By the Sea

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

“What, why?” Kane’s voice rose from his normal deep rumble..

“Micheal cheated on me,” I scrubbed my eyes, trying to hold back my tears. “His boss wants me to pay for the damages. Kane, he was f*****g her.”

“Oh baby girl,” He says and I have to pull over to the side of the road. My tears nearly blinding me, the damn had broken loose, and I didn’t know if it would stop. “I’ll take care of any costs, you don’t need to worry about it.”

“Kane, it hurts.”

“Where are you?” He asked, and I could hear his keys jangling as he picked them up.

“N, n, no don’t.” I said, trying to get my sobs under control as I took a deep breath. “You’re off for the weekend right?”

“Yeah, I was planning to stay home and veg out. Want to join me?” He asked and I smiled at his next words, “I’ll even let you pick out the cheesiest chick-flicks, Hallmark ones. Or we can go slit his tires. Fun stuff, just tell me what you want.”

“Come with me?” I whispered, a get away with my best friend sounded like the perfect thing to take my mind off of what I’d seen. Plus, there was no way I could get a refund on the room and the swanky hotel I’d booked.

“Where are we going?”

“The beach,” I say, worrying my lip. “I, I, I have a ring. Kane, I’m so stupid.”

“Let me pack a bag and I’ll meet you at the airport. You can text me the gate number.”

I nodded, before realizing that he couldn’t see me, “Okay, I’ll text you when I get there.”

Looking at my phone, I let out a sigh. Kane wasn’t here yet, and they’d just announced the flight was boarding.

I texted him the gate number, Micheal had called three times now. When Kane gets here, I’ll turn it off and give it to him so I can’t check it.

A small part of me wants to know why?

I plan to drown that part out with lots of mini bottles of alcohol. That part can’t be trusted, she’s the one who would drunk dial him to find out the reason, if I let her.

Stupid brain, I picked up my carry on and walked towards the boarding gate. Looking around for Kane, I don’t see his tall figure anywhere. I handed over my boarding pass and walked down the temporary hallway towards the plane.

Once on board, I let out another sigh as I moved past a couple happily taking selfies with each other. My heart twisted in my chest at the sight of them. I wanted that, to just be happy being with someone. Looking towards the empty seat where I’d be sitting, where Kane was supposed to be. I worried the inside of my cheek. What if something had happened to him?

I didn’t want to think of something happening to my best friend. He was kind and generous. I longed to find someone like him.

Putting my carryon in the overhead compartment before falling into my seat. Tilting my head towards the small window. The sun painted the sky with soft shades of orange and purple.

My phone chimed and I pulled it out of my purse, swiping the screen open. It was a text from Kane.

Kane: Trixie quit, I’ve got to cover her shift. I want you to have a good time baby girl and an extra drink for me. I’m arranging a surprise for you ;)

My fingers moved over the cracked screen, I typed out a quick message. Pressing the button on the side, I turned it off before tossing it into my bag. I’d call him once I’d landed and checked into the hotel.

Maybe I’d order room service? I wondered what Kane’s surprise would be. I knew he’d come from money. He didn’t like to talk much about his past, but I got the feeling that he only worked at the bar to keep himself busy.

I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do, alone in that big hotel room with the large bed that I knew would be like sleeping on a cloud. The pictures online made it seem like I’d be able to swim in the tub.

I closed the blind on the window, buckling my seatbelt as the pilot’s voice filled the cabin. The airline attendant walked past me as she pointed towards the exits. The thrill of excitement shot through me as we ascended up into the clouds.

My ears popped and as the plane leveled out, the light flashed that we could unfasten our seatbelts. I undid the metal clasp as the film started playing, some cheesy rom-com I had no interest in.

The attendant moved down the aisle, the cart’s wheel squeaking as she went. My eyes were glued to the wine bottle that she had out. She poured glasses for the happy couple before handing them some pretzels.

“What can I get for you, Ma’am?” She asked as she pulled out a plastic cup.

“Wine, thank you.” I gave her the brightest smile I could manage as she filled it to the brim before handing it to me. “I don’t need the pretzels, it’s been a long day, and I’d rather be tipsy if not full on drunk.”

“Hopefully the flight makes it better.” She smiled at me and I nodded.

“Thank you again.” I lifted my cup, “Cheers.”

Her grin widened and I took a sip. Hopefully, she’d keep them coming. I wanted to drown my sorrows tonight. It was a white wine, not heavy, but I gulped it down like I was dying of thirst.

Leaning back in my seat, I mindlessly watched the movie. The meet-cute was fast approaching as the actress opened up her bakery.

I wanted to yell at her to flip the sign closed, that nothing good would happen for her with falling in love.