“What’s wrong?” Declan doesn’t bother looking up from his phone.
“Nothing. Just thinking about how I need to finish packing for both of us tonight.” The lie easily rolls off my tongue. It’s not like Declan cares about my feelings on the matter.
Declan remains silent.
“Is there anything in particular that you want me to pack for you?” I ask.
“No.” He frowns as he types against the screen.
Is this how my life is going to be for the next three years? Speaking to someone who is permanently attached to their cellphone?
The emptiness in my chest intensifies as the minutes go on. Declan remains oblivious, and I only sink further into my funk.
What did you expect? To get married and for him to instantly have a change of heart? The world doesn’t work like that.
At the very least, I thought Declan would give me a bit of his time, given the fact that I’m his wife now.
Don’t go wishing for things that will never happen.
I sigh again. This time, Declan doesn’t bother commenting on it. How can he when he is too busy answering the phone and yelling at someone on the other end?
Story of my life.
* * *
My phone buzzes in my hand. I unlock it to find Cal’s latest text message.
Cal:Did you ever get around to thanking my father for your impromptu honeymoon yet?
Me:I’ll be sure to send him a thank you basket when I get back.
Cal:Should I tell him to look out for a faint ticking noise?
Me:Don’t ruin the surprise! That’s the best part.
Cal responds with a row of laughing emojis.
Declan drops into the captain’s chair across from me. The flight attendant is quick to ask him if he needs anything, but he simply ignores her by tapping on his tablet screen.
“Sir, I’m here to service you in any way you need. Please don’t hesitate to ask for anything during the long flight.” She bats her lashes at Declan.
Service him? Gross.
Declan remains oblivious to her obvious innuendo. He doesn’t bother to look up at her despite the way she stands beside his chair, drooling all over the carpet.
I clear my throat. “Excuse me?”
She doesn’t even bother turning in my direction. “The captain said the trip should be a smooth one. I’m curious what made you pick South Africa?”
“I’ve always wanted to go on a safari.” As of three days ago, at least.
She dares to shoot me a scathing look over her shoulder. Is she really going to ignore me while flirting with him? He’s wearing awedding ringfor crying out loud.
“My husband and I will take two glasses of champagne, please.” I lift my left hand in the air to get her attention, and the diamond reflects a rainbow of colors across the ceiling.
She peers over at me with a raised brow. “Excuse me?”
Excuseyou.I grind my teeth together. “Actually, you might as well bring out the whole bottle. We’re in a celebrating mood.”