The One Who Showed Up

There was a brief pause on the other end before a low, husky laugh came through the phone.

"I can make it!"

I hung up and sat back down beside Hugh Jameson.

He was still scrolling through his phone. Without looking up, he handed me a new ticket.

"I got us another number. There are five couples ahead of us. Zoey just texted me. She's almost done. Relax, we'll still have plenty of time."

I was about to say something when Zoey Conway came hurrying out of the restroom. She dropped into the seat beside Hugh and leaned against him, craning her neck to see the ticket in my hand.

"Is it our turn yet? How many couples are still ahead of us?"

I looked at Hugh without thinking. He didn't pull away. Instead, he slipped an arm around Zoey's waist, as if he were afraid she might fall.

"Still that many? Hugh, let's play a round while we wait. I'm bored just sitting here."

I cut in. "Hugh, don't start a game. You're the one who said the paperwork only takes three minutes. There are only three couples ahead of us now. They'll call us any minute."

But Zoey had already pulled out her phone and opened the game. She grinned at me and waved her phone in my direction.

"Lynette, you don't play games, so you wouldn't get it. One game won't take long. It won't hold you guys up."

Then she turned to Hugh. "Hugh, hop on."

Hugh nodded and brushed me off. "Don't make such a big deal out of it. We're just signing some papers. Listen for our number and let me know when they call us."

Then he and Zoey bent over their phones, their heads almost touching as game sound effects blared from their speakers.

I stared at the two of them sitting so close together, my chest aching.

I didn't say anything else. I just tightened my grip on the ticket until it crumpled in my hand.

Less than 20 minutes later, an automated announcement came over the speakers.

"Number nine, please proceed to the counter."

I reached over and gave Hugh a shake. "That's us. Let's go."

His eyes stayed glued to his phone, but he got to his feet. "Okay. This round's almost over anyway."

Zoey immediately grabbed him and tugged him back. "Not yet! Hugh, focus. Sit down and finish the game. They call each number three times. Another minute or two won't make a difference. I don't want to lose!"

Hugh started to sit back down.

My expression hardened, and my voice came out tight with anger. "Hugh, what's more important, getting married or this game?"

He finally caught the edge in my voice and shot me a quick glance. But he sat back down anyway, looking almost amused.

"Why are you getting so mad? We're almost done. Besides, Zoey's your best friend. She asked me to take the game seriously. What am I supposed to do, not take it seriously?"

The automated voice called our number for the second time.

"Number nine, please proceed to the counter."

I had no choice but to take Hugh's phone right out of his hand. "Hugh, stop playing. Come on. Let's go get married!"

Only then did he slowly get to his feet, frowning at me. "It's just one game. I don't know why you're so mad. Come on."

The final call for our number came over the speakers.

"Number nine, please proceed to the counter."

We had barely taken two steps when Zoey cried out behind us. She grabbed Hugh by the sleeve and started sinking toward the floor.

"My foot! I've got a cramp! Hugh, it hurts!"

Hugh turned around without a second thought and dropped to one knee. With practiced ease, he slipped off her shoe and began massaging her ankle.

I stood there frozen, watching them. A laugh slipped out before I could stop it.

The automated voice came over the speakers again.

"Number ten, please proceed to the counter."

We'd missed our turn again.