Page 23 of One Night with my Best Friend's Dad

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I’m just fooling myself.

But as I zip up my suitcase, I still wonder if I’m making the biggest mistake of my life.

I pace back and forth in front of the ticket counter, my heart pounding as I swipe my card over and over, each time the machine declining the payment.

I want to scream.

“I’m sorry, miss, but the card isn’t going through,” the agent says apologetically once again. “Do you have another card?”

“No!” Frustration bubbles up inside me. “Can you try it again? Please?” I beg, my voice faltering as a sob tries to escape.

The agent shakes her head. “I’m afraid there’s nothing more I can do. The payment isn’t going through.”

Tears sting my eyes as I step away from the counter, my hands trembling. I need to get out of here, back to California, away from this mess I’ve created. But without a working card, I’m stranded.

I could call my parents and ask for their help. Mom would offer, but I’m sure dad will stop her.

Spotting an empty row of chairs in the corner, I stroll over and sink down, pulling my knees up to my chest. I stare around the airport for a minute before resting my forehead on my knees.

What a mess.

One tear follows another, until the sobs I’ve been holding back finally break free and my body shaking as the tears flow freely stinging as they fall down my cheeks.

How could I have let this happen?

Piper was right. I’m just a fool, chasing some fantasy of a happily ever after with a man who’s too old for me and who can never truly love me. And now, I’m alone, pregnant and without a way to get home.

I can’t stay here. It’s the life I wanted, the one I’d share with Mac and my baby, but it’s not to be.

I must have some money in my bank account.

Perhaps not enough for the airfare, but maybe I can afford a bus ticket back to California. I groan at the thought of that long, grueling bus ride. But beggars can’t be choosers, and I’m already resigning myself to the unpleasant journey ahead.

Spotting an ATM across the terminal, I hurry over and check my bank balance. I have just enough for a one-way bus ticket, but no more. I groan. It’s every dollar I’d saved to buy things for the baby.

I close my eyes and take in a weak breath.

I pat my belly and say, “I promise to give you a wonderful life.”

I’m just not sure how.

I’ve wanted babies since I was a young girl. I just always thought I’d be married, have a career, and a husband who was on board. I never expected this.

Pulling out the handle of my suitcase, I turn to head to the exit and toward the bus departures, when I spot Mac and Piper walking towards the entrance, their faces tense as they enter the airport through the sliding doors.

I swallow back the lump that found its way into my throat, or perhaps my heart broke through my rib cage and made its way there when Mac’s eyes meet mine.

I freeze, unsure of whether to hide or turn away.

“Kelly,” Mac says, his voice low with a hint of anger. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

I glance nervously at Piper, and not wanting to tell her dad about the conversation we had, I tell him, “I, um, I was just leaving,” I stammer, taking a step back. “I thought it was for the best. I don’t want you to have to choose.”

“I’m sorry,” Piper whispers. “I was out of order. I was so angry and nobody was talking to me and I just lashed out at you.”

Mac places a hand on her arm, silencing her. “Piper, please. Let me talk to Kelly alone for a moment.”

Piper opens her mouth to argue, but then closes it, nodding stiffly. “I need her to know how sorry I am.”

---