Page 52 of Arrogant Arrival

I feel my eyes begin to water and a short laugh escapes me. “I didn’t expect you to be the one to give me relationship advice.”

Trip wraps his strong arms around me and laughs. “Hey, Jo, remember to let him into your heart, then you can start…to make it better.”

“Wow. That’s nice, Trip.”

“The Beatles were very wise. Now sounds like you have found your Mr. Right, now go and get him.”

I laugh, “What?”

Trip smiles. “My spin on ‘Hey Jude’, from…”

I smile, “The Beatles.”

Once all the passengers are settled on the plane, I put in a single ear pod. Kostas Dalaras’ soothing voice begins singing. I don’t know what he’s singing about, but the melancholy melody fits my mood. Maybe it’s about a time when the nights were young? Maybe it’s about a love left in paradise? I don’t understand the words, but I definitely understand the ache in his voice.

One week later…

I decide that I need time to figure out myself. I know what my heart wants, but I’m still a mess. First, I call the airline and let them know I want to cut back my hours. If I get hired with the magazine Bianca works for, maybe I can even afford to quit completely. I spend my entire day off working on a personal travel blog. Even if nobody reads it, it’s therapeutic to write about my journeys and feelings. Plus, now I’ll always be able to look back and recall these memories.

I’ve just finished getting my website how I like it when my cell rings.Bianca.I swipe the screen and answer.

“Hello?”

“Hey, I have some news!”

Is it Jimmy? Does he miss me? Is he wanting to meet?“Oh, yeah? Well, what is it?”

“They loved your piece! They want an interview. Are you available this week?”

“Yes! Oh my gosh, yes!”

I’m so excited. Someone read my words, and they loved it. What now? Can I do it again, or was that just a fluke? Either way, I can’t wait to move forward. I spin around and do a little happy dance. I’m beyond ecstatic for this next journey of my life, but my heart is still missing a piece of it. I want to know about Jimmy. I wait, hoping she’ll volunteer the information, but instead she keeps talking about the job—which is important too. Finally, I can’t take it any longer and ask, “Any other news?”

“Nope. That’s it. I look forward to seeing you next week!”

And with that, she hangs up and I’m left hanging. I should’ve swallowed my pride and simply asked what I wanted to know. Why didn’t I? Now I’m going through the whole day wondering and missing him because I’m a fool. I’m about to go to sleep when my phone dings with a message from Lana.

Lana: Thought you should see this.

Lana: ATTACHED VIDEO

I click the link and it sends me to YouTube. The screen is black, but then the words flash across:To anyone who is lonesome because they lost their sweetheart. This is for you, koritsi mou.The screen fades and there’s Jimmy sitting in a chair in the back of a plane.

“I just landed but didn’t feel like going home and being alone. I keep thinking about this girl. This incredible woman. I wonder what she’s doing and if she’s thinking about me. So, I found this song fitting. Since I’m sure she’s blocked my number, I’ll post it here and see if fate can intervene and send her my message.”

He strums the guitar and then begins singing, “Are You Lonesome Tonight.” I listen to it. And then I listen to it again. And again.

I wake up around six in the morning determined to get myself where I want to be. Despite not going to sleep until about two because I was listening to Jimmy sing on repeat, I’m full of energy. I open my journal from my past trips and begin typing away several articles for the magazine. Around one in the afternoon, I realize I haven’t eaten. A peanut butter sandwich will have to do because I’m on fire. If I leave the house, I might lose my mojo. Quickly, I take a bite out of my sandwich as I carry it to my laptop. Between bites and chews, my peanut butter fingers fly over the keys.I’ll worry about the mess later.The words are pouring out of me now, there’s no slowing down and no stopping. This feels right. This feels like something I’ve been missing in my life. I love traveling, and now I can share my adventures. There’s something therapeutic about reliving these experiences and putting the words out there. It’s even better than when I write in my journal. The magazine might not even publish these on their website, that’s a hard and definite possibility. I won’t know until I try, but right now, even trying is helping me find a piece of myself, so either way, this is an accomplishment.

Jimmy

One month later…

“Did you read it?”

My milkshake and burger arrive. I smile at the waitress and thank her before answering Bianca on the phone. “Read what?”

“The article I sent you.”

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