Three rings is all it takes before his gruff voice rings out on the other line. “Mais?”
His voice brings a much needed smile to my face. “Hey, Ches. Think you got room for one more?”
His deep chuckle is answer enough. “Anything for you. I’ll see ya soon.”
maisie
. . .
THREE
Lupine,Montana.
The plane ticket feels like it’s going to burn a hole through my hand. I’ve been staring at it for the past five minutes while standing at my gate, contemplating what my life has come to.
“Group three, now boarding,” the agent announces over the speaker.
I look down at my ticket, reading the boldedeightmarking my boarding group. That’s what happens when you buy a plane ticket only hours before it takes off.
Was I rash in packing up my life, my cat included, and storming off to the airport without a look back? Maybe, but at this point, I have nothing to hold me back if I go and everything to lose by staying.
I unfortunately had to text Carl that he would be keeping most of the plants for now. I couldn’t fit them in my suitcase, but I sure did try. I did remind him the ring is mine.
He’s been blowing my phone up nonstop. 75 missed calls, to be exact, and over 100 pleading text messages, crying hysterically that thering was always mine and he will keep it safe for me. The man is delusional; he thinks we will be getting back together. Apparently, he’s achanged mannow.
Apparently, I’ve zoned out, because the lady just announced group seven, which means I’m next. I’m not really sure why I have any hesitation, but it feels like I’m heading towards something life changing. I can feel something in the air, and I’ve decided I want to grab it by the balls and follow it wherever it takes me. Right now, that’s Lupine, Montana.
I board the small plane, trekking to the very last row. Evie howls in her crate the entire way. There’s no calming her down for the next five hours, and, just when I’m about to go mental, our wheels touch down. She’s never liked the car, so I’m not sure why I thought a plane would be any different. We are now a full bag of cat treats and one eardrum down from this trip, but I’m trying to remain optimistic.
The intercom crackles, just clear enough for me to understand. “Thank you for flying with us. On behalf of our entire crew, we hope you enjoy your stay. Or for the locals, welcome home.”
Passengers fly from their seats. I physically have to bite my lip to refrain from snapping at the idiots who think they can get up before the many rows in front of them still waiting to deplane.
Once the entire plane has cleared out, I deem it safe to slip Evie’s carrier out from under the seat and give her a reassuring kiss. “Almost there, sweet girl. Just hold on a bit longer, and then you can get all your zoomies out.” Her responding meow is definitely edged with a bit of sass—I would expect nothing less from her.
With Evie’s soft kennel strapped to my chest and my backpack strapped on, I shuffle awkwardly into the aisle as best as I can. I really should have thought this through.
Apparently, I am capable of a little good luck when the flight attendant notices me almost in full splits over the aisle, one foot propped up on each chair while trying to wedge my luggage out without smashing Evie.
He shuffles up next to me, easily grabbingthe handle without needing to climb seats like a spider monkey. “Here, Miss, let me get that for you. I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”
I chuckle, carefully stepping down as Evie lets out another howl. “I wouldn’t sue you if I fell,” I joke. His concerned eyes find mine; apparently, that wasn’t the socially acceptable thing to say. Social anxiety is public enemy number one, but I easily brush it off.
Instead, I throw him a warm smile. “Thank you for your help. Evie is very grateful.” I point down to my strapped chest, and the man just chuckles at me with a dip of his head.
“No problem,” he replies. “Enjoy your stay.”
He gestures for me to go ahead of him, and I squeeze by with my luggage while I try to shuffle down the narrow aisle, most likely scrambling Evie’s brain. The tunnel provides fresh air and helps ease my anxiety rising from the unknown.
I navigate the small airport easily, making my way towards the designated pickup area. Lupine has its own small airport, so there are only a few cars in the parking lot. One in particular, I’m familiar with. It almost brings tears to my eyes when I spot my cousin.
“Maisie girl,” Chesney sings, leaning against his old, beat up truck with one foot propped on the tire.
I can’t help the genuine smile that spreads across my face. I’m sure I look like a zombie, but seeing his face has single handedly cured all the worry and anxiety that's found residence in my chest.
I sprint to him, and he meets me halfway, ever the gentleman. He takes my luggage and tosses it into the back before opening the passenger door for me. I securely strap Evie’s carrier into the backseat before closing her in.
Warm arms envelope me before I’ve fully turned, and I melt into him. His chin finds my head, and we sit like that for a minute, letting the world fade away.
