I keep my headphones off because this time, the older man beside me isn’t annoying me like the one did the last time I took this same flight to Maine, even though the man from weeks ago talked less than this one today. The difference is, I’m not being a complete bitch to him. In fact, he’s helped the flight pass quickly.
“So, this friend you’re going to see,” he asks, looking over at me through his thick glasses, “does he know you’re coming?”
“No,” I say, cringing slightly.
I have the cold sweats because I’m so incredibly nervous. We’re landing soon, and I don’t even have a plan—well, other than drive to Holiday Harbor and talk to Ridge. This seems crazy, like something out of one of those stupid Hallmark movies that I hate so much. But this morning, when I woke up, I knew that I wasn’t ready for things to end with Ridge. At least not until we have a real conversation.
Reaching over, he pats my knee. “I’m sure it’ll make his whole day. I know it would make mine if I was a younger fellow and a pretty girl caught a flight on New Year’s Eve just to give me a smooch at midnight.”
My mouth hangs open. “George!” I laugh. “I didn’t say anything about kissing him at New Year’s! I don’t even know if he’ll be home.” I grimace. “He could be out at a … you know … a party. Probably planning on kissing someone else at midnight. Who knows?”
“Eh, you didn’t have to say anything,” he returns, grinning like a fool. “And I doubt anyone he’s kissing is as pretty as you, dear.”
I chew my lip feverishly.
Suddenly, my plan seems stupid, and I’m not sure what I was even thinking. Ridge is an attractive, single man. Why would he be home alone on New Year’s Eve? And what’s worse is, when I get to his house, it’ll be nearly nine o’clock at night.
God knows what he’ll be doing by that time on New Year’s Eve.
A few minutes ago, the captain came over the radio and said we had started our descent. With the shifting of the airplane and the lights out the window getting closer to us, I know soon, we’ll be landing.
If I was smart, I’d probably call him first. Or just come to my senses and catch a flight right back to New York when this plane turns around to go there.
“Here we go,” George mumbles, bracing the armrests, just like he did during takeoff.
Looking out the window, I wait anxiously because any second … we’re going to land. And while everyone else is scared of landings, I’m not. For me, it’s when I can finally breathe again.
I walk slowly next to George as we make our way up the ramp.
“I hope you have a great visit with your brother, George.” I smile, but when his face grows somber, my heart sinks a little.
“Thanks, kiddo. The truth is, my brother passed away last week, and I’m here for his funeral.” His eyes crinkle further atthe sides. “Guess I didn’t want that look of sympathy if I told you that right at takeoff. And plus, I figured if I lied, it would make me feel like I really was going to see my brother.”
Just before we reach the inside of the airport, he takes my hand. “You’re young, kid. But guess what. You blink, and you’ll be an old geezer like me, traveling more for funerals than you do anything else.” He squeezes my hand. “Tell this friend of yours how you feel. Take the chance.”
Through the tears in my eyes, I shrug. “How’d you know that’s what I came here for? I told you I was coming to see a friend.”
“Because I’m ancient, my dear. I can spot a fool in love anywhere.” And then he drops my hand and begins shuffling out the door.
And I’m so lost in my thoughts as his words replay in my brain; I almost feel like I’m dreaming when I walk into the lobby and Ridge is sitting in a chair, looking down at his phone on the other side of the rope.
For the outgoing flight to New York.
For a second, I stare at him, wondering if he’s really there or if I’m dreaming.
“Ma’am, you can’t stand here. You need to keep walking until you’re past that sign up there,” an older woman barks at me, and still, I’m too dumbfounded.
“Ma’am, I said—” she starts again.
But I can’t hear her anymore because the second his eyes find me, he shares the sameare you really hereexpression that I’m certain is painted on my face.
And it wouldn’t matter what else was going on in this airport; I wouldn’t be able to see it because right now, it’s just me and Ridge.
Well, it is until the TSA agent is directly next to me. Now yelling into my ear. “Ma’am! I said—”
“I’m … I’m going to move,” I whisper to her, keeping my eyes on Ridge. “Just give me a second.”
Standing up, he walks to the rope and stops just in front of me. “What are you doing here, city girl?” He looks me up and down, like he still can’t believe I’m in Maine.
