Page 266 of ClickBack

“What happened to the weight?” I ask.

“Distributing it.”

“Into your suitcase.”

“You want it in here or not?”

I hand him the cube. He fits it beside his shirts, presses down, and makes room for another. By the time he closes both cases, we will have to unpack together to find anything.

Downstairs, the driver rings. Jarrett answers through the house system, then brings my tote over and checks the bench for anything we have missed.

“Ready, wife?”

I put my glasses in the tote. “Ready.”

He kisses me before we leave the room. I rest my hands against his chest and let myself take the time, though the car is waiting and I was the one who made the schedule.

“You know there’s a bedroom on the plane,” I say when he lifts his head.

His eyes return to mine.

“For sleeping,” I add.

“You brought it up.”

“We have a long flight.”

“We do.” He kisses me again, smiling now. “Plenty of time.”

He takes the first cases downstairs. I follow with my tote and stop at the entry table to set the sloth upright. Beyond it, through the open door, Jarrett is speaking to the driver. He turns when he hears me.

“Come on, Mrs. Simmons.”

I get the camera out of my bag.

“Wait.”

He looks at it, then at me. I catch the laugh before he can pose, the afternoon light on his face.

The picture slides out. I set it carefully in the pocket of my tote to develop, then go outside, where my husband is holding the door.