Page 50 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

There is a picnic blanket with cakes, sandwiches and champagne.

A man sits next to me on the blanket, takes my hand, and kisses it gently.

We dance and hold each other close.

The dream fades to black. Then, I am standing in a church. I’m wearing a wedding dress, and South has linked arms with me.

We walk to the altar, and I kiss South on his cheek and turn to face my groom.

I can feel my heart pounding. I’m going to see him—

I feel my shoulder being rocked. “Miss? Miss, we are preparing to land. Can you please fasten your safety belt and turn off your electrical devices?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I snap, and then I realise that I have just snapped at the air steward.

“I am so sorry; I was having a dream, and every time I get to a certain point, I get woken up. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you,” I apologise.

The steward just shakes his head and walks away with a look of disdain.

Oops.

I take a deep breath, pack up all my things, and prepare to land.

“You looked like you were having a good dream,” Matthew says.

“What do you mean?”

“You were smiling. You looked really happy. That is, until you were woken up,” he chuckles.

“Hmm, yeah, well, there is a story there, but it’s not for today.”

“Oh, so will you tell me some other time?”

“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think we will see each other again once we are off this plane.”

“I’d like to, if you’re up for it. You know, while we are both here. It might be fun.” He winks.

Urgh, no! He’s hot, but no.

“That’s sweet, but I have a boyfriend. Well, actually, I have a husband, and I don’t think he would be too happy if I was out having fun with another guy.”

“Would it help if I told you I was gay?”

“Are you?” My gaydar must be out of order.

“No.” He laughs. “But it was worth a shot. So, what’s with the confusion? You either have a boyfriend or husband.”

Shit.

“He’s my husband, but we were recently married. I am so used to calling him my boyfriend, I get a little tongue-tied,” I lie.

“Oh, I bet you do.” He smirks.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask, my eyebrows meeting in the middle.

“I bet your tongue does some splendid things.” He licks his bottom lip, and his eyes hold mine. I can feel him getting closer.

“Hmm.” I clear my throat and look away. “I am sorry, but I’m notthatgirl, and if you want to pick up a nice girl, don’t use tacky lines like that. They are totally cringeworthy.”

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