Paulo: Glad you didn’t change numbers.
Gabriel: It’s been years, Paulo.
Paulo: I know. Sorry.
Gabriel: I thought you’d died.
Paulo: Never! We’re not done yet.
The last letter he’d received was two years prior.
Paulo: Can I call you?
Gabriel: In shuttle to airport.
Paulo: Where to?
Gabriel: Atlanta.
Paulo: From where?
Gabriel: Houston.
The shuttle entered the ground transportation area. The group filed out, Gabriel exiting last as he anticipated the next text.
Paulo: Wait for me.
Gabriel: What?
Paulo: In Corpus Christi. I’m coming.
Gabriel checked the distance between the two cities.
Gabriel: We’re four hours apart.
Paulo: I know.
Nearing the security checkpoint, Gabriel tapped out amessage.
Gabriel: Paulo, my flight’s in two hours.
Paulo: Please. For me.
Quickly, Gabriel considered his options. “Claire?”
“Yes?”
“I need to reschedule my flight.”
Panicked, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’ll explain later.”
She wasn’t convinced. Gabriel touched Claire’s shoulder, assuring her he was fine. They hugged before he headed to the car rental area.
* * * *
Two and a half hours later, Gabriel pulled into the rest area on US-59. While he parked, his phone rang. It was Paulo’s number.
