Page 39 of Changed Plan

“Yes, we need to hear all about it,” Mrs. Jacoby, who insists I should call her Christine, says. “Come to my party. There will be chocolate cake.”

She hardly ate anything at all tonight, and I know she’s exhausted. I can’t imagine how she’s going to be up for a party. But Zane told me while we cleaned up the kitchen that she loves to entertain. He said having a guest for dinner was probably really good for her, and she should have a little more energy by tomorrow.

“I’d love to come,” I say. “Thank you.”

“Stay sexy and don’t get murdered!” Izzie calls as she bounds up the stairs.

Their father rolls his eyes.

Christine laughs and says, “That’s from a podcast she and I like.”

“She knows, Mom. She listens to it, too.” Zane’s voice is soft like he approves, but I know he’s rolling his eyes internally.

Who knew a murder podcast could be endearing?

As I walk to my car, leaving their incredible house and Zane’s incredible family behind, I’m glad I didn’t try to be nicer to him when we met. It would’ve been fake. And he would’ve known immediately. He might’ve left me alone.

My phone lights up with a message when I reach for my car door.

Don’t start the shower without me. And you still owe me a backrub, by the way.

Eleven Days Later

“You know,” I say. “I wouldn’t book myself into a middle seat for just anyone.”

Zane pulls down the window shade. “I wouldn’t normally let my seatmate hog the armrest.”

“I extended my vacation just so I could fly back with you.”

“You’re unemployed.”

“Not anymore. I’m a senior PR rep.” I smile, knowing a smaller firm with a woman at the helm is the right choice for me. My new job comes with a higher salary than the place that proved how disposable I was by handing my position to a less qualified man. It’s still less than I would’ve gotten with the other firm who offered, but there are more important things than money.

The pilot warns us that we may fly through some rough weather, so the seatbelt sign will be on for most of the flight. She assures us that she’ll take us around the worst of it, but there will probably be a few bumps.

Zane squeezes my hand as if to reassure me I’m safe. He can’t help himself. He’s a protector, but I’m not worried about a little turbulence.

The world would be a boring place with nothing but clear skies and smooth sailing. And sometimes, delays and detours create the best memories.

16

Darby

Epilogue - 2 Years Later

Izziecomesboundingthroughthe front door, calling my name. “Darby! He actually let me drive home from the airport. Can you believe it?”

Zane rounds the corner behind her into the kitchen and says, “Never again.”

“Hey, being uptight is my role.”

Izzie rolls her eyes. “Just because I didn’t keep my hands at ten and two—”

“I just wanted you to keep them on the wheel!” He flutters his hands next to his head. “She keeps her hands at bee-bop and yee-haw.”

“Aw, I bet she did a great job.” I smile at Izzie. “He has something against dancing.”

“I know.” She shrugs. “He always has.”

---