“Let’s hope it’s not Kabul then, not sure how good mobile signal is from there.”

“I’ll be sensible.”

“Why don’t I believe you?” He paused. “Love ya, take care.”

“Love you too. Give Gucci a pat from me.”

Two hours later Megan walked through the doors of Heathrow airport. The atmosphere was buzzing. Passengers filtering through the system, suitcases rattling on their wheels, kids running around excitedly.

She paused and looked up at the departure board. She had one large roll along case with her that she’d thrown an assortment of clothes and shoes into that would be suitable for beaches, rain-soaked cities and warm green hills.

Vancouver. Amsterdam. Dubai. Cape Town. Paris. Karachi. New York. Reykjavik. Istanbul. Her gaze settled on Istanbul. Maybe that was her fate? A land of sweet spices, exotic scents, vibrant colours. She inhaled deeply, almost smelling the busy markets, and paced towards the British Airways desk.

She queued for a few minutes at the ticket desk, half listening to a family who were chatting excitedly about Mickey Mouse and magic castles.

What would she do if James rang when she was about to board? Would she go back? Change her plans?

No. Sod it. She was getting away from it all. She needed a holiday.

Eventually it was her turn and she walked up to the desk. “Hi.”

“Hello. Welcome to British Airways.” A young girl with shiny orange lipstick welcomed her. “What can I do for you?”

“I need a ticket?”

“Of course. Where to?”

“Anywhere.”

“Anywhere?” Her eyebrows raised and she tipped her head to the side.

“Yes, anywhere. I’ve got to get away, for a holiday you know?”

“Indeed.” A smiled spread on her face. “How exciting. I’ve always wanted someone to ask for a ticket to anywhere. So romantic, but also exciting and mysterious.”

“Well it would be more so if I wasn’t going on my own,” Megan said with a shrug. But even so she smiled. It was exciting now that she was doing it, she couldn’t deny that, but also scary too.

“Let me see.” The woman stared at her screen, her long lashes fluttering. “The next flight…with seats.” She paused. “Economy or business?”

“Economy is fine.”

“Well in that case.” She grinned.

Megan held her breath. What would fate throw at her? Where would she be waking up tomorrow? What continent would she walk on? What language would she hear?

“Where?” Megan asked. “Where is it to, the ticket?”

“I think you’re going to like it. The land of dreams, where stars are made, the place anything can happen if you want it to desperately enough.”

Megan rolled her hand in the air. “Which is…?”

“I hope you’ve packed your bikini and your best beach shoes. You, lucky thing, are off to sunny California, Los Angeles to be precise!”

About the Author

About the Author