One Long Flight 💙

Assumptions

Aisling returned home from work two weeks later, her ears catching the sound of a woman's voice mingling with Chris's as she made her way to the kitchen. There, she found Chris seated at the counter, engaged in conversation with a blonde woman, both sharing laughter and beers. Suppressing any hasty assumptions, she addressed Chris cautiously.

"Chris?"

He looked up with a bright smile, clearly surprised and pleased by her unexpected arrival. "Aisling!"

Eagerly, Aisling wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling into the familiar comfort of his neck. She hadn't seen him in two weeks. "You're early," she murmured, momentarily ignoring the presence of the unfamiliar blonde. She placed her hand tenderly on his cheek, looking into his eyes. "I missed you." Then, she gestured toward the woman with a raised eyebrow. "Now, who is the woman in my kitchen, Christopher?"

Chris chuckled and pulled back, gesturing towards the blonde woman. "She's a friend from high school. She's a party planner now. I thought she could help you with wedding planning while I'm working. Aisling, meet Sam."

Offering a polite greeting, Aisling nodded to Sam. "I don't want help."

Chris smirked in response. "I know you prefer handling things independently. But Sam has local connections and knowledge that could be useful."

Aisling's shoulders shrugged indifferently. "Your mother or brother could've assisted too. Also, Chris, we haven't even decided where we're getting married. Did you assume it's going to be in Boston?"

Sam stood up from her stool and reached for her binder. "I can come back later."

Chris intervened, signaling for Sam to remain seated. "No, Sami, it's alright. Where else would we get married?"

As Aisling noticed the casual familiarity between Chris and Sam, a wave of irritation coursed through her. She watched them sit back down, Chris settling beside Sam. His assumption about the wedding location irked Aisling further.

Aisling's arms crossed defensively across her chest. "London? New York? There are numerous other places besides Boston, Chris."

He sighed and nodded, acknowledging her point. "I understand that, but would everyone be willing to fly to London for our wedding? Plus, you're not a fan of flying."

Aisling's frustration mounted. "Anyone who truly matters would make the effort, no matter where the wedding is held. And for the record, we haven't even discussed a wedding date."

Chris motioned for Aisling to join them, but her reluctance remained palpable. She removed her blazer and set it on the counter, her gaze fixed on Chris as he resumed his seat beside Sam.

Chris directed his attention to Sam, opening a dialogue about potential wedding dates. Aisling's gaze remained fixed on Chris, her emotions simmering beneath the surface.

"What time of the year are you thinking about getting married?" Sam offered, trying to find middle ground. 

Aisling responded, looking only at Chris. "Well, that would depend on the where."

He scoffed, shaking his head slightly. "You can't really think we're getting married in London, Aisling!" 

"Why not?!" She crossed her arms over her chest angrily. "That's where my parents are. That's where they got married."

"But all my family is here!" He rebounded back quickly as he stood up in front of her. 

"So because I have no family, we have to get married where yours is? And I'm living here with your family. Can't I have one thing?"