Page 39 of Flights and Sights

I bit my bottom lip as I processed all of that. “I’m not sure. When would they expect me to visit?”

“As soon as possible. Today’s Monday. There’s availability on the calendar for meetings on Wednesday if you’re able.”

My stomach flipped and twisted again. Wednesday.

Before I could respond, Jade spoke again. “They’d also like to invite you to bring Callum Sinclair to join you on your visit.”

“Callum?” Hearing his name warmed me, even as my brow dipped in confusion.

“His article was instrumental in bringing your work to their attention and based on their research, he’d be a valuable asset in the conversation, but it’s not a dealbreaker.”

All of it felt like an avalanche bearing down on me, like things were picking up steam and I had no idea if I was going to survive it all. “Can I let you know tomorrow? Or later today, at least?”

She hummed in response. “Of course. If you could let me know whether you’d be available to visit by tomorrow morning, I’d appreciate it.”

We exchanged pleasantries and hung up, my mind reeling. I needed to get to the taproom and check on Tommy, but I needed to talk to Cal, too. I checked the time and shot Cal a text.

Paxton: Can I run something by you?

To my surprise, he responded before I could put my phone in my pocket.

Callum: What’s up?

Paxton: Can we talk tonight?

Callum: I promised my parents I’d have dinner here. After?

Paxton: That’s perfect.

After that, I finally headed to the taproom to offer Tommy some backup. When I walked in, I found Tommy behind the bar, pouring a glass for a customer.

“Hey there,” I said when he was finished. “How’s it been today?”

“Not bad. Steady.”

I nodded slowly, hesitating a moment. “Hey, I know you have Thursdays off, but…”

“Uh-oh.”

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just… you know how we’ve been looking for grants to expand, right? Well…” I dropped my voice to a murmur. “An investor reached out. They’re interested in helping us, but they want me to come visit. Wednesday.”

He let out a low whistle. “That’s quick.”

“It is. But the planning committee is going to meet in a little over a week, so we have to make a decision soon. And if I can secure the investment funding, we’d have a real shot at being approved to buy the land.”

“You know I’ll do whatever you need me to do. I’ve got it under control.” He paused for a moment before grinning at me. “So, how’s Cal? You taking him on your field trip?” His tone was suggestive and he raised his eyebrows.

My face heated and warmth spread down my neck. “They did invite him to come along. I haven’t talked to him about it yet, though. They said they thought his expertise could be helpful.”

“Your first road trip as a couple.”

My eyes widened and I shook my head. “It’s not like that. He’s leaving soon, remember?”

Tommy hummed, but he didn’t say anything else. A moment later, a small group of customers walked in. We turned our focus to work, which I was grateful for. I wasn’t ready to be quizzed about my… whatever it was I was doing with Cal, and he really was leaving in a week. The deadlines that were bearing down on me all loomed like a heavy rain cloud and I shoved them out of my mind and helped Tommy work the taproom.

It felt like an eternity until I got a text from Callum letting me know he was on the way over, but eventually he did, and I let Tommy know I had to leave. He grinned suggestively and agreed to finish out the night on his own.

By the time I was unlocking my front door, Callum was pulling into my driveway. I waited while he got out of the car and came closer.