Delayed

an excerpt

DELAYED.

Eva checked again, running her gaze carefully along the glowing blue strip.

Yup. Flight AC 132 to Toronto—DELAYED. For hours.

She sighed, shifting her backpack. Half a day alone in the Calgary airport. Great. Eva pulled her phone out to message her parents, who were already across the country waiting for her.

My flight’s delayed until 8:00, she typed in their group chat.

We just saw, her mom replied. Will you be alright? I could text Alicia to see if she could come pick you up for a few hours?

Ugh. Mom’s old university roommate who played Christian radio 24/7 and smelled like cats. No, it’s okay. Don’t want to bother her. I can hang out here. I’ll just find a corner somewhere and study.

You packed food like we told you, right? Her dad joined the conversation. Airport food is extremely overpriced.

Of course, Dad.

Are you sure you don’t mind being alone in the airport for so long? her mom asked again.

I’ll be fine. I’ll text you when I board.

Okay, Evie. Dad will be there to meet you.

Make sure you get some sleep on the plane, Dad added. Long day tomorrow.

I will.

Eva put her phone away and looked around. Instead of the quick connection she was expecting through Calgary, she had all the time in the world. There was a crowded restaurant down the way with a fluffy chocolate chip muffin displayed on a sign that called to her and her rumbling stomach. She had not, in fact, packed any food, but she did have some cash saved up from babysitting.

Luckily, she snagged the only open table in the place, her chair in a pool of white early afternoon sunlight that filtered through the concourse’s glass ceiling. She was scanning the menu for what would be cheap but filling when a voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Do you mind if I join you?” A sweet voice, low and warm.