"Things are always rough in the beginning. It takes years before you can let go of all the anger and disappointment that comes along with a divorce. Don't be so hard on yourself." He responded, putting his hand on my shoulder.

  Rather than end up crying in his arms again, I lied about having a headache and went to my room.

  After an hour, I couldn't take the silence anymore. I needed someone to talk to. I considered going to see if Glen had gone back to sleep but quickly decided against it. I grabbed my phone and hoped that it wasn't too late back home.

  "Claire, how are you doing?" My friend, Hillary, asked when she picked up the phone.

  "I'm stuck in China, quarantined in a hotel room. How do you think I'm doing, Hillary?" I replied, irritable and annoyed by my situation.

  "Okay. I get it. It was just a question. Next time I'll just ask you how much your life sucks today. Would you like that better?" She replied, causing me to laugh.

  "I'm sorry, Hillary. This whole mess has just started getting to me. Being stuck in this country, not being able to see my daughter, and of course, Glen in the attached room."

  "How is that one going? Is it getting a little awkward yet?"

  "It was awkward when we found out we would both be on this trip. It was uncomfortable when we ended up in adjoining rooms. Now it's just unbearable because he is the only human contact I have. If that door between us didn't open, I wouldn't be able to see another person for who knows how long."

  "Wow. I do not envy you, my friend. How long are you supposed to be stuck there?"

  "I don't know. The news reports say one thing, but it never matches with reality."

  "You should talk to your boss. Maybe they could find a way for you to get out of there on a private plane before they stop flights from China altogether."

  "They haven't shut down flights from China?"

  "No? Not for US citizens to get home, but with the way things are going, they might soon."

  "We heard that the US wasn't allowing flights from China."

  "You need to talk to someone immediately. You may have to take a private plane but you can get home."

  "Hillary, I love you. Thank you. I'll call you back. Hopefully, I will see you soon."

  "I hope so. Be safe."

  "You too. Bye"

  A flood of emotions engulfed me as I thought of the weeks that I had spent in a hotel room reexamining my life simply because no one bothered to ask about private planes.

  I hurried to the adjoining door and knocked hoping that Glen was awake. After a few seconds, I knocked again but still no answer. I checked my watch and decided it was past time for him to wake up anyhow.

  "Glen?" I asked as I walked through the dark and quiet room.

  "Claire, that better be you." He replied, not bothering to turn around to see for himself.

  "Well, who else would it be Glen?" I asked, walking closer to the bed

  " I don't know. That's why I said that it would be better for you. Is there a particular reason that you have snuck into my room?" He asked with a smile, turning around to face me.

  "Not the one you are thinking of."

  "Then go away." He responded, waving me away before turning over again.

  "Glen, get up. We need to find someone with a private plane." I urged him, shaking him slightly.

  "Are we making our great escape?" He asked, sitting up in bed.

  "Yes. A friend of mine told me that the US hasn't cut off flights from China for American citizens yet."

  "I knew that little bastard was full of shit. I'll call Arthur and see what he can do." He said, jumping out of bed in just his underwear.

  "Thank you," I said before going back to my room.

  Seeing Glen almost naked was something I always enjoyed, but I tried my best not to let it show as I hurried out of his room. It almost made me regret rebuffing his advances during our trip, but it was too late. I told myself it was better to just avoid the subject.

  The glimmer of hope that we might be able to get out of this God-forsaken hotel room, had lifted my spirits. I prayed that I would get to see my daughter soon. I never knew that I could miss her so much. While I waited to hear what Arthur had to say, I started to get some of my things together.

  "Claire, I talked to Arthur. He said to give him a couple of hours and he will get us a flight home. He said he knows someone who could fly us." Glen informed me, walking into my room with a triumphant look on his face.

  "That's wonderful! Thank you, Glen." I said hugging him.

  "You're welcome. I'm going to go get packed." He replied, kissing me on the cheek before going back to his room.

  The touch of his lips on my cheek gave me a brief feeling of excitement that I tried to ignore. He never made it easy for me though. The attention he was willing to give is what I had been longing for. I just wanted it from someone who would be permanent.

  The relief of knowing that I wouldn't have to spend another night in a hotel room was the best feeling I had since we arrived. I would finally be able to see Kayla and hopefully get the chance to do better when it comes to her.

  When we finally made it to the airport, I was ready to finally escape. The plane was the most magnificent thing I had ever seen because it got me out of China. The pilot ushered us onto the plane which we had all to ourselves.

  After boarding the small private jet, we had to wait while the pilot and the airport officials worked things out. What was said was going to take a few minutes took a few hours?

  "Did we really just move from being stuck in a hotel to being stuck on a plane?" I asked Glen as we sat waiting to hear something.

  "I'm sure it will be just another few minutes."

  "That is what you have been saying every few minutes for the past three hours."

  "Well if you are going to ask me the same questions, you will get the same answers."

  "I'm sorry. I'm just anxious to leave."

  "I know. One way or another we will get out of this country today. I promise you."

  "Thank you."

  Trying to relax when you are on a plane is always difficult. When that plane looks like it may be your new home for a while, it's near impossible.

  "Claire, since we have some time before we take off, can I ask you something?" Glen asked as we sat waiting.

  "Sure. What is it?"

  "Why did you disappear on me after the last business trip? I thought we were getting along great and then all of a sudden you were gone."

  "Honestly, I know you were trying to be polite and it wasn't necessary. We had a fun time. The trip ended so it was over. "

  "You could have told me that. You didn't have to just blow me off." He replied, looking hurt and disappointed.

  "What do you mean? I thought that was your rule, not mine."

  "My rule. Since when was it my rule?"

  "I don't know. I just assumed that it wasn't something serious for you "

  "Did I say something or do something to make you think that?"

  "Well, your track record speaks for itself."

  "I'll admit that I haven't had the best luck with women but you can't hold that against me. I try but some women are just insane."

  "Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt. Can I talk to you for a minute, Glen?" The pilot asked, motioning for him to follow.

  "I'll be right back," Glen said as he stood up.

  "That's what he said three hours ago."

  I replied, nodding towards the pilot.

  Once again I was alone. This time staring at the door of the plane, waiting for someone to say something. Patience was never one of my strong suits and the little I had was wearing thin.

  At some point, I must have fallen asleep waiting for the plane to take off. When I woke up, we were finally in the air. I looked out my window and saw the dark sky outside. Despite knowing the flight would take hours, I was looking forward to it.

  Chapter 10

  Morgan

  At breakfast with Jordan, my anxiety level continued to increase. We sat in the nearly empty hospital cafeteria, neither one of us eating. Jordan looked exhausted and worried.

  "Have the doctors said anything new?" I asked, tearing empty sugar packets into pieces.

  "They are giving her antibiotics, but until her test results are in, that is all they can do. She doesn't have a fever anymore. She ate her breakfast this morning. Both are good signs." She responded, pouring creamer into her coffee.

  "Have you been sleeping at all, Jordan?" I asked, noticing the dark bags under her hazel/green eyes.

  "Do I look that amazing?" She asked, flipping her long brown hair and faking a smile.

  "You're gorgeous. Are you sure they won't let us switch out? I could stay with her so you could go home and sleep."

  "No, I'll be fine. They have already done all their screening stuff on me and if you stay, you would have to stay for at least twenty-four hours. You have classes and your lessons. I already talked about my work, and they have put me on medical leave." she explained, putting her hand over mine and lightly squeezing it.

  "Is there anything I can do for you or mom?" I asked, wishing that I could make things easier for them.

  "You can stay healthy. I don't plan on doing this hospital stay again."

  "I will, I promise. You stay healthy too."

  Throughout the rest of breakfast, we took turns reassuring the other that our mother would be ok. With the results of her tests still days away, we both feared the worst. Being optimistic was harder when there were so many unanswered questions.

  After hugging Jordan and saying goodbye, I headed to my car. The pit in my stomach grew worse as the days of waiting for my mom’s results passed. I wasn’t sure how much more I could take before I fell apart. My chest felt heavy, like the weight of the world was crushing me. I had to fight back the tears and force myself to stay strong. I called Gavin when I reached my car, hoping to make myself feel better.

  "Hello." He answered, his voice instantly raising my spirits.

  "Hi," I responded, suddenly unsure of what to say or how I should act.

  "How's your mom doing?" He inquired, sounding as if he felt just as unsure as I did.

  "Jordan said that she is feeling a little better. We are still waiting for her results, but we are hopeful." I answered, wishing I could go back to the night before when everything was perfect.

  "That's good. I'm glad to hear that. Kayla and I are getting set up with our classes. If you don't have plans, you are welcome to join us for lunch later."

  The invitation might have been out of pity, but it was sweet of him to offer. As he continued to speak, he sounded more at ease. A sense of relief washed over me as he spoke of what he had in mind to make for the three of us. There was something about the way he said it that almost brought me to tears. I agreed to be there for lunch and quickly got off the phone, afraid of bursting into tears on the phone.

  "So...they closed down the campus. I'm sure the class will miss watching you drool over Professor Jones. It was a sight to see." Seth teased as I walked into the apartment.

  "You have to admit, he’s total eye candy, but he's not only hot as hell, but he also seems to be a wonderful dad. Most of the time, he spends with his daughter, Kayla. She is adorable." I confessed, noticing the strange look on Seth's face. "What?"

  "Dude, you are so in love. I can't believe it." He said with a goofy smile plastered on his face.

  "What are you talking about?" I asked, looking away from him.

  "You are in love with Professor Jones. I know you are! The last time you talked like this is when you found out Neil Patrick Harris had kids."

  "I am not in love. He's hot. I've told you that a thousand times."

  "It's the part about him being a wonderful dad that I am talking about. How would you even know what kind of dad he is? You aren't stalking him, are you?" He asked with a look of suspicion.

  "What? Are you fucking serious, Seth? No. I'm not stalking him. I give his daughter guitar lessons. She is my latest student. " I responded, irritated by his questions.

  "Oh, cool." He responded, going back to reading his textbook.

  I stood there silently for a minute, waiting for the next question, but it didn't come. Like a spoiled teenager, I turned around and went to my room in a huff. The sound of Seth's chuckle as I walked away only added to my frustration. Seth was born to be a dad. My day-to-day interactions with him proved it.

  In my room, I eagerly pulled out my phone to check my text messages. Seeing Gavin's text gave me a feeling of excitement and anticipation that I hadn't felt since I was a teenager. It was just a simple text to let me know what time I should be there for lunch, but knowing that he wanted to see me made me feel like I was on top of the world. Being with him made me want to pull out every romantic cliché there was and display them proudly.

  I laughed to myself at Seth’s belief that I was in love with Gavin, but the idea didn’t seem impossible.

  I wondered about how I should act around him. The night we had together was amazing, but I wasn't sure what was supposed to happen next. Was it possible that he was looking for a relationship? He didn't strike me as someone who had one-night stands.

  I tried not to let myself get carried away with what could be, but I hoped he wanted more than just a hookup. At some point, the question would have to be asked, and I needed to be sure of what I wanted before I asked it.

  The fifteen-year age difference didn't bother me, but it could be something that bothered him. I could already feel myself getting carried away, and it was something that needed to be stopped. He could look at the situation completely differently.

  After checking the time, I got up and got ready to go to Gavin’s. I stared at my closet, trying to decide what to wear. My inability to make a decision made me feel like I was going on a first date. The thought of it made me laugh. It had been a long time since I had worried so much about what to wear. At that moment, I was thankful that Seth hadn’t witnessed one of the rare moments when I wasn’t my usual confident self. There was no way that he would have ever let me forget it. He already had plenty of moments to torture me with when it came to Gavin.

  I grabbed my keys and did my best to get to the front door before Seth heard me. I listened for any noise coming from his room but heard nothing. I slowly crept towards the door, picking up speed once I passed his room.

  "Are you leaving?" Seth asked, sticking his head out of his bedroom before I could get to the door of our apartment.

  "Yes. I'll call you later." I replied, hoping that would be the end of the conversation.

  "Will you be back tonight? Just so I won't freak out if I hear someone walking around later." He responded, looking for clues about my relationship with Gavin.

  "I'm not sure. I will let you know." I said, slowly walking to the door.

  "Music lessons?" He asked, knowing that I couldn't give lessons during quarantine.

  "No. I'm just going to go see a friend." I replied, instantly regretting it.

  "A friend? What friend? Is it a new friend?" Seth pressed, enjoying every second of my discomfort.

  "Okay, Seth. I get it. You know where I'm going." I responded, admitting defeat.

  "Oh, so you are going to see the Professor again?"

  "The professor? Are we on Gilligan's Island?"

  "He is a professor and if we were I would be Ginger."

  "What? No, you wouldn't."

  "Why not?"

  "Well for one Ginger wasn't a bisexual man and either way, you know that I would make a better Ginger than you any day."

  "That is not true. You would be Gilligan."

  "Gilligan? You couldn't even say, Mary Anne? You had to go straight for Gilligan."

  "The truth hurts, my dear."

  "You know what, Seth?"

  "What?"

  "Suck it!"

  "Awe you are using your big boy words. I'm so proud but I'm not taking requests at the moment."

  The urge to laugh was just too much for me to resist and I erupted into laughter. The nerves that I had about going to see Gavin had disappeared. Without a word, I smiled and walked out of the apartment.

  Chapter 11

  Gavin

  By the time Morgan arrived for lunch, Kayla and I had our schedules all worked out. She proudly showed him the worksheets she had finished before he had a chance to sit down. I kept myself busy in the kitchen, suddenly unsure of how to talk to him.

  "Do you need any help?" He asked, leaning over the island.

  "No, thank you though. I'm almost finished." I replied as I finished adding the cucumbers to the salad Kayla and I had started.

  I handed him the bowl, which he took to the table, and placed it next to the plate of baked chicken. Picking up the bowl of mashed potatoes, I followed behind him.

  "Can you play any other instruments?" Kayla inquired as if she was interviewing Morgan.

  "I can play the keyboard," Morgan responded proudly.

  "Did your grandpa teach you to play that too?"

  "No. My friend Oscar taught me. Oscar owns a music store. He sells all kinds of instruments there. That's where I bought my guitar."

  "Really? Can we go look at the instruments, daddy?"

  "Sure, Tink. Are you thinking of learning another one?"

  "I don't know."

  "Well, Oscar is really nice. He will let you try out every instrument in the store if you want to. I have tried them all."

  "Can you play all of them?"

  "No. I wish I could, but it takes a lot of practice to learn an instrument. Maybe someday I will learn them all, but Oscar is going to be closing his store this year. I guess I will have to find another music store." He explained with a hint of sadness in his voice.

  "It's my turn to ask you questions." He said with a smile.

  "Okay," Kayla replied, shrugging her shoulders.

  "Why is your nickname Tink?"

 

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