“It’s not like he’s going to fire you for having a phobia,” said Nicole. “But if you aren’t going to tell him, you ought to take that anti-anxiety prescription the doctor gave you.”
“I don’t think so. You know how my body is with medicines. If I take one pill I’ll probably pass out and sleep for a week.” Katie tapped a finger on her arm. “Although the internet said it gives you a little amnesia, so maybe I should. Then I wouldn’t remember the plane ride.”
“This trip is important, Katie.” Nicole stood up and walked to the suitcase at the end of the bed, inspecting the contents of one of the packing cubes. “I have this feeling God meant for you to go.”
“I can’t imagine why,” Katie said, “unless He enjoys torturing people.”
“Something important is going to happen in Indigo Bay—I’m sure of it,” Nicole said, re-zipping the cube in her hands.
“You and your feelings. You’re always making a big deal out of things.”
“And I’m usually right.” Nicole picked up another cube and peered through the mesh. “Like when you were working for the travel agency and you put so much time in making that reservation for that little old lady. I told you it was going to be important, someday. Sure enough, that reservation got you your job at Gherring, Inc.!”
“I admit, you were right that time.”
“Maybe, for once in your life, you’ll have a great time without feeling guilty.”
“As long as I don’t get pushed outside my comfort zone.”
“Are you kidding me? Everything is outside your comfort zone.” Nicole shook her head, digging to the bottom of the suitcase where she found the bag containing the swimsuit. She nodded with satisfaction. “Promise you won’t say no to everything, like you usually do. Let yourself have fun.”
“My mom would have a fit if she—”
“Your parents don’t know you’re going, and it’s none of their business. You’re a grown woman, Katie.”
“That’s easy for you to say.” Katie carefully wrapped the cord around her hairdryer and tucked it in the spot she’d saved for it. “Your parents don’t remind you all the time to be careful because you’re the only child they have left.” And that it’s
your fault.
Nicole’s eyes narrowed. “No, they don’t. And yours shouldn’t do that, either. You can’t live your life with that responsibility hanging over you like a ten-ton weight.”
Though Katie agreed, she felt obligated to defend her parents. “They can’t help it. They don’t mean to be controlling.”
“Ughh! I wish so bad I could go with you.” Nicole moved to Katie’s closet, rifling through the contents. “I’d make sure you had a good time.”
“I wish you could go in my place,” Katie said, with sincerity.
“This dress is cute. Why aren’t you bringing it?” Nicole held out a black cocktail dress, a flattering one Katie had bought hoping to capture Joseph’s attention, before she realized their relationship wasn’t simply floundering, but totally wrecked.
“Indigo Bay is casual. I don’t need a cocktail dress.”
“They’re renting a car, so you might drive into Charleston.” Nicole laid the strappy dress across the bed and added a pair of black, high-heeled sandals. “For that matter, Steven Gherring might decide to hop in his private jet and fly you guys to Paris for dinner.”
Katie’s pulse began to fire like a machine gun as her knees buckled. She collapsed on the end of the bed, pressing her hand on her chest to keep her heart inside.
“What’s wrong?” Nicole set a cool hand on her cheek, the concern in her expression ramping Katie’s panic attack to the next level.
“I can’t…” Katie panted, “fly… across the ocean.”
“Why not? It’s no more dangerous than flying across land, really. I mean, either way, if the engine goes out, you’re done for.”
“Not helping!”
Nicole’s eyes went wide. “Oh! Sorry!”
She disappeared, returning a minute later with a washcloth. “Put this cool cloth on your face and take slow, deep breaths. You’re going to be fine. Anyone who can ride in a taxicab in New York City without flinching can handle a short plane ride.”
“Think I’d better… take that pill… for anxiety.”