Page 67 of Packing for Vacation

“No, because once we do, I have to pack my bags.”

The pained sound Scott makes echoes the sick feeling in my chest, and if it weren’t for this I’d probably think I’m having a heart attack. “Lizzie… please…”

She shakes her head slowly, and it cracks my chest open even further.

“I need space to think.” She’s quiet and measured now, but I can feel that bone-deep fatigue in her voice. It’s how I feel, too. “I think… if I go on my actual vacation, to some of the destinations I had planned, maybe the South Island, then I can clear my head. And after that… I don’t know. That’s the honest truth. I just don’t know. I understand what you’ve said, about not tainting my opinion of Scott before I met him, but…”

Her but says a lot.

“So that’s it?” Scotty’s voice wavers like he’s about to cry.

“Yeah, it is. For now.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Lizzie

Ipull my suitcase behind me and approach the first taxi waiting in the rank. The driver immediately gets out and offers to take my bag.

“Thank you. I’m heading to Hotel Queenstown, if that’s okay?”

“That’s fine.”

I slide in the back and buckle up. “Where are you travelling from?” the driver asks as he starts the engine.

“Canada.”

“The English side or the French side?”

“English. I grew up in Toronto.”

“Nice. I’ve got a mate that moved there. They seem to like it. You here for long?”

“I’m not sure,” I answer honestly. My phone lights up, and I’m thankful for the excuse to stop the small talk. I’m not in the mood for it. I’m not sure if I’m in the mood for this, though, either.

Barry’s humans

Matiu

Is it too much to ask if you landed safely?

My lips twitch.

Lizzie

No, but also why are you guys pretending that you haven’t been tracking the flight online the entire time?

Scott

Damn, busted

I roll my eyes and huff out a breath, amused and exasperated all at once, when Scott sends through the screenshot showing my flight’s data including total time in the air and the exact time it landed.

Scott

Just wanted to make sure you got there all good

Enjoy your time