message turns the light mood another shade.
“Looking forward to hearing your voice. Now go knock ‘em dead!”
An image of Aiden runs through my thoughts, spurring me on and renewing my determination to get this deal done. How has he managed to simultaneously set me on fire and turn me to jelly? We’ve had one real date leading me to believe he’s searching for Miss Right and not Miss Right Now. I’m confident he’s sincere, honest and has the best intentions. Apart from all of this, he’s sexy as hell, which is always a bonus. Without too much thought, I decide to try and get home a day early and surprise him by going to his hospital on Tuesday. He won’t expect me to meet him after his late shift.
The cab driver waits for payment as I fumble in my bag for the money and place it on the tray under the window shield. “Thanks so much.” I mindlessly say while opening the door.
From across the road, I hear my name called. I’d know Faith’s voice anywhere and turn around to wave before I straighten my clothing and take a deep breath. I might as well get my business head on now and prepare to come across as the incredible make-up artist I am. I have to sell the crap out of my company. If I can get this wrapped up today, I could take that earlier flight tomorrow and get myself ready for my hot doctor in London. Why speak by text when we can speak in person? I hope he loves it when I turn up to surprise him.
