Chapter 23: Mia

August of senior year of college...

I pull my Jeep over to the curb and hit the hazards before jumping out. A burst of hot air hits me as I search the thick crowd of people flowing in and out of the airport.

The moment I see her blond head, I shout at the top of my lungs, "Alyssa!" There is so much noise and people that it takes a few minutes for her to notice me. "Over here!" I wave my arms like a crazy person to grab her attention.

A bright smile lights up her face as she drags a pile of suitcases behind her. Alyssa doesn't understand what the concept of traveling light entails. Actually, for her, this is traveling light.

I race toward her, maneuvering around weary passengers. As soon as she's within striking distance, I throw my arms around her, pulling her close and squeezing her tight. For a solid minute, we jump up and down with excitement.

"It's so freaking good to see you!" Unable to contain my giddiness, I hop from one foot to the other.

"It's good to be seen," she