Carter

She was leaving in the morning and I wasn’t happy about it. Knowing what I knew about a piece of her past made me feel an overwhelming sadness for her. There was nothing I could do about it now. I had pushed her away and to the point where she couldn’t even finish the trip with me. I didn’t blame her one bit, though. I wouldn’t want to be around someone like me either. I intentionally did everything I could to make her see that I wasn’t who she thought I was. That the man I once was, was gone. I’d let her sleep for tonight, but come morning, I’d ask her one more time to stay and come with me to Seattle. I wasn’t looking forward to that drive at all, especially alone.

The next morning, I awoke around seven a.m., quickly took a shower, and went to see if she was up. When I walked into the kitchen area, I saw a white piece of paper sitting on the counter. Picking it up, I held it in my hand and read it.

Carter,

I managed to get on a flight that leaves at eight a.m., so when you read this, I’ll already be gone. Please drive safe to Seattle and have a safe flight to Hawaii. You can do this alone. Just remember that this is what Nora wanted and you’re doing it for her. Take the time alone and reflect on all the memories that you and Nora made. Remember, memories are a treasure and they were made with love. Embrace them.

Zoey

I took in a deep breath and set the letter down. She was gone already and there wasn’t a goddamn thing I could do about it. Anger rose inside me and I needed to get out of here. Grabbing my bags, I checked out of the hotel and told the valet to bring my car around.

“Excuse me, Mr. Grayson,” the valet gentleman spoke. “There seems to be a problem with your vehicle.”

“What kind of problem?”

“It won’t start.”

“You’re kidding me.” I sighed.

“I wish I was. We’re going to try to jumpstart it.”

“Fine. Can you please hurry? I have to get on the road.”

While I stood there waiting, I pulled my phone from my pocket and debated whether or not to text Zoey. What would I say to her? I’m sorry? She didn’t believe that anymore.

“Excuse me, Mr. Grayson?”

“Did you get it started?” I asked as I put my phone back in my pocket.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t. It won’t start. You’re going to need to call a tow truck.”

“Listen, I need to start heading to Seattle. I don’t have time for this shit.”

“Is there anything we can do for you?”

“Get me another car!”

“The nearest rental car place is about an hour from here. I can have someone drive you there, but I would call first to make sure they have a vehicle to rent.”

“I’ll do that, thank you.”

I huffed and pulled my phone from my pocket. Looking up the nearest rental car place, I dialed their number only to find out they didn’t have one car available for rent.

“How the hell can a rental car company not have a rental car?” I asked in irritation.

“I’m sorry, sir, but this is one of our busiest times of the year. We will have one available in a couple of days if you would like to be put on our list.”

“I don’t have a couple of days!” I shouted. “Just forget it.”

I placed my hand on my head and paced around the lobby of the hotel. Now what the fuck was I going to do? I looked up at the ceiling and spoke, “Sorry, Nora. I have no choice.”

I called the airport and was able to get on a flight to Seattle that departed at four forty-five p.m. I did check with the airline I was flying with to make sure there wouldn’t be a problem traveling with Nora’s ashes. The only requirement they had was that the ashes had to be checked in a luggage bag. So, I headed to the hotel gift shop to see if I could find a box that would fit the ashes and my suitcase since the urn was way too big. After finding the perfect box that had little pink-colored roses on it, I transferred her ashes from the urn and tucked it safely into my suitcase. While I waited for the car service to pick me up, I placed a call to the rental car company and had them send a tow truck to the hotel for the SUV.

After I arrived at the airport and checked in, I decided to grab something to eat since I was going to be stuck here for another four hours, and I was starving. The only thing that sounded good was Panera, since it was only one of three food places in the area that seemed normal. When I walked inside, I scanned the small space to see if there were any tables available. “What the hell?” I spoke to myself.

“Zoey?” I walked over to where she sat.

“Carter! What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be on the road to Seattle,” she spoke in shock.

“And you are supposed to be back in Connecticut already.”

“My flight keeps getting pushed back because of mechanical issues with the plane.”

“Well, the SUV wouldn’t start, and when I called the rental car company to rent another vehicle, they didn’t have any.”

“What?” She laughed. “How is that possible?”

“Apparently, it’s their busiest time of the year. So I had no choice but to catch a flight to Seattle. It doesn’t leave until four forty-five.”

“You’re stuck here for another four hours?”

“Apparently, I am. How long are you going to be here?”

“I have no clue. Last time I checked, the lady was rude and told me that they’ll keep the passengers updated as they get information.”

“Would you mind if I sat with you? There doesn’t appear to be any open tables.”

“Not at all. Did you order your food yet?” she asked.

“No. I’m going to do that now. Can I get you anything?”

“Thanks, but I’m good.” She smiled.

I gave her a smile back and went up to the counter to order some food. I couldn’t believe she was still here, but I was happy to see her.