Getting Lei'd

Chapter 4

4

When I wake up, we are in Atlanta. I can’t believe we have driven for more than four hours. Baggy has slowed down somewhat for the exit ramp off the highway, but still takes the curve way too fast. I squeeze my eyes shut, certain that we are going to drift into the retaining wall. Miraculously, we stay on the road, even somewhat in the lane.

Once my heart rate begins to return to a more normal pace, I regain my wits enough to realize we are heading toward the airport. “Are we flying somewhere?” I inquire jokingly, but almost afraid to hear what their answer will be.

“Tell her.” Baggy makes eye contact with Ruthie in the rearview mirror, practically bouncing with anticipation.

I turn around to find Ruthie’s eyes glistening with excitement. I raise my eyebrows letting her know to spill it. “We’re going on your honeymoon,” she announces.

I have about forty-seven questions about this odd declaration, but can’t seem to formulate one, so I just sit there staring until their harebrained idea gushes out of her.

“While you were asleep, we decided that you shouldn’t miss out on a fab vacay to Hawaii just because that dillweed dumped you.” I cringe a little at her harsh word choice, so she throws in a haphazard “Sorry” before continuing. “By the time we thought of it, we had driven too far to get you back to the airport in time to catch your first flight.”

She pauses to take a breath, but I decide to wait for her to continue rather than attempt to ask the right questions. “We do have plenty of time to catch your connecting flight, though.”

I furrow my brow a little, so she adds, “I borrowed your phone and saw that your connection is in Atlanta. It works out perfectly because we were already practically at the ATL.”

“That sounds reasonable,” I acquiesce before adding, “But I don’t want to go on my honeymoon by myself.”

“That’s why we’re coming with you,” Baggy jumps in. “Won’t this be a hoot?” She’s obviously proud of herself.

Not wanting to dampen their spirits but unable to avoid stating the obvious, I say, “You two don’t have tickets.”

“Oh fiddle-faddle.” Baggy waves off my valid point as if it has no merit. “It will all work out.” If it were anyone else, I would doubt it being possible, but I have learned from experience that once Baggy sets her mind to something, nothing gets in her way.