For the next few weeks, we talked about what we would do when I showed up. I planned what I was taking and what I would wear according to what he was planning. I got more excited as the 30th got closer and it seemed like I wouldn't shut up about it. My mom had to give me her big spiel about internet men and blah blah blah but she was still letting me go.
The night before, I neatly packed all of my things like a puzzle into my suitcase and made sure I had everything. I set my alarm and waited for him to video call me. Nothing. I waited for two hours and I didn't even get a text. I went to sleep and hoped that I would get a text in the morning.
When I had awaken, still nothing. I started question if I should even go but he did already spend the money so I woke my mom up to take me to the airport and prepared for my 3 hour car ride to the Denver Airport. I constantly checked my phone on my way and even sent updates to him but he didn't even look at them. I waved goodbye to my mom at the airport and waited another 30 minutes to get on the plane.
I thankfully had a nonstop flight so I arrived in Orlando at 2:15 in the afternoon. I collected my bag from baggage claim and I made my way around the airport figuring out where I was supposed to be or where I was really going. I stopped and checked my phone to finally see a message from Gaege. It was a picture of me from behind and it read, "I see you." I instantly turned around to see him standing against a poll holding a sign with my name on it. I smiled and sighed with relief. He pointed to his sign, winked and smiled.
"You're a fucking punk. You know that?" I said when I walked up. He stood a whole head above me.
"I know. I'm sorry. I was really busy yesterday and this morning but it's all good because I'm here." I rolled my eyes. "Well let's go. It's an hour drive. Let me take that," He held his hand out gesturing for my bag. I handed it over and he threw his arm around my shoulder, escorting me out of the airport and to his car.
The air felt sticky and the sun was nearly blinding. The weather was completely different coming from Colorado to Florida but the sunshine was really nice. Gaege drove a Dodge Hellcat Redeye in black. His car was still cool from the air conditioning that had been cranked up on his way to the airport. Sitting somewhere other than a plane seat was heavenly. The leather upholstery was cold on my legs.
I watched as he opened the driver side door and got in. Gaege threw his head back against the headrest, closed his eyes, and ran his fingers through his hair soft brown hair. I couldn't help but stare at his side profile. Gaege opened his eyes slightly and glanced over at me. When he caught me looking he turned his head, "What?" He smiled.
"Nothing. This is just crazy to me," I quickly responded.
"Yeah, You look different in person."
"Is- Is that a bad thing?
"No. No, no, no. Not at all. You're really pretty. I mean - uh."
"I got it." I smiled. Gaege fell silent. He sucked his cheeks in and nodded acknowledging how awkward he sounded.
"Cool." He reached for the push start and pushed the button starting the engine.
