Love Me Back(4)

Gabe nods his head to him. “What baggage claim are you guys at?” he asks.

“Five, you?” Ian takes charge of the conversation since I am already mute stricken. If I am this way in front of Gabe how will I make it through everyone else?

Gabe’s eye shift to me and I see the concern in his eyes. “Six” he answers. “Is anyone picking you guys up?” He asks looking at me, I can’t believe how much he looks like Trent or how much Trent looks like him.

“I rented a car. I didn’t want to rely on anyone for rides the whole week.” I divulge more information than I have to. That is what happens when I get nervous. I can’t stop talking once I get going.

“Do you mind if I hitch a ride? I was going to catch a cab but since you guys are here.”

“Sure.” I shrug my shoulders agreeing.

The three of us walk over to baggage claim five and six. I can see Gabe’s has already started moving with some bags coming down but ours is still quiet where I see the passengers from our flight waiting.

Gabe jogs over quickly grabbing a garment bag and walks back our way. Although it’s only June, Gabe is already tan which I assume has to do with living in Florida instead of the Midwest. Gabe moved down there after college. He and a couple buddies went in together on some real estate deals and from what I heard he is doing pretty good for himself especially for only being twenty-eight.

My bag is the first to come off. I hope that is a sign that this week won’t be so bad. Ian is waiting next to his cart, he has pulled off two bags already and going for a third. His matching plaid faux designer print luggage is a set of five and I assume he brought every piece.

“How much luggage did he bring?” Gabe motions his head towards Ian.

“I have no idea but I bet he will come home with another suitcase on the way home.” I smile.

“I guess he will be prepared for whatever comes up. From what Doug told me it is quite the week of events planned.”

“Yeah, I haven’t heard much of anything.” I raise my shoulders. Looking down at my feet.

“Knowing Jack, I am sure he planned a fun time.”

“That’s my brother, party planner!” I smile back at him. His teeth are perfect and white.

“I am looking forward to it. It has been killer this summer. All of our houses are booked for the season and we have been working like crazy getting everything ready. It was all I could do to get the time off.” He exclaims. “How about you Maddy? What’s the decorating business like?”

“Hard to get into. I do most of my work for free to try to get my foot in the door. I tried to work for another decorator as their assistant but they just want to boss you around and do their personal errands.” I confess. I have actually thought about switching careers lately but I don’t want to go back to school.

“Yeah, I have heard that. I had a friend who graduated in fashion design and she had a hard time too.”

“What happened? Did she finally break through?” I cross my fingers praying his answer is yes. Give me some hope to continue with my dream.

“Unfortunately, no. She ended up getting married to some investment banker she met and now she lives in Connecticut with two kids.” He gives me a lopsided smile.

“Oh” I deflate. I knew going into design that few people where able to really succeed in it but it is my passion.

“But” he nudges his shoulder with mine. “She wasn’t half as talented as you Madeline Jennings.” He smiles down at me.

“Thank you.” I grin back. “But you have never seen my work.”

“Yes I have” he answers. Before I can ask where we see Ian coming over with his cart of luggage and five pieces of luggage.

“About time Ian, God.” I turn around towing my suitcase behind me. Then I feel my suitcase stop behind me and jolt back.

Gabe is there grabbing it “You might as well take advantage of the cart.” He takes the suitcase from my hands and places it on the cart. Ian huffs as though it is too much to push but Gabe and I both chuckle walking to the rental car.

The young boy motions to me as the next person and I walk over to him. I am surprised to see Gabe right next to me.

“Can I help you?” The young kid asks.

“Reservation for Madeline Jennings.” I place my id and credit card on the counter.

“Ok, we have you down for a compact this week.” The kid puts his hands on my id and credit card to take it but a hand goes over his startling the young man.

“Can we upgrade to an SUV?” Gabe asks.

“What?” I raise my eyebrows at Gabe.

“His luggage isn’t going to fit in a compact.” He points to an exhausted Ian making his way over to the rental car place with all the luggage in tow.