It’s the same when I change planes in Denver. There’s no tension, no theatrics, just me boarding my second flight of the day. This time my seatmate is a woman around my age, and we end up talking almost the entire trip about movies—primarily Wicked—and it’s the most I’ve enjoyed a solo flight in ages.
Well, except for the one where I met Ash.
Sebastian.
Sigh.
And now I’m missing him all over again.
We land smoothly in Seattle, and I’d like to say I’m glad to be home, but I’m not—at least, not really. I know I need to be here—and I know this is going to just be temporary—but the reminder of how I don’t really have friends here hits me hard. My seatmate waves as she gets swallowed by the crowd inside the airport, and I casually make my way down to baggage claim.
After all, what’s the rush, right?
I stop in the ladies’ room and wash up. It’s a habit I’ve always had after getting off a plane, and then I finish making my way to grab my luggage. As I stand there waiting for the carousel to start moving, I pull up the Uber app and see how long of a wait it will be for a car. Airport pickups are typically fast, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
Then I text Ash to let him know I landed safely.
Liv: We landed! Totally uneventful flight.
Liv: Just waiting on my luggage.
Liv: I’ll call you when I get home.
Liv: Love you!
I stare down at the phone waiting for him to respond and smile when I see those dancing dots.
Ash: Excellent! Glad it was uneventful and no one tried to steal your seat or video shame you.
Ash: Although, those were some seriously sexy poses, and I would love to see them again!
That makes me giggle.
Liv: I promise the next time we’re together to pose however you like.
I realize how provocative that sounds, and I don’t even care.
Ash: I’m going to hold you to that.
Ash: Go and get your luggage and I hope the ride home is equally uneventful.
Liv: You and me both.
The alarm sounds and as the carousel starts to move, I edge closer to find an opening to wait.
Liv: Luggage carousel is moving so I need to go. I’ll talk to you later!
Ash: Be safe!
I put my phone in my purse and pull my carry-on behind me as I settle in with the crowd so I can actually see when my luggage comes around. Luckily, I flew first class again so I don’t have to wait long. The nice gentleman standing beside me actually helps me grab both bags from the carousel and I thank him profusely as I get everything coordinated so I can wheel everything away.
I go only a handful of steps when I hear, “Ashley? Car for Olivia Ashley!”
What the…?
I glance around—certain that I’m hearing things—but then I hear it again.
“Ashley! Car for Olivia Ashley!”
