Page 45 of The Truths We Find

“Well in that case, my usual please.”

Gavin and I walk up to the counter and he orders our drinks. As we wait off to the side, I check my emails on my phone, and see there’s still nothing from Sam. I can’t help the small sigh.

“Everything alright?” Gavin asks.

I hesitate. “It’s Sam. I haven’t heard from him in a few days.”

Gavin gives me a look. Part sympathy, part caution.

“I know he’s obviously busy,” I go on, trying to keep my voice even. “But even when he can’t call, he at least emails every few days. And he knows what today is.”

Gavin nods slowly. “I’m sure everything’s fine. Probably got put on patrol and doesn’t have internet access.”

“Yeah.” I force a small smile. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.”

But I’m not sure. Not even a little. Because the last time I didn’t hear from him past a certain amount of time, he left me a parade of texts apologizing and explaining. And Sam knows what today is. I told him. It doesn’t make sense.

I bite the inside of my cheek. My phone screen glares at me like it’s mocking me. No notifications. No hey, babe. No sorry, I’ve been slammed but I miss you. Not even a dumb meme.

“He could’ve found thirty seconds,” I mumble, more to myself than to Gavin. “Even just a thumbs-up emoji. Anything.”

“Danielle—” Gavin starts.

“I know, I know,” I snap, then instantly regret the edge in my voice. “Sorry. It’s just… he’s halfway across the world, and I’m here trying to pretend like I’m not losing my mind. I hate this.”

Gavin doesn’t say anything, which I guess is the right move. I’m not blind to his feelings towards Sam, but I appreciate his attempts at trying to make me feel better.

It’s nice being able to talk to Gavin about Sam. It’s been just over a month since the beach, and things have been good. We haven’t had any more close calls, and I can tell he wants to make this friendship work.

He’s formed a little group with Alexa and me, and Emmett when he comes to town, and it’s nice to have my friend Gavin back. We go to Doolies after work, and hell, Alexa and Gavin even got me to go hiking at some famous rock in town that looks like a potato chip. I thought I was going to die after that adventure, but the photos make for some great memories.

It’s weird. I didn’t expect to trust him again, not after everything. But I do. Maybe not completely. Not yet. But enough to stand here and admit to him I’m spiraling over the silence from someone who should have remembered what today meant.

We grab our coffees and meet up with Alexa at the gate.

After waiting for what feels like forever, they finally call our flight for boarding. The three of us make our way down the jet bridge and find our seats. I sit down next to Alexa, with Gavin across the aisle from us. It’s only a fifty-minute flight, but Mr. White still paid for us to be in First Class, which is a first for me. The seats are huge compared to economy, and we’re met with complimentary champagne.

“Cheers!” Alexa holds up her glass.

Gavin and I follow suit and hold up our glasses.

“To the best newscast team in the business, Alexa and Dani.” Gavin smiles.

We clink our glasses and before I realize what I’m doing, I down it.

Alexa and Gavin just stare at me.

“Sorry,” I whisper. “I guess you could say I’m a little nervous.”

“I think we’re going to need a refill over here!” Alexa says to a passing flight attendant.

Our flight touches down in Vegas almost too quickly. As we’re moving through the airport, my attention keeps moving to the rows of slot machines lining the halls. They’re loud and lit up like Christmas trees, practically impossible to ignore.

Alexa stops in front of one and pulls out a quarter. “What do you say? Should we see how our luck is going to play out this trip?”

“Alexa, those things are rigged. No one ever wins,” I warn.

“It’s just a quarter, Dani, not my life savings,” she laughs.