Chapter 26 Turbulence
Turbulence
Claire and Jaxon weaved through airport security, shoes in hand, belts re-threaded, and that glazed look in their eyes that only early-morning travel could bring. They made it to their gate just as boarding was called.
“We made it just in time,” Jaxon said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
Claire exhaled with a grin. “That’s gotta be a record.”
They boarded the plane and settled into their seats. As the plane began its slow roll toward the runway, Jaxon glanced over—just like he had the first time they flew together.
He knew what was coming.
As the engines revved and the plane rocketed forward, Claire’s hand clamped the armrest like it might save her soul.
“You good?” he asked, leaning in.
“Peachy,” she said through clenched teeth.
He smirked, starting a casual conversation just like before—letting his voice distract her from the altitude. It worked. Almost.
When the plane leveled out, Claire finally released her grip and breathed like the air was hers again.
A few minutes later, she stood up and reached for her carry-on.
Jaxon watched her fumble through it, raising a brow as she sat back down and pulled out a thick paperback.
“All that for a book?” he asked.
Claire smirked. “Nothing beats a good story.”
“I agree… just most people get that out before takeoff.”
“Well, I didn’t think about it. But hey—at least I came prepared.”
“Clearly,” he said, laughing.
The flight fell into a rhythm. Claire bounced between reading and striking up conversations, her mind never fully in one place. Jaxon watched her with amused awe.
“You know you jump from your book to me, then back to your book, then right back to what you were saying like there was no break in between?”
Claire smiled. “It’s because both are good. The plot’s great… but so is the company.”
He couldn’t argue with that.
A few hours in, the captain came over the intercom. Final descent.
Claire peeked out the window, eyes soft. “It always amazes me how the ground looks like a giant quilt—everything in perfect squares.”
“I think about that every time I fly,” Jaxon said, watching her more than the view.
The wheels hit the runway with a jolt. The cabin rustled with seatbelts and sighs of relief as passengers stood and gathered their things.
Claire reached for her bag, tried to shove the book back into the pocket—but it wouldn’t go.
She frowned, reached in deeper—and froze.
Her eyes widened.
“Holy shit.”
Jaxon turned. “What’s wrong?”
“I… may have made a small mistake.”
“Did you forget something?”
Claire slowly pulled her hand out—revealing a very familiar key ring. “I forgot to leave the house keys for the girls.”
Jaxon’s laugh echoed through the terminal like a cannon. “You what?!”
Claire’s face flushed with horror. “It’s six o'clock back home! What the hell have they been doing all day?”
“Call them. Calm down. It’s fixable.”
She fumbled for her phone, only to realize she hadn’t taken it off airplane mode. As soon as it connected, her screen lit up like a Christmas tree—chimes, dings, and missed calls for days.
She didn’t bother scrolling. She just called Sara.
“Hey.”
“What the hell, Claire?!”
“I’m so sorry. I meant to put the keys back on the ring with the SUV key. I was rushing and forgot.”
Sara sighed. “What do you expect us to do?”
Jaxon leaned over and gently plucked the phone from Claire’s hand. “Y’all just hanging out today?”
“Not funny, Jax. Luckily we had our wallets and the car keys with us. We’ve been walking around the pier in our bathing suits for hours just so we didn’t look like complete idiots.”
“That’s... honestly a little hilarious.”
“WE ARE STRANDED AND YOU’RE LAUGHING?!”
“Alright, alright. Tell you what—stay at my place until we get back.”
“Are you serious?” Sara said.
“I kinda have to be. Your house keys are currently 1,500 miles away in Claire’s purse.”
Sara sighed. “How do we even get in?”
“Drive over. Call me when you’re there.”
“Fine.”
The call ended and Claire groaned, burying her face in her hands. “I cannot believe I did that.”
Jaxon just smiled. “Shit happens. And it gives me an excuse to offer up free housing, so... win-win.”
Claire looked over at him. “You haven’t stopped surprising me since the day we met.”
“If it makes you feel better, they’ll be fine. Besides, now someone’s watching over the house while I’m gone.”
They made their way out to the tram and caught a ride to the car rental center. Once inside, Jaxon handled the paperwork, and they were quickly escorted to a sleek SUV. Bags loaded, doors shut, and just a few miles down the road...
Claire’s phone rang.
“Hello?”
“We’re at the house. Can I talk to Jaxon?”
“You’re on speaker. You found it?”
“Yeah. You got a spare key hidden or are we breaking in?”
“It’s hidden. Head down to the dock pathway and let me know when you’re there.”
A moment passed.
“Okay. I’m here.”
“See the rocks near the step?”
“There are rocks on both sides.”
“If you're facing the water, second rock on the left.”
Sara hesitated. “Under it?”
“Yeah, check there.”
She rustled around, then: “There’s nothing here!”
“I know. I’m messing with you. Key’s under the rug on the back deck.”
“DAMN IT, JAXON!” she yelled. “I look like a criminal trespassing in flip flops.”
Claire doubled over laughing in the passenger seat.
“Do you look like you’re on a scavenger hunt?” she asked.
“Kiss my ass, Claire.”
“Have you found the treasure yet?” Jaxon added.
“I will once I get into this house and take a bath in your big-ass tub.”
“Stay out of his room, Sara.” Claire warned.
“It’s fine,” Jaxon said. “Make yourselves at home. Towels are in the closets, shampoo and conditioner should be stocked in the showers. Laundry stuff is in the cabinet above the washer.”
“Thank you, Jaxon. We’ll take good care of it.”
“You’re welcome. Enjoy it.”
Claire chimed in. “Sara, I’m sorry you had to go through all this. Use whatever’s in the bags I bought yesterday.”
“Girl, I planned on it. And thank God we left the bags in the car. First thing we’re doing is laundry.”
“We’re almost at the hotel,” Claire said. “I’ll call y’all tonight.”
“Sounds good. Try not to lock yourselves out next time.”