Heart-Shaped Hack(29)

The man sitting across from her was talking loudly on his phone, complaining about the vomiting and diarrhea that had ruined his holiday and left him severely dehydrated. “I swear to God, I didn’t think there was anything left in me, but I barely made it through security before I had to find a bathroom.”

Kate gagged. She did not wish to be privy to this information, not to mention the complete lack of consideration he was showing his fellow travelers by plunking himself right down in the middle of everyone. She got up from her seat and moved as far away as she could. Having been illness-free for only a short time, she was in no mood to get sick again and wondered if there was any place in the airport where she could buy a surgical mask. Her phone vibrated, alerting her to an incoming text.

Ian: What’s up, buttercup?

Kate: Killing time at the gate. I’m going to need a decontamination shower when I get home. The guy who was sitting across from me is trying to bring cholera back. Seriously, it’s like the Black Death up in here. Ten bucks says he’s my seatmate on the plane.

Ian: Please tell me he didn’t breathe on you.

Kate: Not directly, but he’s already clouded the whole area with his death mist. I moved as far away as I could. Knock wood, baby.

She was trying to gauge whether she had enough time to dash to Cinnabon when her phone vibrated again.

Ian: Your flight has been canceled.

Kate: Wait. What?

Kate looked at the three airline employees. They had moved into the classic huddle, which meant they were discussing damage control.

No.

No, no, no, no, no.

Ian: Stand by.

Kate listened to the announcement that the flight had been canceled due to a mechanical problem and started to panic. She wanted to get home to Ian more than anything, so she opened the browser on her phone to see if there were any other flights available. Before she could get very far, her phone rang.

When she answered, Ian said, “Okay, Katie, time to see what those long legs can do. There’s only one more flight heading to Minneapolis tonight that isn’t full, and I’ve got you a seat on it. It’s leaving soon, so make your way quickly to concourse F, gate 14. That’s in terminal 2. As soon as we hang up, I’ll text you your new boarding pass.”

“I’ll never make it,” Kate said. “I’m in terminal 3 right now.”

“It’s a bit of a trek, and while I do want you to get to the gate as soon as you can, that plane isn’t going anywhere until you’re on it. I guarantee you’ll be home tonight.”

“I’ll text you when I reach the gate,” Kate said, ending the call and quickening her step.



After a jostling ride on an overcrowded tram, she arrived at terminal 2. F14 was clear down at the end, so she started to run, dodging people. A quick glance at the ticket information Ian had texted showed the flight departure as 7:45 p.m. Kate checked the time. It was 7:42. Disappointment washed over her. The aircraft doors were surely closed by now. In addition to not being reunited with Ian, she’d probably have to spend the night in the airport or venture out to find a hotel.

She expected the gate area to be empty, but to her surprise it was packed. The sign above the flight number said DELAYED. Kate had never been so happy to see that sign in her life, and she exhaled. Maybe she’d make it home after all.

Kate: Made it to the gate. They haven’t started boarding yet. The flight is delayed.

Ian: Every flight out of O’Hare is delayed right now.

Kate: Did you “appropriate” this ticket?

Ian: I paid for it, but I chose not to go through the “usual” channels to obtain it. Not enough time. My way is much faster.

When they opened the door fifteen minutes later and started boarding passengers, Kate smiled and shook her head when she realized Ian had put her in first class. She made her way to her seat and accepted the offer of a glass of wine from the flight attendant.

As Kate stowed her purse under the seat, the captain made an announcement. “Good evening, folks. Air traffic control is currently experiencing technical difficulties that are delaying all departures. We’ll keep you posted.”

She groaned and pulled out her phone.

Kate: Just sat down. Thank you for the ticket. First class was not necessary. I would have been perfectly fine in coach.

Ian: Nothing but the best for you. Chardonnay?

Kate: In hand.

Ian: Seat belt on?

Kate: Yes, but the pilot said there’s a problem with air traffic control. Technical difficulties, blah, blah, blah.

Ian: Then I’d better unf*ck air traffic control so the pilot can get your plane in the air.

Kate: Oh my God. You did NOT.

Ian: You say that to me a lot. I am LAUGHING OUT LOUD.

Five minutes later, the pilot announced that the problem with air traffic control had been solved and they were third in line for departure.

Kate: WHAT KIND OF HACKER ARE YOU?

Ian: How many times do I have to tell you, sweetness? I’m the best.





CHAPTER FOURTEEN

He was waiting for her at the bottom of the escalator. Kate spotted him standing off to the side, and when she walked up to him, his face lit up.

That smile, the one that was just for her, made her heart skip a beat.

He pulled her into his arms and lifted her clear off the floor.

Kate grinned. “You’re unbelievable.”