Page 82 of PS: I Hate You

Dom:I’m stuck in traffic. Can you wait for me?

I mark my page in the book I’ve been reading in between Adam and Carter’s events and tuck it into my bag. Then I pull up the map app on my phone and do the math of travel time plus dropping off my rental car and getting through security. Really, I should already be on the road. I send a quick goodbye and good luck text to the twins, then respond to Dom.

Maddie:I’m sorry. I’ve got to get to the airport

Maddie:The twins will be happy to see you!

Maddie:I mean not so happy that they’ll rip their pants off for you

Maddie:That was just for me

Maddie:But I’m sure they’ll give you a hug or something

Dom:What does that mean?

Dom:The thing about the pants?

Dom:Why were my brothers taking their pants off for you?

Dom:Traffic is moving

Maddie:It was only Adam

Maddie:I’ve really got to go

Maddie:I’ll see you in a few months!

I make it to my gate just in time.

See? If I hung around longer, I would’ve missed it.

As I settle into my aisle seat—I always choose bathroom access over window view—I consider what missing my flight would have meant. Rescheduling, obviously. Would have probably had to stayovernight in New York, or maybe in Philly. Do Adam and Carter have an extra bed at their place? If they do, it’s probably a gross college-boy futon. Booking a hotel room would’ve been a more sanitary option.

I would’ve had a whole evening with the Perry boys. That’s never happened before. Just the three of them and me.

Would Dom have stayed the night, too? Maybe shared a hotel room with me?

An empty dip in my stomach that feels an awful lot like regret has me wishing I was still in a chlorine-scented room instead of listening to a flight safety speech about how my seat is a flotation device.

When I step off my cross-country flight, bleary-eyed and in need of my bed, I turn off airplane mode on my phone to see a few texts from the Perrys.

Carter:Thanks for coming, it was cool having you cheer us on like old times

Adam:Maddie!!!!! I won all of my races for you!!! You’re good luck!!!

Dom:I wish you’d told me you were coming

Dom:Text me when you get home safe

Once I’ve settled in the back seat of my rideshare, I send the twins a kissy face emoji.

But for Dom I wake myself up enough to type out a message.

Maddie:Safe in Seattle

Maddie:Sorry I missed you buddy

Dom:Are you home?