Beth smiled and put her hands in her lap. “Oh, I’m fine. I’m just a little nervous.”
The woman smiled knowingly. “I bet you’re going to see a gentleman, aren’t you?”
“Yes, actually, I am. The love of my life, whom I haven’t seen in five years, who is now engaged.” Wow, did she just say love? It just slipped out. Maybe she did still have feelings for him.
“Does he know he’s the love of your life?”
She shook her head. “He used to, but then we broke up, so no, I don’t think he knows that I still care about him. In fact, I’m sure he doesn’t know because I didn’t even realize it until I said it a few seconds ago.”
“Well, if I were you, I would let him know. Even if you don’t end up with him, it’ll still help to get it off your chest. It hurts to go through life when the one you love doesn’t know it,” the woman advised wisely.
Before Beth could reply, the pilot’s voice came through the speakers. “Hello, passengers. We’ve landed safely in Tampa. We’re glad you traveled with us. Please check the compartments above your seats to make sure you don’t forget anything.”
Beth turned to the woman next to her and smiled. “Thank you very much. Maybe I’ll take your advice.”
“Good luck with your love.”
She stepped off the plane and walked down the long hall to the gate. For some reason, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this whole trip was a terrible idea. She was going to end up getting hurt. Besides, she was going to see a guy who had nearly destroyed her life without explanation or anything. When she got to the door, she almost stopped and turned around, but realized it was a little late. She couldn’t very well get back on the plane and fly to New York. Sighing, she stepped out and looked around for Nick’s familiar Tampa Bay cap.
As she scanned the crowd, she felt a pair of hands grab her waist, making her shriek. “Damn, you remembered that I’m ticklish,” she muttered, turning around to see Nick. When she met his eyes, she realized there was no way she could hold a grudge against those innocent baby blues.
“Of course I remembered. I would never forget my favorite thing to do to you.” He pulled her into a long hug and grabbed her carry-on bag.
“You know, I am capable of carrying things, myself,” she laughed.
“I know, but I’m a gentleman.”
“When do I get to see everyone? I wanna meet Christina.”
“She’s in France until Monday on a business trip. She’s a fashion designer.”
“Really? That’s a cool job.”
“So you’re gonna be an artist, huh?”
“Well, I’m probably gonna go back next year to get my teaching certification and then go teach art somewhere.”
“That works.” He paused. “I’m so glad to see you.”
They picked up her baggage and went out to the limo, prepared to catch up on everything.