Page 40 of One More Kiss
JEN
I've got time.So, I wander the airport. I spot a Starbucks. Yes, please. The line isn't very long, so I stand and wait, hoping no one recognizes me. I need to find a disguise that will throw people off. When I spot myself on one of the TVs across the way, I duck out of line and into a clothing shop to do that first.
There's no one in the store but the salesperson. Bless.
"How can I help you today?" she asks. Even looking my worst, she's polite and nonjudgmental.
"Um… I need either a head scarf to cover my mess of hair or a hat, and some nonprescription glasses. Maybe some shoes." There are some cute heels on the far wall.
Her brows go up. She knows. Crap.
She clears her throat. "I have something in mind that might be what you're looking for."
I let out the breath I'd been holding. I mean, really, she could yell out loud that I'm that Jennifer Smith, the one being highlighted with Zane Masters. But she doesn't.
I smile in return. "Thank you so much."
She nods.
Thirty minutes later I walk out of the store looking like a nerd in my brown thick-framed glasses, jeans, a t-shirt that says I read past my bedtime, a scarf pulled over my head and tied at my nape, and to finish off the look are some canvas tennies. I didn't know they made these anymore. I freaking love them. So comfortable.
I give Raven, the awesome salesperson, a fifty for a tip. She tries not to take it, but I insist. She's not supposed to accept tips, but she did me a huge favor in there.
"Good luck," she says with a sympathetic smile.
"Thanks. I'll need it."
I go back to Starbucks and order my iced caramel macchiato—triple shot. I’m seriously dragging ass.
I spot a candy store. I love these shops in the airports. They may be overpriced, but they're lifesavers. I tend to eat my feelings, and some sugar sounds like a good way to do that.
Five minutes later, I walk out with a large bag. Some gummy bears. Some chocolate covered caramels, peanuts, and raisins. Some gum balls. Some Swedish Fish.
I don't see any cell phones for sale as I glance into the rest of the shops, and I worry a bit about Zane. I'm sure he's going crazy. I know I am, but I can't help it. My phone's crushed back at the hotel. I'll get a new one when I get home, well, tomorrow or something, and then maybe I'll have a clue how he feels about all of this. He had to know this would get out—fast. I think I mentioned that to him. He waved it off. I hope he feels the same way now.
They're boarding the plane just as I arrive at my gate. At least something's going my way. I take my seat—first class all the way. I can't even with the cramped space back there. I place my coffee in the cupholder, then plop my shoulder bag on my lap, digging into the bag of candy. I'm not even gonna look. I'm just going to eat whatever I happen to grab.
After the third piece, I notice the dude in the seat next to me staring.
"What?" I ask around a bite of caramel.
"You okay? My wife eats chocolate like that when she's in a bad way," he tells me.
I roll my eyes. "I don't have my period, you dick. I just love candy."
His face pinks up. "I didn't mean your monthly when I said bad way. I meant something bothering her."
It's my turn to blush. I swallow. "Oh. I'm sorry."
He shrugs it off.
I offer him a piece and he accepts. I put a few extra on the napkin on his tray. I don’t normally share, but I don’t want him thinking I’m an asshole.
I sigh and look out the window as the plane starts moving. I hope I don't puke up all this delicious chocolate. I'll be really annoyed.
