Page 31 of When You Had Me Adapting

She turns into the airport, drives around the curve in the road, and pulls into one of the spots lining the sidewalk outside to the departure doors. “You get back on Friday morning, right?”

“Yep, I’ll text you the flight information, but I think I’ll land around eight.”

She shifts into park and leans over the center console and gives me a hug. “I know it’s been a stressful couple of weeks for you. Try to have fun and I’ll see you Friday.”

“I’ll do my best.” I climb out, grabbing my suitcase and bag from the backseat.

“Fly safe. Love you,” Poppy shouts through the window as I walk away from her car.

“Love you more,” I shout back, throwing my hand up in a wave.

I make my way through the sliding doors of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. To no surprise, the security linemoves slowly and the airport is incredibly busy. By some miracle, I manage to make it to my gate with thirty minutes to spare. I check my phone and my battery is sitting at fifteen percent. Shit. I dig in my bag until I find my charging cord and survey the terminal for a place to plug it in. I spot one empty chair next to a wall outlet and make a beeline for it.

A handsome stranger arrives at the chair the same time I do. He has auburn hair and green eyes. A smile flashes across his face and a dimple appears in his left cheek.

“Oh, sorry,” I say.

“Oh, no, that’s my bad. You take it,” he offers.

“Thanks.” I clumsily try to pull my suitcase and bag close to me. I sit down and notice he’s still standing to my left and staring at me.

“I’m Lacey.”

“Chris,” he says, putting out his hand to shake mine. The woman seated to my right stands to leave.

I nod my head towards the chair she previously occupied. “Care to join me?”

He grins and makes his way over.

“So, Chris, where are you headed?” I ask, trying to break the now very awkward silence hanging between us.

“Same place as you I imagine.”

“And how would you know where I’m going? Are you stalking me?” I laugh as I plug my charger into the wall and attach it to my phone.

“No.” He shakes his head and points toward the television screen above the desk where one of the gate agents is talking to a young family. In big, bold, white lettersOrlandois displayed. Of course we’re headed to the same place. Everyone at this gate is.Real smooth Lacey.

“Oh. Right.” I laugh despite myself. “You headed to visit the mouse?”

“Oh no, well I think I’ll be headed there one day, but I’m an OT and I’m headed to a conference.”

“An OT? An old tailor?” He laughs at my pathetic attempt for a joke. “No, wait I know. You’re an observant telemarketer?”

“Occupational therapist,” he shakes his head at me. “And what do you do?”

“I’m giving you a hard time. I’m an OT too.” I smile and tuck my hair behind my ear.

He laughs loudly and a few people sitting across from us glance over our way. An announcement asking for volunteers to check their luggage comes over the speakers and interrupts our conversation.

I quickly stand with my bag. “You mind saving my seat? I’m going to have my bag gate checked. Unless you wanted to take your bag too?” I nod toward the black roller bag sitting to his right.

He shakes his head. “No. I’m keeping my things with me. I don’t want anything getting lost.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going to take advantage of them checking my luggage for free. Guard my chair with your life.”

He lets out another chuckle and I feel his eyes on me as I cross the carpeted floor toward the gate desk. I return to my still empty chair and plug my phone back in. Settling back in my seat, I scroll on my phone waiting for my boarding zone to be called.

“Any chance you’re in 15D?” he asks.

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