Page 22 of In Flight

“No. You were really good with her.”

I try to hide my face with my loose hair. “Oh. Well. Thanks.”

He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something else, but then he closes it again. “All right. Is Cash picking you up?”

“Yes.” The reminder of Cash’s existence is like another wave of cold water. I’ve really got to do something about that, and I need to do it soon.

“Have a good week then. I guess I’ll see you on Friday?” He lifts his voice slightly, making the statement a question.

“Yeah. I’ll be here.”

“So will I.”

With that, he strides away.

Five

ON FRIDAY I’M WEIRDand squirmy as Cash drives me to the airport.

I should have broken up with him.

Something inside me knows it.

But I didn’t.

Every time it crossed my mind and I mentally crafted some sort of conversation opener, a wave of fear and uncertainty overwhelmed me, closing my throat.

I’ve spent my entire life only acting when I’m on solid emotional ground, when I’m certain that what I’m doing is right and smart and safe. I might be superficially my own person, but I’m not a risk-taker.

If a step feels like it’s off the edge of a cliff, I simply will not take it.

So I’m still dating Cash and feeling kind of sick about it.

Not that I believe there’s any future with Isaac. He’s basically a stranger on a plane. A passerby in my life. And sure, he might be attractive and exciting, but we don’t even live in the same city. He’s not any sort of real foundation for my life.

Mostly I feel guilty because I’m dating Cash but am excited to get away from him and see someone else. That’s reason enough to end the relationship.

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