I saw that I had a missed call from Kevin.
I called him back.
“Hey! Thanks for getting back to me!” he said.
“Everything all right?”
“Sure! I just wondered what you were doing end of next month?”
“Why?”
“I was supposed to go to Alaska for some fishing with my buddy, but he’s had to cancel. Don’t you want to come?”
“I don’t fish,” I said.
“It’s at a mountain resort, did I mention that?”
I took a breath. “Are you serious?”
“Four days,” he said. “Do you think you could get away?”
I’d always wanted to go to Alaska.
“I have to watch my finances,” I said. “I’ve just paid off that debt to your so-called buddy. Can’t be going on any trips.”
“Flights and accommodation already paid, so won’t cost you a penny.”
“Let me talk to Will, see if I can get four days off. But if it’s over a weekend, it should be fine.”
My heart was beating faster. I was sure this was a sign. From the Universe or the Earth Goddess or my Mountain Man, calling me. This was my future, reaching out to me, opening a door for me.
I was not going to say no.
Chapter 16
Will
On Saturday morning, I dropped Zoë off at my mother’s house. Then I drove back to my apartment to pick up Nikki. She had no idea what was happening. I’d told her in the week that I’d had to attend a conference over the weekend and could she possibly work both Saturday and Sunday. I promised to pay her extra and she agreed.
I had a surprise planned for us.
I told her I was taking Zoë for breakfast but secretly arranged with my mother that she babysat Zoë until the following evening.
“Why?” she asked me suspiciously.
“I’m going on a date,” I said.
“With?”
“Nikki.”
I knew Simone would have told her and at least, she didn’t pretend it was news to her.
“Is that a good idea?” she asked me.
“Does it matter?”
She smiled at that and shook her head. “No, I suppose not. I want you to be happy, my boy. I really do. You deserve it.” To my great astonishment, she pulled me into a firm hug and held me tightly.