Within minutes, we’re all filing off the plane and when I step back into the terminal, I notice the airport lounge is literally right across from the gate. My first thought is to go and set up camp there, but I figure I should wait until I know we’re not going to board again in a matter of minutes.
It’s crowded chaos and it’s easily twenty minutes before everyone deplanes, and another ten minutes before we get an update.
“Ladies and gentlemen, passengers on Flight 2217 with service to Raleigh-Durham, please be advised our new departure time is three-thirty p.m. You may leave the gate area, but please return for boarding at three p.m. Thank you.”
Two-hour delay.
Dammit.
I glance around and have completely lost sight of my seatmate. Not that it matters. It’s not like we were traveling together, but I thought it could have been nice to have someone to hang out with during the wait.
With nothing else to do, I opt for the lounge—another perk to my first class ticket and credit card of choice. Luckily there aren’t too many others from the flight heading there with me, and as soon as I’m through the doors, it’s oddly peaceful. Maybe this break isn’t the worst thing that could happen. Maybe now that I’ve got a hint of direction for Matt’s eulogy, I can get it done here and then relax on the flight.
So I check in, grab myself some complimentary food—a sub-par sandwich, some chips, and a bottle of water—and make myself comfortable in a nice little pod that is gloriously private. Before I do anything, though, I text Vanessa again.
Liv: Hey! Me again! Two-hour delay
Van: Yeah, I saw that, and it sucks. You okay?
Liv: I’m in a nice little pod in the lounge having a snack.
Liv: I’m supposed to get a meal on the plane too, but this seemed like a good way to kill time.
Van: Well, don’t worry. No matter what time you finally land, I’ll be there!
Van: We’ll grab takeout on the way to my place.
Liv: You’re a lifesaver, Van. Thank you for being so flexible.
Van: I’m just excited to finally see you!
Van: Any luck with the eulogy?
Liv: Sort of?
Liv: The guy sitting next to me on the plane—the one we just got off of—talked me through a few things.
Van: Wow! That was nice of him.
Van: Was he cute?
I stare at my phone, grinning, unsure if I want to share that fact with her.
Liv: Let’s just say I’m very glad he’s sitting next to me.
Van: Ooo…I can’t wait to hear everything about him.
Van: Text me when you’re back on the plane and leaving the gate. Love you!!
Liv: Will do! And love you too! Xoxo
Phone down, I pull out my laptop and get down to business.
Matt had the kind of smile that made all the girls’ hearts flutter—young and old. He was the master of mischief who was always ready for the next adventure…
My heart kicks hard in my chest because I can’t imagine he was ready for those adventures to end.
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