“I’m sorry, I can barely remember.” I lied, raising my eyebrows.
“It’s good to see you.” The cockiness in his smile echoed in his voice. He strode towards me and stopped paces away.
“And you.” I only said that out of politeness, but, truthfully, I supposed it was good to see him.
“You look good.” He looked me up and down slowly, taking his time to admire my legs, my waist, and my breasts. An unexpected flicker of heat rushed over me, and I was annoyed at the unwelcomed blush that crept into my cheeks.
“I won’t tell you that you look good too so that your head can get bigger.” I met his eyes boldly and straightened up to gather my composure. Scott had the ability to know when he’d made an effect on someone, and I didn’t want him thinking he could do that with me .
He answered me with a deep, hearty laugh that filled the space between us. “Still fiery, Baby doll.” I wished he wouldn’t call me that. I’d been smitten with the endearment when things were good with us. It was a happy time I wanted to forget because of how things ended. “You were talking to Margo – where is she?” he added.
“Delayed.” I didn’t know what else I should say.
He looked at me for a few seconds and straightened up. “Where are you flying to? Is Margo in trouble?”
“Scott, everything is under control. Margo is delayed, and she will be with us tomorrow.” I answered turning away from him, deciding to ignore him again.
I walked through to the other corridor, in order to avoid Cole, and dialed the number for the airport. I thought I’d book direct. An operator came on within seconds of me holding.
“Hi, there, I’d like to book a flight to Phoenix from San Francisco. I can’t seem to book online. Can I book through you?” I asked.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am. All flights are grounded across the state. There’s been a bomb scare and the police are investigating. We’re advising people to find other means of travel or wait until one we have the all clear.”
That was crazy and scary. “A bomb scare! You’re kidding.”
“No, I’m so sorry. All airports across California are practically closed. You’re welcome to call back and check later if you’d like, but your best bet is either finding other means of travel or booking a flight on another day.”
Shit. That meant flying was out. “Okay. Thank you.” I hung up and rested against the corridor wall, wondering what to do.
My phone rang again. It was the same unrecognized number as before.
“Margo.” I said into the phone. I wasn’t sure what to tell her because it was looking like either I couldn’t go and get her, or I’d have to drive there somehow.
“Abi, I’m sorry to call back so soon and pester but I just wanted to see what’s happening. There are some really creepy guys here.”
“There are no flights to Phoenix. There’s a bomb scare.”
“Oh my God. Oh, I don’t know what to do.” She started to cry again.
“Don’t worry. I’ll figure something out. It may take longer than we planned, but I promise I’ll come and get you.” I could only imagine how Margo must be feeling.
“Thank you so much,” Margo gushed. “I’m sorry to put this burden on you. I wish I’d just gone to the hotel as planned with my parents. I could have had my meltdown there.”
“Don’t worry. Just try and keep safe. Do you have enough change to call me?”
“Maybe for another three calls.”
“Okay, try to get cozy somewhere near the phone. I’ll call you as often as I can. Just don’t worry.”
“Thanks, Abi.”
I placed the phone back inside my pocket when I hung up. I made a move to go back the way I’d come but, once again, found myself staring up into Scott’s eyes. Curiosity lit them up.
I almost collided with him, but he caught me, steadying me with his grip on my shoulders. “So it looks like my sister is stuck in Phoenix. The question is why?” he smiled down at me.
I shuffled out of his grasp and gazed at him, thinking about what to say. He’d clearly been listening. “I’m going to get her.” I tried to move past him but he stopped me by placing his hand on my waist and pulling me back towards him.
“Not so fast. How are you going to get her? Are you driving?”