Page 80 of In a Pinch

“Can I just have, like, another hour? The drive to the airport is only like forty-five minutes.”

“Yeah, but what if there is a road closure?Or, or like a car accident?ORwhat if we get downstairs and your car won’t start?”

“Did you sleep at all last night?” She must’ve been busy coming up with her millionwhat ifscenarios all night.

“No, and that’s not important. Get up or I’m going to beat your ass.”

“Fuck. Fine. But you better at least make some coffee.”

“Don’t tell me what to do. And I was already planning on it.” We're in for a delightful morning. A grumpy, sleep-deprived Addie and her anxiety from travel will surely make for a pleasant drive. At least the flight will be quiet. She will probably sleep the entire time.

“Okay, okay. I’m getting up.” I huff out.

Rushing throughout the apartment, I go through my bag and make sure I didn’t forget anything. I know I didn’t because Addie has already double-checked with me twice now, but being that I value my life, I decide against arguing with her.

The drive to the airport is quiet because the little demon next to me power naps. We all agreed to meet at the beginning of security. Since Addie made us get here early, we’re the first ones here, but we wait for the rest to arrive before heading through security. Thirty minutes later, Liv, Tyler, Isla, and Cal come into view.

Liv pushes in front of them and wraps her arms around me. “Hey, little brother.” We haven’t seen each other since our phone call last week, and the hug feels like the final truce in our silent war. Plus, now that Liv told me I’m going to be an uncle, I should probably show my face some more. Over my dead body will Cal be the favorite. He may be off my shitlist, but he’s still my older brother and brotherly competition is real.

We break apart when I hear a groan beside us. “Remind me why we didn’t all get TSA PreCheck?” Tyler asks. The security line doesn’t look awful, but the PreCheck line is completely empty.

The sounds of hundreds of hushed conversations fill the open space. Bodies rush past our little group, hurrying to get in the line that fills up half the broad and open room.

“It’s good to get the whole shit show airport experience. Quit being such a diva,” Isla says as she rolls her carry-on to a stop in front of her.

The line moves fairly quick, as TSA checks and makes sure we're all who we say we are. Stripping our shoes, we all move our personal belongings onto the conveyor belt. It bounces them along. Addie throws hers up right after mine, and I swear I can hear something buzzing.

“Your b must be ringing,” Addie says, as she goes to move through. I don’t know who would be calling me at the ass crack of dawn, but I guess I will find out on the other side.

We both pass through the metal detector scot-free, where we get herded like cattle to grab our bags.

“Whose bag is this?” asks the agent, a sly grin on her face.

Addie’s face visibly pales. “Oh, my freaking God. Kill me now, Sam. Like, right fucking now.” Not only is she a grouch ass this morning, but she is also practicing theatrics.

“It’s not that big of a deal. There is probably just something in your bag.”

“Yes. I know there is something in there. I packed it on purpose.”

Just then, I get a flash of hot pink and look over at Addie, whose cheeks are now matching our favorite little vibrator. Which is actively buzzing on top of her bag that the agent had opened. Turns out, I wasn’t getting a call, but Addie’s vibrator was calling her. We’ve used her plenty this week.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry, this will need to be turned off before you board. We usually recommend you fly with a drained battery.” The agent points to the still buzzing vibrator.

“Yup. Okay. That’s fine. I’ll be sure to do that.” Turning off the vibrator, Addie hangs her head. Trying to make herself as small as possible. I should probably be a good boyfriend and console her, but fuck that.

I laugh the entire time I slip on my shoes. Then, I walk up to join our group, who stand at the end of the conveyor and are laughing so hard they are wheezing.

With cheeks still red, Addie glares at our group. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh now. You are all dead to me. I hate you all.” Addie storms away, heading toward our gate.

“This is almost as good as what happened at our wedding,” Liv says, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

“What happened at your wedding?” I ask, turning to look at Liv.

Isla shoots her an icy glare that could freeze over an active volcano. “Not a fucking word. You promised.”

“Ugh, fine. But I feel like you should be a good friend and take some heat off Addie.” Addie, who has all but sprinted toward the gate, leaves us all in the dust.

“Nah, it’s my wedding week. I can do whatever I want, and she still has to love me. It’s in the maid of honor rule book.”

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