Page 20 of Cruising for You

Perhaps Jenna decided going on a trip with a near stranger’s family was too onerous. Or maybe I should have insisted on going over talking points two and three (the cruise afforded a chance to experience new cultures and create unique memories) while she and Ellie were at my house.

If she didn’t show up, I could tell Grandma Jenna had been called into work at the last minute. Or had a family emergency. A minor one, so the story didn’t put Grandma’s heart at risk.

Incoming text from Jenna:I’m in the security line.

I released a short breath. She was actually coming. I didn’t need to think of a story to tell Grandma.

I tried to concentrate on the most recentJournal of Infectious Disease.The article about the next generation of influenza vaccines was noteworthy, but I couldn’t seem to focus on the words. Instead, my gaze kept wandering in the direction of security.

I ignored my group’s call to board. I hadn’t been able to book Jenna a seat next to me—also hadn’t been sure she’d want to be stuck spending time with me any longer than she had to—so I could have just gotten on the plane without her, but it didn’t seem like an auspicious beginning to our fake relationship.

The gate was already calling for the next boarding group when Jenna appeared, dragging a rolling suitcase and clutching a huge leather bag under her other arm.

I picked up my small carry-on and went to meet her.

Jenna was flushed and out of breath. “Sorry I’m late; the line was crazy.”

It hadn’t been awful when I arrived a full two-and-a-half hours earlier, but I’d been deliberately trying to avoid the morning rush. “It’s fine. Um, we can board. Unless you need to...” I motioned toward the bathrooms and shops.

“No, I’m ready.”

I reached my hand out to take her rolling suitcase, since my brown leather garment bag wasn’t all that heavy.

“Thanks!” Jenna relinquished the handle to me eagerly.

I started to pull the suitcase toward the gate then stopped, surprised by the resistance. I checked to make sure the wheels weren’t obstructed, but they seemed fine.

“It’s just really full,” Jenna apologized. “There’s another huge, checked suitcase, too. Ellie went a little overboard.”

“Ah.”

Jenna watched me strain with the bag and put a hand out. “I can take it back? Check it?”

“It’s not a problem.” I set my jaw and pulled the suitcase forward, wondering what exactly Ellie had pressed Jenna to take that weighed so much. Free weights in case the cruise gym was inadequate? Looted doubloons she wanted Jenna to fence in Mexico?

Slightly out of breath, I made it to the gate and scanned my ticket. Jenna stepped up behind me to do the same, but the gate attendant stopped her. “Hold on just a moment, please.”

What now? Meg—per her badge—typed at incredible speed on the keyboard in front of her while I silently panicked, wondering if she’d noticed how heavy Jenna’s suitcase was. Would checking the bag at the gate delay us from leaving on time or even prevent us from boarding?

“Couldn’t get seats together, huh? I think I can switch things around a bit. Let me see your phone.”

Ah. Meg thought we were a couple who wanted to sit together. “Oh, it’s fine.” I started to pull Jenna’s suitcase forward, hoping to get enough momentum to get it over the little bump between the gate and the skywalk.

“No, it’s no problem! Got to keep the lovebirds together.”

Realizing we weren’t getting anywhere unless I complied, I handed over my phone as Jenna did the same.

“Miami vacation, huh?” Meg kept typing rapidly as she spoke. Did she have to write a novel about me and Jenna to put the request through?

Jenna smiled politely. “Fun in the sun.”

Meg glanced up from the screen. “Youhaveto go to Chillax. It’s this amazing bar on South Beach whereallthe stars hang out. You’ll love it.”

“Wow! How cool; we’ll have to check it out!” Jenna’s smile broadened, but I frowned. We’d get to Miami at ten and had to rush to meet my family for lunch. We really didn’t have time on our itinerary for a bar stop all the way out at South Beach.

“There, all set. I got you in business class! Check to make sure the app updated,” the gate attendant told me.

I looked down at the two phones to see our tickets had changed to seat us side by side in row three, seats C and D. “Yes.” I started on with the suitcase.

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