She checked her watch again, calculating their narrowing margin of time. Nicole caught the gesture and said calmly, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll make it.’ By the time they finally arrived at Gatwick, dropped the car in the long-term car park and sprinted to departures, Nicole had lost her cool. ‘Oh damn!’ They saw the huge queues at the easyJet counters. A young man standing at the back of the queue turned to them. ‘Where’re you off to?’ ‘Prague,’ Nicole panted. ‘Me too. Come on.’ He took hold of Nicole’s arm and led them to the front of the queue, pushing in as a couple moved away from the check-in desk. He had a brisk conversation with the man, who nodded, asked for identification, and bundled them through. ‘Brilliant!’ Nicole shook his hand as they cleared security and headed to the gate. He gave her a warm smile. ‘Practice.’ He turned to Kathy. ‘Maybe I’ll see you in Prague.’ He waved and walked away. ‘He’s gorgeous, and he likes you,’ Nicole said.
