Getting Lei'd

Chapter 6

6

When they call for the boarding of first-class passengers on our flight, Baggy and Ruthie hop up and head to the gate. They are halfway there when Baggy realizes I’m still in my seat.

She turns, perplexed, in my direction. I can see the moment realization dawns on her. I try to get up and close the gap between us because as I watch Baggy’s facial expression evolve from confusion to understanding to anger, I know that she is about ready to unleash a flurry of annoyance. At least if I am in closer proximity to her, less of the crowd will hear her rant.

The long, white dress slows me, so I make it only two steps in Baggy’s direction before she starts. “You mean to tell me”—she is shaking her bent pointer finger at me. I stop in my tracks because everyone within hearing distance is already looking at us anyway. Baggy continues, completely undaunted by the attention drawn by our spectacle—“that cheap-assed bastard didn’t even spring for first-class tickets for your honeymoon?” She emphasizes the last word with righteous indignation. “He has shitloads of money. What is he saving it for, a special occasion??”

After a few quiet chuckles, the crowd turns toward me in unison, awaiting my response. The innocent bystanders look like they are watching some ridiculous train wreck of a tennis match that they can’t tear their eyes away from.

I feel like an absolutely ridiculous mess, standing here with my unruly hair, wearing my now-rumpled wedding gown. People have even looked up from their cell phones to see how this will unfold. If there’s one thing I am uncomfortable with, it’s being the center of attention.

Ruthie can’t stand it when all eyes are on me, either, so she quickly jumps in. “My sister would appreciate some privacy in this time of great embarrassment and shame,” she says to the crowd at large.

I feel like kicking her in the shin. I know there isn’t any malicious intention behind her words, but she has somehow managed to make this mortifying situation a thousand times worse. At least everyone is now looking at her. That is the way she and I both prefer things to be.

I close the gap between us so Baggy, Ruthie, and I can talk to one another without including the entire room. People are still staring at us, but normal hushed conversations and cell phone usage begin to resume. “You two are causing a scene,” I hiss.

Both of them look surprised and taken aback by my reproach, so I soften my tone. “Go ahead and get on the plane.” They seem uncertain, so I fib, “I like sitting in coach. It’s a great opportunity to people watch.”

“I could trade tickets with you,” Ruthie offers. I appreciate the gesture, but also know she would be devastated if I took her up on it.

I refuse, as she had likely known I would, but the relief is still evident on her face. “If you’re sure.” Ruthie smiles, already grabbing Baggy’s hand and dragging her toward the burly female ticket agent.

Nodding in answer, I grin as I listen to them giggling and skipping toward the airplane door. Looking down at my pearly white dress, I vow to be more like them on this adventure. I will have fun and enjoy the moment. That is my new mantra—easy, breezy Roxy. That’s me. Well, the Hawaiian me, anyway.