Chapter 2
Chapter Two
AVERY
“Sorry, not since the last time you asked,” the airline employee says with a tight-lipped smile, barely looking up from her computer screen. “Don’t worry, we’ll get you back to the North Pole in time for Christmas.”
I smile at her through gritted teeth. Good, I’m getting on her nerves. At least she can feel my pain.
Spending ten hours in the Vancouver International Airport wasn’t how I’d planned on spending my night, but here I am.
I’m running out of my Christmas patience, and this woman is about to be on the receiving end of my less-than-jolly-elfness.
Sure, it wasn’t entirely her fault. I can admit now that coming to the city had been a colossal mistake.
I should never have left Kamloops. I love my city with the amazing lakes and rivers.
I have my friends and my dream job. I even have the coffee shop on the corner of Landsdowne and Third, where the baristas know how to perfectly make my gingerbread oat latte with eggnog sprinkles.
They even keep it fully stocked year-round for me when other cafes are quick to take it off the menu as soon as Boxing Day hits, (Who wants to get rid of Christmas the day after anyway?).
It might not be the biggest city, but it’s my city, and that’s all that matters.
I know that now.
Instead of being in said amazing city, I’m stuck in Vancouver, wearing an elf costume, and acting anything but cheery with the gate agent.
“Surely someone must know if the plane is on its way here, or at least when it’ll arrive. It’s not like it just disappeared. Heck, they have better tracking than Santa’s sleigh.”
The gate agent sighs and doesn’t even bother looking up from her screen this time. “We will let you know of any updates as soon as we can. In the meantime, please take a seat.”
“Thanks.” For nothing.
Walking back to my seat, I slump down, pulling out my third candy cane out of my purse and ripping the plastic wrapping open more aggressively than necessary. Shoving the minty treat in my mouth, I let the calming coolness lower my less-than-festive anger.
“I take it there are no updates,” a deep voice says from the seat beside me.
In all of my frustration, I hadn’t noticed the seat beside mine had become occupied while I was at the desk.
“No. You’d think they would have something to tell us since our flight was supposed to leave hours ago.
But nope.” I slump back in my seat, narrowing my eyes at the gate agent as she currently laughs with her coworker.
I guess there’s a lot to laugh about when you don’t have to worry about how you’re getting home.
“Too bad,” the deep voice says next to me in a tone that makes it sound like he’s anything but sad the flight hasn’t left. I look over to find a flop of dark blond hair curtaining his features as he stares down at a book.
“You don’t sound bothered by the fact that we’ve been stuck here for hours.”
“Because I’m not,” he says, not looking up.
I’m not usually one to get flustered at many things, but I’m getting tired of people talking at me without actually paying attention to me.
Lifting my candy-free hand, I place it on his book, forcing it down on his lap.
Is it a little bold to interrupt a stranger like this?
Absolutely, but I’ve lost my patience with people ignoring me.
I’m rewarded with him raising his face to mine, but then I find myself momentarily dazed by a pair of stunning hazel eyes behind black-framed glasses.
“Is there something I can help you with?” That voice. That voice that had seemed like some form of disembodied grump now has a very real—and very handsome—face.
I shake my head slightly, breaking the momentary hold he has over me. “No. Sorry. I guess I’m just anxious to get out of here.”
I snap my hand back from his book as if it burned me, placing it on one of my heated cheeks, hoping to cool it down as I put the candy cane back in my mouth. I look away from him, running my gaze over the growing number of frustrated people at the gate, but not really seeing them.
“Right.” I feel his eyes on me for a breath longer before movement out of the corner of my eye tells me he’s picked up his book once again.
Dropping my hands, I run them along my thighs, wiping off the thin coat of sweat as I rock slightly in my seat.
My heart beats so fast I’m surprised he doesn’t hear it.
My body heat rises, the polyester of my outfit becoming stifling as the anxious feeling in my chest grows rapidly like the Grinch’s heart—but not in a good way.
I need to get out of here. Not just the airport, but Vancouver in general. I need to get back home. Where it’s not so crowded. I’m not stranded with no way out.
Where I’m not reminded of the complete embarrassment I suffered before heading to the airport.
“Are you all right?” The stranger beside me asks.
“Yup, why wouldn’t I be?” I ask a little too happily. I offer him an overly-wide smile, trying to exude the calm and peace I don’t have—even if it feels like I’ve had about ten cups of coffee.
“Well, you’re dressed as an elf, for starters,” he says, looking up at my hat before gazing down at my outfit.
I totally forgot what I was wearing amidst all that has happened today. If only I knew when I donned the green and red outfit that I would end up stuck at an airport gate, devastated, desperate to get home.
“Occupational hazard,” I say, avoiding his eyes. I will not be hypnotized by them again.
“Occupational…you’re an elf?” He closes his book, holding his page with his finger while he shifts slightly, giving me all of his attention.
That attention I wanted earlier? Yeah, I’m not sure I’m prepared for that now. Not when his hazel eyes are watching me intently, but with a curiousness and cautiousness.
“Well, obviously not a real elf, but yes. I flew into Vancouver for an elf convention.”
“An elf convention…” he repeats slowly.
“Yes. We get training and updates on all the latest things relating to Christmas.”
“Riiight.” His eyebrow raises.
It’s then I realize just what this looks like.
A jittery woman dressed like a fictional character, talking about Christmas and conventions.
My eyes widen. “Okay, I know how that sounds now.” I take my hat off and try to straighten the frizzy mop on top of my head with my free hand, candy cane in the other.
“Yes, technically I’m an elf, but let me explain.
I’m more of a…logistics manager. I work for an international company that brings Christmas to underprivileged children.
We arrange presents to be delivered, turkey dinners, clothing, etcetera.
We also respond to letters that are written by children every year. ”
“Wow, that’s…that’s really great.”
I lift my shoulder briefly. “I’ve always wanted to make sure that kids have a good Christmas, you know? I mean, it is the best time of the year. Everyone deserves to feel a bit of the magic.”
His demeanour changes, a sadness now crosses his face that wasn’t there before as he opens his book once more. “If you say so.”
I open my mouth to find out more about what could have made him so sad during such a happy time when a voice comes over the loudspeaker. “Attention everyone at Gate C30 with Flight 276 to Kamloops. We regret to inform you that the flight has been cancelled.”
Everyone at the gate groans collectively, some standing and yelling, making it impossible to hear what the agent continues to say about collecting baggage.
Slumping back into my seat, I stare in shock at the screen above the desk as ‘cancelled’ appears in big red lettering.
So much for getting a Christmas miracle.
“Well, I wasn’t expecting that,” the man says, placing his book in his bag.
“Really?” I turn to him, crossing my arms over my chest.
“No. I can’t say this is how I pictured my day going, but it is what it is.
” He looks down at the phone in his hand as it lights up, showing an incoming call with ‘Mom,’ listed.
He doesn’t hesitate before answering. “Hi, Mom. Yes, we just found out our flight was cancelled. How did you…? Right, of course you did.”
He looks over at me, catching me staring and eavesdropping on his conversation.
Embarrassed, I feel my face flush as I turn in my seat and look away.
“I mean, I can see if I can get another flight. No, of course. Mom, you know that’s not…I can’t control flights, Mom. No, I understand. Fine. Yes, love you, too.”
He sighs and I see him rubbing his face with his hands.
Well, I assume that’s what he’s doing, because I’m absolutely not watching him.
Nor am I intrigued about why he’s clearly reluctant about heading to Kamloops right before Christmas to what I’m assuming is his family.
But it’s none of my business. None at all.
“Well, good luck, I guess,” he says, giving me a nod before flinging his bag over his shoulder and walking off, instantly disappearing into the crowd as people push their way toward the gate.
I have no idea why I’m so intrigued by this man.
Sure, he’s handsome with his glasses, hazel eyes, and hair that’s slightly too long and styled in a way that reminds me of a 90s heartthrob.
But there’s something else about him that I can’t quite put my finger on.
Something that made me hesitant to tell him what I was doing in Vancouver in addition to the conference.
The thing that now makes me cringe for being so na?ve to think it was ever a good idea.
I’m knocked out of my thoughts as people start stampeding to the front, knocking into me and my bag. I know if I don’t leave now and try to find another way home, I’m going to be stuck here until tomorrow at least, and that’s just not going to happen.
With no other choice, I place my elf hat back on my head, pick up my bag, and head for the exit.
It might take a real miracle, but by Santa, I will make it to Kamloops tonight.