Page 17 of Naughty or Nice?
Nate’s puzzled, staring after me as I storm out of the kitchen.
What the hell am I about to do?
It’s the only thought on my mind as I sit behind the wheel of my Range Rover. I’m showered, dressed, and about to embark on the so-called errands I told Nate about.
Except they weren’t really errands at all.
The one trip I’m about to make is to my Airbnb property. I’ve got to see Kendall and find out where she’s at after what happened last night.
She didn’t let me drive her home. She wasn’t able to speak or meet my eyes at all. I didn’t push her much on it. I was in shock myself.
But maybe she’s been able to clear her head like I have. It’s possible she’s ready to talk about what transpired.
More snow falls on my drive over.
The weather forecasts are predicting several inches by the end of the night.
It’s a good thing Kendall’s flight is later this afternoon. She’ll get out of Morrow just in time, and it’ll give us time to clear the air before she does. If for no other reason than to make sure she understands last night isn’t something I regret. I’ll be here for her whenever she needs it.
I pull up outside the house and get out to try the door.
No one answers after a few knocks. I have a key, but I’d like her to answer on her own. Letting myself in wouldn’t be appropriate.
Stepping to the side, I peek into the front window. From what I can see of the living room, no one’s inside. Is it possible Kendall’s in the bedroom or some other part of the house?
I shoot off a text.
Hey, thought I’d check in on you. Can we talk?
Three dot bubbles appear as she sees the message instantly and types back a response.
I’m sorry, I can’t. On my way to the airport. I left early.
CHAPTER 6
Kendall
“I’m sorry,ma’am. But this flight has been canceled.”
A disbelieving smile inches onto my face. “Canceled? What do you mean canceled?”
“Ma’am, I mean exactly what I just said. Your flight out of Charlotte into Greenville has been canceled due to inclement weather.”
“Have you looked outside?” I ask, gesturing to the glass walls that make up the airport atrium. “It’s a little snow flurries. You cancel flights for that?”
“What you see on the ground may not reflect the conditions in flight. Or the conditions of your destination. Departing flights have been canceled or delayed for the time being. We apologize for the inconvenience, but it’s Christmas Eve so we suggest you hunker down and arrange local accommodations. Next in line!”
I’m still digesting what he’s told me when I’m elbowed out of the way by a little biddy of an older woman, dawning several scarves and larger glasses that magnify her eyes. I can’t evenprotest, because the rest of the line shuffles forward as if in solidarity with her.
My time at the counter is over.
The long throngs of people move like we’re in a factory assembly line. Everybody’s as desperate as the next person to complete their holiday travel itinerary.
“This is unbelievable,” I mutter under my breath.
Another Blue Sky Airways employee loiters by the self-check-in stations. I rush over to get to him before anyone else can.
“Hello, I’m Kendall Greene. I work for Blue Sky too… as a flight attendant. Can you help me to the employee lounge? I wanted to find out if there are any last-minute call outs. I can backfill for any domestic flight.”