Page 32 of Changed Plan

“That means you won’t freak out and block my number, right? You’ll take my calls and you won’t ghost me?”

Wow. It’s like he’s read The History of Darby Bartlett.

“I won’t ghost you, Zane. I promise.”

He kisses me softly. “Good. Because you’re going to really like me once you get to know me.”

“I already like you.”

“Yeah, but soon, you’re going to like me with no reservations.”

“Well, I might always have a few reservations . . .”

He releases me and shakes his head. “None. You’re going to be in pure, unadulterated like with me in no time.”

We pass the family from the train when we start walking again. The little girl recognizes us and shouts from her stroller, “Hi! We still here, too!”

Her oldest brother says, “We’re never getting out. We live in this stupid airport now.”

The middle brother looks at us like he’s never seen us before. Both parents smile and wave.

It’s weird to wave at strangers who’ve caught you making out on a train as if they’re old friends, but it’s certainly not the weirdest thing that’s happened to me today.

12

Zane

I Said Sit

Igrabusacoupleof turkey sandwiches to take back to the room in case we get hungry later. Our room service delivery was either a very late lunch or a ridiculously early dinner, and I don’t think it’s going to hold me all night.

Darby’s face lights up as she looks at her phone. “I just got another interview request.”

“You’re in demand.”

“It’s a small firm, but it’s woman-owned. I like that. They probably can’t offer me as much money.”

“Would you like being at a smaller firm?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think I’d like a smaller paycheck.”

“What if it was the same as what you made before?”

“It still wouldn’t be as much as the first job I interviewed for pays.”

“No harm in checking out all your opportunities. When do they want to talk?”

“Tomorrow. I’ll email them back from the room. I’m too excited right now not to make a dozen typos. I wish I knew what time my flight would be. Being in limbo like this makes it impossible to plan anything.”

“Yeah, but on the other hand, we don’t have to face the reality of leaving yet.”

I know she can’t ignore an interview request, but I’d give anything to be able to shut out the uncertainties in our lives completely for the rest of the night.

My phone buzzes. “Looks like I’m on a nine-a.m. flight.”

She glances at her phone again. “I don’t have an update yet.”

Damn. I really want us to be on the same flight again. Maybe her message just hasn’t come through yet.

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