Page 18 of Always Almost You

The tall man paused, studying him, then eased back into his seat. “All right,” he said pleasantly. “But if at any point you’d like to switch, just let me know. I’ve only got a backpack. It’d take no time at all.”

The aisle passenger stared at his hands, suddenly very interested in the safety card he was holding.

Lauren bent slightly and caught the tall man’s eye.

“Thank you,” she mouthed, exaggerating the words.

He gave her a small, knowing smile.

A woman assigned to the middle seat arrived and deposited an oversized satchel into the overhead bin before squeezing past knees and elbows to sit down.

The flight attendants moved down the aisle, securing overhead compartments. Moments later, the plane pushed back from the gate.

Lauren checked the time on her phone. If they encountered no further delays, she just might make her connection to Providence. She leaned against her seatback, hoping the rest of the trip would be smoother than the beginning.

CHAPTER 14

Lauren kept her eyes fixed on the airsickness bag tucked into the seatback pocket in front of her. They had sat on the tarmac for an hour before departing. The captain had explained that air traffic control was holding departures to prevent downstream congestion. When they finally took off, they flew straight into strong headwinds that made for a turbulent ride. Except for one brief period, when Lauren dashed to the restroom, the fasten seatbelt sign was illuminated the entire flight.

Even the flight attendants had strapped themselves into their jump seats for much of the trip. When they briefly could get up, they hurried down the aisle, handing out tiny bags of snacks.

Lauren had accepted one but was far too queasy to eat it. Despite her discomfort, she kept checking on Pumpkin. Her pup had slept for most of the flight, unfazed by the turbulence.

They were making their approach to Charlotte when the public address system crackled.

“This is your captain speaking. We apologize for the delay and the rough ride. Unfortunately, we just received information that the storm has caused Charlotte Douglas International Airport to close. We’re being diverted to Raleigh.”

Groans rippled through the cabin.

“If your final destination is outside the storm zone, you may be able to continue tonight from Raleigh. Flights are still taking off from there. However, if you’re headed into the affected areas, you’ll need to rebook for tomorrow. The Raleigh airport has plenty of amenities. If you prefer a hotel, the airline will issue meal and lodging vouchers upon arrival. I recommend proceeding to the ticket counter promptly, as Raleigh will be busy tonight. Baggage handling has also closed down, so you won’t be able to retrieve your luggage unless it was checked at the gate. Thank you for flying with us.”

Lauren pressed her back into her seat and clamped her hand over her eyes. I just want to get off this plane, she thought. She needed a hotel room, a hot shower, and clean clothes. Sitting for hours on an airplane always left her feeling grimy and depleted.

She leaned down and checked on Pumpkin. Her pup was no longer asleep. Sensing Lauren’s attention, she lifted her head and met her mistress’s eyes.

Lauren glanced at her seatmates. Both were still asleep, unaware of the diversion.

She eased forward and unzipped the top of the carrier, folding it back. Pumpkin pulled herself into a sitting position and extended a paw through the opening. Lauren stroked from her ears down her back. Pumpkin licked her hand and settled again.

“I know, girl,” Lauren murmured. “You must be so tired of being cooped up.” She checked her watch. “You’ve been in there for almost six hours. The flight was only supposed to be four hours and forty-five minutes. The captain said we’ll be on the ground in thirty-five minutes. Hang in there. You’ve been so good.” She continued petting her until the captain announced their final descent into Raleigh.

A flight attendant walked down the aisle, scanning the cabin. She noticed Pumpkin’s paw protruding from the unzipped carrier. “I know this flight has been tough on your sweet puppy, but the carrier needs to be fully zipped and stowed under the seat for landing,” she said gently.

“Of course,” Lauren murmured, then turned back to Pumpkin. “We’re almost there.” She zipped the carrier closed.

Pumpkin settled obediently inside.

The landing was smooth. They taxied to the gate without interruption, and the aircraft came to a stop. For the first time since takeoff, Pumpkin began to whimper.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Lauren whispered. “I bet you have to go, don’t you? It’s okay. We’ll be off this plane soon.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and slipped her phone and Kindle into her jacket pocket, preparing to move fast.

The woman seated beside her leaned over.

“I’d say your dog has been the perfect traveler,” she said kindly. “As soon as they turn off the seatbelt sign, you hop over us and get into the aisle. I’ll hand you the carrier.”

Lauren’s eyes widened. “Oh, my gosh. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

“I hear her whimpering,” the woman said. “Happy to help.”