Change of Heart

Chapter 8: London Calling

Chapter 8

The planes took off and landed quickly, the airport was all hustle and bustle, and all Jacks wanted to do was pick up her luggage and find Julien so she could get out of there. She was excited, she hadn't been to London since she was a teenager and she hadn't been in a place with cable television and constant Internet access for over a year. She had a lot of catching up to do, things to watch, places to go, and only a couple of weeks to do it all.

"How many bags did you check, ma'am?"

"Three, three bright neon green, you can't miss them."

"We have three neon green with yellow flowers on them."

"Yes! Those are mine."

"Wonderful, only they've been loaded onto a plane that's on it's way to Paris."

"What?"

"I'm terribly sorry. But no worries, ma'am, the plane returns tonight we can have your luggage shipped to your address, free of charge of course, first thing in the morning."

"Fine, I guess it could be a lot worse.... Thanks for all your help."

She smiled and filled out a form with information on where to send her things.

"I apologize again. I will call you tomorrow to let you know they are on the way."

"Thank you. Have a good night"

She made her way through the airport and thanked God that she'd packed a carry on with everything she'd need for a few days just in case something like this happened. A lifetime of traveling had taught her well: always be prepared, anything could happen.

She met Julien out front and he took her bag, frowning as she told him what happened. As they pulled away from the airport they chatted about life and work.

"I saw Tom yesterday."

"Oh really, that's nice."

"I thought he would have mentioned it to you."

"No, I haven't spoken to him since he left guinea."

Julien shrugged and kept his eyes on the road, so as not to be accused of encouraging their relationship, though he felt they were perfect for one another.

"Well I told him you'd be in town for a while, so you'll be seeing him soon."

"Great, I hope so. Tom's a character "

"You think so?"

"I know it."

The next morning was glorious. Julien's lovely wife, Kath, had prepared the guest room for Jacks who slept like a baby on the cozy pillow top mattress and luxurious bedding. The pillows were perfection and her body took full advantage of the comfort and the fact that she had a clear schedule. She awoke to the sound of her phone ringing and was thrilled to hear that her luggage was on its way. She rose, showered and dressed, finding herself alone in the sun filled apartment with no where to go and nothing to do but wait for her bags to arrive. She made her way into Julien's study and curled up in his brown leather arm chair with a book. She hardly noticed as her phone went off, and she only glanced at the name on the text. Tom. She picked up the phone, suddenly curious and read its words.

How could you come into my hometown and not call me?

I just got here last night.

There's an alumni event at my school tonight...you want to be my date?

That's completely inappropriate, don't you think?

In name only, Jacks. It's last minute and no one else can do it.