Page 62 of Chasing After Forever

My phone vibrated in my apron and I snuck a quick peek. I was working my last lunch shift at the 5-to-9’er before my weekend jaunt to Cali and we were slammed.

Liam: I’ll pick you up at home, 4 PM. Flight’s at 5, so we can’t be late.

Macy: How are we going to make it to Atlanta in an hour at rush hour?

Liam: We’re not. Flying private. Don’t worry—everything’s under control.

I stood at the counter, gaping at my phone. I’d only taken a handful of flights ever and now I would be flying in a private jet? Excuse me?

My heartbeat picked up and my cheeks flushed, butterflies zooming around my stomach. Liam was Prince Freaking Charming over here and who was I? Definitely not Cinderella—more like the Milk Maid or something, with all my jobs. I pinched my arm to verify I wasn’t dreaming and all this was real.

Macy: Do I need to pack anything special?

Liam: Nope. My assistant has several dresses for you, plus shoes and jewelry. All you need is casual clothes for rest of trip. Can’t wait to spend the weekend with you!

I fanned myself with a menu, suddenly overwhelmed.

Macy: Who’s going to be at this fundraiser?

Liam: Donors.

Macy: Yeah, I figured that much. Family? Friends? On a scale of 1-10, how hard should I be freaking out?

Liam: A zero. Because you’re with me and that’s all that matters. And I’m sure everyone will love you anyway.

Macy: Everyone?

Liam: We’re sitting with my friends, Gabe and Benji. A few clients will be there

Macy: Oh, so I’m meeting your friends. And clients. Cool.

Liam: They’re awesome and they’ll love you. Relax

A customer signaled for the check, so I had to break away from my chat with Liam.

Macy: Gotta bolt. See you soon.

Liam: Ok. Miss you.

Macy: lol. You just saw me a few hours ago.

Liam: Too long.

Macy: You’re a nut. Bye

Liam: For now

He sent me a kissy-face emoji and I smiled down at the phone. He was right, everything would be great this weekend. We were fine; better than fine.

Stupid Madame Scarlet. I fervently wished I’d ridden the tilt-a-whirl instead—and that was saying a lot.

* * *

We boardedthe private jet at 4:45 pm and were in the air by 5. Once we got to forty-thousand feet, the flight attendant offered us glasses of champagne and a cheese board.

“You’re spoiling me for all future air travel,” I said, grinning over at Liam. “It’ll be hard going back to long lines, security checks, water, and peanuts.”

“You don’t have to, you know.” He gazed at me, bringing my knuckles to his lips, sending my heartbeat into overdrive.

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