Chapter 23: The disappearing passenger

David and Jessica walked arm and arm to the gate. Every so often, Jessica took a sip from her coffee. David steered them around the crowd. As they passed a trashcan, he tipped the cup over and emptied it. That done, he put the top back on and pantomimed drinking it for a little while, then threw it in another can. He took out his ticket and held it in his hand, trying to think of a good way to get rid of Jessica without having to get on a flight to Chicago.

They stood at the gate for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s company, waiting for the boarding to begin. He tried to find a way to get rid of her, but he found he wasn’t trying very hard. When the boarding finally began, they called the first class passengers to go first. David gave Jessica a long kiss. “Don’t forget to call me,” she said.