Tucker
One Day since the Rodeo
For the first time in a long time, I’m confused when I wake up alone.
Gracie is nowhere to be seen, her dress just hanging on the back of the door like a ghost. I check the time, and rush to throw some clothes on when I realize her flight is due to depart in forty-five minutes.
I might’ve been a kid at the time, but I made the mistake of letting her go once—I sure as hell ain’t making that mistake again.
I dial Rhett’s number as I pull out my driveway.
“Hey, man, where are you? One of your kids is here for their private lesson.”
“Fuck, I forgot to cancel. I’m heading to the airport. I can’t lose her, Rhett. She can’t get on that plane.” I barely recognize my voice with how frantic I sound.
“Okay, okay,” he says reassuringly. “Don’t drive like a fool, alright? Just get there safely. I’ll take care of things here.”
“Thanks, brother.”
Despite Rhett’s concern, I drive like a bat out of hell and manage the twenty-minute drive to the airport in seventeen—I can deal with the consequences of a speeding ticket later, but I can’t even bring myself to imagine having to deal with the consequences of losing Gracie.
As I run through the parking lot and security, I’m playing my speech over and over in my head again and again.
When I get to her gate, my heart is in my throat as I watch her plane retreat down the runway.
Defeated, I slump into the nearest seat, my head in my hands.
For the second time, I’ve let the love of my life slip right through my fingers.
I thought it felt bad enough the first time.
But this time, after everything we’ve overcome the past eight weeks?
It feels like a knife right through my heart.
I don’t know how long I’ve been sitting here when my phone rings in my pocket.
On the tiniest chance that it’s Gracie calling from the plane, I pull it out.
I’m only left disappointed when I see it’s Rhett.
I decline the call, but don’t even get my phone back in my pocket when it rings again—Rhett.
I answer with a gruff, “What?” If Rhett’s bothered by my attitude, he doesn’t let on.
“I’d suggest getting your ass to the school, fast. Grace is here,” is all he says before hanging up.