Perfect Odds

a

le to the imagination. Hot pink backpacks and black rolling cases bob and weave in a sea of commuters. Our flight is on the second call of now boarding all passengers and Colin has yet to show up or answer my calls. Scanning the crowd, I

een eyes, rushes after her and scoops her up before giggling ensues. She plants a smacking kiss on the child’s chubby cheeks before pointing and encouraging the child to say “da-da.” A smiling man with unnaturally white teeth approaches with his arms stretched out and the child squeals and squirms as she nearl

l go ahead and let them know we’ll make it,” I ans

coming,

ay to the counter. Sur

’re here already it shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll just need to hurry. Like, sprint thr

it makes me think of the time Colin chipped his tooth while playing basketball last year. He got it fixed immediately

ening. I’m not there.

. “What are you talking about, Colin? I’m here waiting for you.” As if he doesn’t know that. He helped me

id I’m not coming,” Colin repea

e the attendant. I heard him the first two times

they’ll schedule us for a different flight. I’m sure it’s not too late. We’

, sans fiancé. I woke up at some ungodly hour, battled an hour and a half of bumper to bumper traffic to get here and get us both checked in two hours early, lug

h knew this wouldn’t end well. This was a mistake. A huge mistake and you’re onl

on the list—is a huge mistake for him? My stomach clenches and I fold my free arm over it as though that will help. ‘We’ didn’t know this wouldn’t end in anything but a marriage.

r mouth and smiles. A few seconds later I he

ith service to Buffalo New York. All ticketed and confirmed p

airport alone. Just go back to your parents’ place and we’ll tal

sure what I’ll say, but I’m cut off by someone roughly bumping my shoulder. Silently, I watch as my phone crashes to the ground and bounce once befor

dn’t see y

ring down at me. Cold blue. I don’t like it. Blue is my favorite color, but I like warm blues. Blues that make you think of tropical oasis, Caribbean beaches, and mixed drinks with extra shots. Definitely not blue like this stranger’s

lares before grabbing m

st leave me alone, I hear t

looks expectantly at the bea

lies as he takes a

a little pain so I don’t suffer alone. What the hell does Colin mean by ‘I can’t do this right now’? Was I just . . . dumped? Is Colin breaking up with me or does he just

wedding that will resemble a forest at dusk with stars twinkling in the sky and a sensual melody playing in the backgro

s is your flight. We really

nston grumbles before turning to me and

. I was very much so on time. I was where I was supposed to be and checked in like I should have. Just . . . not with whom I was supposed to be with. Tea

gate,” chipp

. Colin and I were supposed to be going on this trip to New York as a vacation—and pseudo-honeymoon sinc

nd over my boarding pass and soon enough, I’