Page 98 of How Much Wine Will Fix My Broken Heart?

‘The swimming man who’s like a mermaid but not.’

‘Aquaman?’ he says. ‘You think I look like Jason Momoa?’

She nods. We both laugh. He doesn’t look anything like him. I might need to get this girl’s eyes tested but I think about Tom for one small moment. Does Max do film work? Because I’ve written a book and he’d be kinda perfect if he doesn’t mind taking some of that hair off and maybe wearing a prosthetic chin. Is this man good-looking? I have no idea at all. But my daughter is going to dig into her Haribo now, get out some gummy ring sweets and possibly make this official. Let’s talk first. We have time. I may have to think about that hair though and see how big his tiger is.

The plane suddenly rolls to a start and the chime of a bell signals we have to put on our seatbelts. I reach across to ensure the girls are strapped in, leaning down to check bags are stowed safely, and make eyes at Maya.You are terrible at setting me up with people. Don’t do that. Not on a plane.But she smiles sweetly, her body almost fizzing with excitement as she hugs her toy monkey tightly. I grip at Cleo’s hand and she gives me a similar look. Let’s do this, eh? I sit back and Aquaman catches my eye.

‘I didn’t catch your name,’ he says.

‘Oh, I’m Grace.’

‘Best I know your name before I marry you, eh?’

I laugh. ‘Very true.’

‘I suppose there is no Mr Grace?’

‘There is not.’

‘Well, I’m Max. I like your yellow bracelet, Grace.’

‘Thank you,’ I reply suspiciously. ‘I like your… hair?’

‘Thank you. I grew it all myself.’

‘That is impressive.’

I don’t even have to look but I sense a very small person eavesdropping as we talk, a massive grin plastered across her face. I reach into the seat pocket and give her the safety announcement card, trying to focus her attention elsewhere. The plane lines up to the runway, a charge of the engine taking hold. I hate this feeling. I don’t know if it’s fear or excitement but I sense it in the pit of my stomach, in the back of my throat as the air sits waiting for me to either exhale or swallow. Maya holds onto me tightly, tiny fingers clasped around mine, almost like wire. I think I might feel good, or some version of it. I might be ready. Time for a new adventure.

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