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I glance at my phone to see the time.
It’s nearing seven, which means I’ll be back in Gina’s apartment with more than enough time to spare tonight. We haven’t communicated other than the few text messages we exchanged the morning I left for Boston.
I suspect she’s eager to talk all things annulment when I walk through the door. I was tempted to book a later flight, but I can’t put off the inevitable forever. Our marriage was a spur-of-the-moment decision that needs to be undone.
Logic tells me that even though I wish for more time with my wife.
I adjust my ass on the hard plastic chair that is one of many lined up near my flight’s departing gate in Boston’s Logan Airport. I arrived with time to spare, thinking I’d head to the airline’s executive lounge for a drink, but the memory of how I felt the morning after my wedding stopped me in my tracks.
I’ve been nursing a bottle of chilled water since I sat down, which is smart given I’m facing an important discussion once I’m back in Manhattan.
I perk an ear when I hear yet another announcement over the airport speaker system. This one grabs my attention as my gaze flits to the gate agent, who is now shaking her head.
The screen behind where she’s standing flashes a new message that changes everything.
FLIGHT CANCELED
“It’s inclement weather in New York,” she addresses everyone racing toward her with a curt announcement on the microphone sitting on the counter in front of her. “Please line up in a single file, and I’ll do what I can to get you on a flight first thing tomorrow.”
I stay seated. Sliding my thumb over my phone screen, I scroll through my contacts until I land on the name of the most beautiful woman on the planet.
I type out a quick text message and press send.
Daniel: It must be raining buckets there. My flight is canceled. I’ll be home tomorrow.
By the time I realize what the message says, she’s already typing a reply. The three small dots bounce on the screen as I stare at the one word that reveals a part of me only Dominick knows.
Home.
New York City is my home.
Los Angeles has never felt that way to me.
Gina: It’s stormy. I love it. I’ll see you tomorrow?
What I wouldn’t give to be next to her as the wind and rain rip a path through the city.
I reply so I don’t leave her hanging.
Daniel: You bet. Stay safe, okay?
She responds instantly and in true Gina fashion.
Gina: What fun is safe? Have a good night in Boston. Sweet dreams when you make it to bed.
I won’t make it there for hours since I now need to find a hotel with a room available for tonight. The one I checked out of hours ago was swarming with people checking in. Some big name celebrity is rumored to be getting married here tomorrow, so the world’s media has converged on this place along with thousands of her fans.
I send her one last message.
Daniel: You too.
After pocketing my phone, I stare at the wedding band still on my finger. Gerti didn’t notice, and I haven’t run into anyone I know, so I planned on taking the ring off before the plane landed in New York.
I skim a fingertip over the back of it and smile.
I know it doesn’t hold much weight, and the meaning that should be attached to it isn’t there, but the comfort it offers is just what I need.
I glance at the long line of people frantic to get a seat on a flight tomorrow morning.
