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“So you see my dilemma,” I go on. “There’s no way I can stand up and bash him, no matter how right it feels.

I have to find a way to say something eloquent and meaningful.

Something that is going to leave his friends and family with a smile.

” Another sip of wine. “I mean…that’s what a eulogy is for, isn’t it? To leave everyone with a good memory?”

“That’s what I’ve heard. I have to admit, I’ve never gone to a funeral before, so…”

I pull back. “Seriously? Never?”

“Yup. Never. All of my friends and family are still with me. My grandparents are all in their eighties.” He pauses. “My great-grandmother passed away when I was four, but I didn’t go to that funeral.”

“Well, that makes sense,” I reason. “I’ve lost both of my grandfathers, two cousins, and several aunts and uncles.” I pause. “Now I have to wonder what’s wrong with my family that I’ve lost so many and you haven’t lost any.”

Beside me, he laughs softly, but I’m seriously wondering if there’s something medically wrong with everyone I’m related to and if I need to go to the doctor sooner rather than later.

“I’m sure your family is fine,” he says, his voice having a very calming effect on me. “But you really need to focus on this eulogy.”

“Ugh…I know! I just didn’t expect it to be this difficult!” I whine.

“How about you start with one nice thing? I know he was your ex, but surely there is one nice thing you can say about him.”

“Pfft…that’s what you think.”

But he doesn’t move or excuse himself; he simply watches me like he’s silently imploring me to dig deep and come up with something.

Sighing, I say, “He had a great smile.”

“There you go! There’s your opening!”

Was it really that simple? Or was my writer’s block overflowing to every form of the written word?

Before that thought can really take hold, I notice one of the flight attendants standing to make an announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that because of storms across the Midwest, our flight will be delayed. For your safety and comfort, we kindly ask all passengers to deplane at this time. Please take all your belongings with you as you exit the aircraft. Our team is working diligently to resolve the situation, and we will provide updates as soon as possible. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience. If you have any questions or need assistance, please see a gate agent or a member of our staff. Thank you for your understanding.”

Shit.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

Mr. Handsome is already standing and gathering his stuff and then grabs my carry-on as well. If I wasn’t so annoyed at this situation, I swear I’d be a little swoony. Unfortunately, I need to gather up my belongings and try not to have an anxiety attack over this delay.

Within minutes, we’re all filing off the plane and when I step back into the terminal, I notice the airport lounge is literally right across from the gate. My first thought is to go and set up camp there, but I figure I should wait until I know we’re not going to board again in a matter of minutes.

It’s crowded chaos and it’s easily twenty minutes before everyone deplanes, and another ten minutes before we get an update.

“Ladies and gentlemen, passengers on Flight 2217 with service to Raleigh-Durham, please be advised our new departure time is three-thirty p.m. You may leave the gate area, but please return for boarding at three p.m. Thank you.”

Two-hour delay.

Dammit.

I glance around and have completely lost sight of my seatmate. Not that it matters. It’s not like we were traveling together, but I thought it could have been nice to have someone to hang out with during the wait.

With nothing else to do, I opt for the lounge—another perk to my first class ticket and credit card of choice.

Luckily there aren’t too many others from the flight heading there with me, and as soon as I’m through the doors, it’s oddly peaceful.

Maybe this break isn’t the worst thing that could happen.

Maybe now that I’ve got a hint of direction for Matt’s eulogy, I can get it done here and then relax on the flight.

So I check in, grab myself some complimentary food—a sub-par sandwich, some chips, and a bottle of water—and make myself comfortable in a nice little pod that is gloriously private. Before I do anything, though, I text Vanessa again.

Liv: Hey! Me again! Two-hour delay

Van: Yeah, I saw that, and it sucks. You okay?

Liv: I’m in a nice little pod in the lounge having a snack.

Liv: I’m supposed to get a meal on the plane too, but this seemed like a good way to kill time.

Van: Well, don’t worry. No matter what time you finally land, I’ll be there!

Van: We’ll grab takeout on the way to my place.

Liv: You’re a lifesaver, Van. Thank you for being so flexible.

Van: I’m just excited to finally see you!

Van: Any luck with the eulogy?

Liv: Sort of?

Liv: The guy sitting next to me on the plane—the one we just got off of—talked me through a few things.

Van: Wow! That was nice of him.

Van: Was he cute?

I stare at my phone, grinning, unsure if I want to share that fact with her.

Liv: Let’s just say I’m very glad he’s sitting next to me.

Van: Ooo…I can’t wait to hear everything about him.

Van: Text me when you’re back on the plane and leaving the gate. Love you!!

Liv: Will do! And love you too! Xoxo

Phone down, I pull out my laptop and get down to business.

Matt had the kind of smile that made all the girls’ hearts flutter—young and old. He was the master of mischief who was always ready for the next adventure…

My heart kicks hard in my chest because I can’t imagine he was ready for those adventures to end.