Page 16 of Journey to Cheshire Bay
“Listen, I’ve got this. If you don’t mind being a passenger, and maybe a navigator, I don’t mind doing the driving. Besides, the company would be nice.” He resumed pushing his baggage cart toward the car rental. “Think about it while I make the necessary arrangements.”
As we approached the rental agency, the one with the shortest line, he parked his cart. “Can you watch my stuff?”
I nodded, moved my own cart to rest beside his, and sat on the nearby chair. My body was weary, and pangs of hunger roared in the depths of my gut. Before I made any hasty decisions, I needed to eat. Hangry me never made the best choices, not that content me did either, but at least it helped. Sort of.
Rifling through my bag, I pulled out a protein bar and scarfed it down, chasing it with the rest of the room temperature water I had. A quick glance at my phone on the reverse photo side, I pushed at the size of the growing baggage under my eyes. What I really needed, more than food, was a long and restful nap.
Yawning, I straightened my legs, pulled my hair out of the messy bun, and redid it, making myself a little more presentable. I slapped a bit of colour into my cheeks and stretched for as long as it felt comfortable, infusing a little energy into my soul. I’d just yanked the sleeve of my sweatshirt down when Holden walked over.
“Well, that was time consuming, and she really skipped over a lot of the details that I needed to hound her for more information on.” He caught his breath. “But I’m all set. A little compact car to whisk me through the mountains and valleys and over to Vancouver. Personally, I would’ve prefered an SUV or something with a little more space, but that’s all they had.” He waved the paperwork. “Room for one more, if you’re interested?”
“I really shouldn’t.” I made no effort to rise, and slumped further into the hard-backed plastic chair.
Holden’s shoulders rolled in and a solumness filled his face. “Oh. Okay.”
“I think it would be best if I hang out here for a bit.” I was guaranteed a transfer, which wouldn’t cost me a dime. Driving would. With limited funds, I had to choose the cheaper option, even if it was less than ideal.
“I understand.” He stuffed the paperwork into his bag.
I reached out to touch his arm. “Thanks for keeping me company on the plane. It was good to catch up with you, and I sure do appreciate you holding my hand during the–” The word escape my brain. “Instability.”
“Turbulence.”
“Yes. That.”
He ran his hands over his face, and looked everywhere and anywhere except at me. “You take care. Call me when you’re settled, and we’ll plan a get together. I said you’d have a friend in me, and I don’t run away from my promises.”
I nodded.
“Give me your phone.”
I didn’t know what else to do, so I handed it over. A ping rang out on his phone.
“Now we’re all set.” He pocketed it. “I’m serious, give me a call and at the very least, I’ll give you a tour of the night skies. You can make a trip out to YYJ, or I can come find you.”
It sounded appealing, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t going to happen. Once he was out that door, it was over, and we both needed to accept it. Holden was just being nice. Still, I wasn’t going to make this any harder than it needed to be.
“Sure thing.”
He jerked his cart away, gave me a quick wave, and headed toward the outside loading area. After he was through the doors, a little splinter cracked across my heart.
What the hell was the matter with me? Here was a chance to make amends to the guy I’d wronged all those years ago by keeping him company, and awake, so he could make the drive safely, and I was letting the opportunity walk away. How many times in life do you get a second chance to make things right?
Besides, he was a sweetie and in all honesty, even if he chattered the whole trip, it woud still be more entertaining than being all alone. Wasn’t that what this journey was about?
With a jump, I landed on my feet, and pushed my weighted cart as fast as my tired legs could carry me.
I burst through the doors, feverishly scanning the group of people. “Holden, wait.”
Chapter Seven
The biggest smile to ever greet me was plastered on Holden’s face when I caught up to him in line, ready to board the bus to the car drop off. It was sincere, and its appearance caused a rapid acceleration of my heart.
“Changed your mind?”
“Obviously.” I playfully punched him in the shoulder. “Figured you could use a navigator, and I happen to be fantastic at reading maps and giving directions.”
“I thought Google was supposed to help me?” He winked and carried my bags onto the transport bus. “But I already appreciate the company.”