Page 82 of If Ever

"Well, you're not a nobody anymore." He hitches his head to the side where a group of girls with their phones take our picture.

After breakfast while Dominic updates Larry about our continued delays, I take a picture of the departure board listing more delayed flights than on time ones. I send the picture to Tom. He's probably still sleeping, which is what I wish I was doing, but last night was so worth it.

My phone rings, I startle, then smile and answer. "I hope I didn't wake you?"

"I left my phone on, hoping you’d call." His voice is low and groggy. I imagine him stretching in bed. "Doesn't look like you're getting out of the city anytime soon."

The crowd of travelers glaring at the departure board is growing in number. "Too bad I'm stuck at the airport."

"Don't I know it. If you were here, I'd take you to Central Park to play in the snow."

"That sounds nice, but I don't really have the clothes for it. In fact, other than my small carry-on, all my stuff is checked and probably buried in a snow drift on the tarmac."

"The weather channel doesn't seem to think it's going to let up anytime soon. Maybe you'll be back after all."

"I'd love that. Uh oh, here comes Dominic with one of his determined looks. I better go."

"Call me later with an update."

"Promise." I slide my phone into my purse.

"Well, the weather isn't letting up, but I heard they're trying to keep two runways open."

"So..."

"So, we keep waiting. I'm set up to get flight updates and until it's canceled, we keep our fingers crossed."

"Great. That means I get to find a corner and take a nap?"

"Ha ha!" He laughs, then snaps, "No. We'll find a corner and start working on our freestyle."

"Here?" I glance around at the crowds of people.

"Never underestimate me. I found a dead end corridor away from the gates."

I frown. A nap sounds much more appealing.

"Cheer up. It'll be fun!" he says with false bravado.

Within ten minutes our coats and carry-ons are piled in a corner next to my boots. Dominic is walking me through the first sequence with the turns and hand holds. Apparently he stayed up most of the night working out choreography.

It doesn't take long before sweat rolls down my back and my hair sticks to my neck and forehead. A small crowd has gathered to watch my torture, snapping pictures and video.

We smile at them as if this is all great fun. "Can't you ask them to stop?" I beg Dominic.

"We need all the publicity we can get. Think of these people as voters. Now smile and play nice." He spins me into a dip and grins at the cameras.

"Have I mentioned lately how much I don't like you?" I mutter through clenched teeth while faking a smile.

He's sweating profusely too, which improves my mood a little. "Come on. You're living the dream."

"It might be someone's dream, but it sure isn't mine," I complain, longing for a pillow and a bed.

"Sure it is. You just refuse to admit it." He grins and we run the opening sequence along with the next one until he's satisfied I've committed it to memory.

After an hour, I collapse against the wall for a water break. Dominic slides down next to me checking his phone. "Well, there's good news and bad news."

"Lay it on me." I consider stretching out on the cool tile floor but then rethink it when I see how dirty it is.

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