I lost Park after we exited the plane.
We walked together down the jetway, but I had to stop at the bathroom because I drank what was left in my Hydro Flask, which ended up being like sixty-four ounces of water. Big mistake. I had to delicately prance to the restroom so I didn’t pee my pants. Meanwhile, Park checked a bag, so he went to the baggage claim. I guess he didn’t mind paying the seventy-five dollar fee for checked luggage.
So I blew my chances with him again. How many times am I going to let this amazing man walk out of my life?
Pull it together, Lace. This isn’t your first rodeo.
My only hope is to run into him sometime over the next week. Leavenworth is crowded at Christmastime, but it’s also a small town. Surely, Park will be at some of the local holiday events.
I glance at my watch. I could pluck all the hairs out from my eyebrows and regrow them in the time that it takes to get to the front of the line. My eyes scan the counter and the available worker waving her hand that she can help the next customer. It’s Park.He’sthe next customer. I didn’t even notice that he was three people ahead of me in line.
My spirits lift. Maybe I can time things right and walk to the parking garage with him. I just need these people in front of me to hurry and for the magstripe on my credit card to work.
Don’t fail me now, Visa.
Oh! There’s another employee available.
I lean forward to the guy two people in front of me. “Hey, there’s a spot open at the counter.” I point to the woman who hasn’t even raised her hand yet.
“Thanks.” The man moves forward.
I’m just doing what I can, directing traffic like I’m in the middle of New York City.
The woman in front of me steps to another open spot at the counter. I glance at Park. He’s typing something on his phone as the worker finishes his rental car agreement.
Come on!
“Next, please!” the employee in front of me shouts.
I was so focused on Park I didn’t even notice he was finished.
“Hi.” I smile as I scurry to the counter. “I have a reservation under Lacee Warren.” My words come out rushed as if I can make up time by talking fast.
The employee is focused on the computer screen, not even flicking his eyes in my direction. “I don’t see a reservation under that name.”
A humorless laugh spills out of me. “What do you mean you don’t see a reservation under that name?”
His fingers pause on the keyboard, and he finally glances up. His eyes are purple and full of annoyance. Either he’s got some really cool contacts, or he’s an anomaly. But based on the fact that no one can be born with purple eyes, he’s wearing colored contacts.
“I mean what I said. I don’t see a reservation under that name.” He says the words slowly, just in case I’m an idiot.
“But I have a confirmation number.” I pull my phone out, scrolling to the email.
He squints his eyes as he types the confirmation number. He taps his fingers on the counter as the computer searches. His purple eyes flick to me. “I’m sorry that number doesn’t exist.”
“You’re kidding.”
His chin lowers, and he glowers at me. “Does it look like I’m kidding?”
It looks like he needs a strong glass of wine, 1000 mg of ibuprofen, and a neck massage after his shift.
“No, it doesn’t.” I shift my eyes down the line to Park. The lady hands him his keys. “Can I just get another car, then?”
Instead of answering me, he leaves his spot at his computer and whispers something back and forth with the woman next to him, glancing at me several times before he finally comes back.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t have any cars left.” He purses his lip together as if he’s not actually sorry.
“What? You’re a rental car place. How do you not have any cars left?”
