Page 14 of The Inn

When the unexpectedring of my phone pierces through our peaceful meal at Maisie’s house, I’m just as surprised as the Findlay family.Who could be calling this late in the evening?

Something in me expects the worst. But everything in me screams for me to ignore the interruption. Unfortunately, that’s not a luxury I have. If I don’t answer, it will leave a space for the tightening in my stomach to grow into a full-blown panic attack and that’s not a path I’m ready to go down. I can’t help but be the antihero of my own story at times. But if that’s good enough for Taylor Swift, I suppose it’s good enough for me.

I excuse myself from the table and pull on Jameson’s oversized jacket to shield me from the wind chill outside. I slip out onto Maisie’s porch and settle into her old rocking chair before I dare to look at the number illuminating my screen. When I do, a heavy sigh forces itself out of me.

It’s work. Of course, it’s work. Perfect.The tightening in my stomach crawls up to my throat and I take a deep breath to keep my anxiety at bay before answering. “Hello.”

“Summer? Great, finally. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you. I thought that snowstorm might have trapped you somewhere. Hopefully not on that ragged farm.” Carlos’ voice drifts over the line and he lets out a curt chuckle. He may be my boss and the head of my department, but I don’t love the way he barks into the phone.

“Yes, I’m still out at Findlay Farms but it isn’t ragged, it’s gorgeous.” There’s an air of defensiveness in my tone that surprises me. “The roads are all snowed over so I’m stuck out here at least for the time being.” I wrap my free arm around myself and sink back into the old rocker. I look at the farm sprawled out in front of me and bask in the evening glow that washes everything in gold.

Carlos makes a sound in the back of his throat that I don’t care for as he continues. “Whatever. All I know is that you better be sitting down. No, scratch that. Honey, you had better start shoveling because I have the best news. We’re sending you abroad a week early and it’s a permanent position.”

The peace around me shatters. “What do you mean? So I’m leaving…” My mind races to do the math.

“Three days,” he repeats. “And, are you ready for the location?”

“I um, yes, I suppose.” I swallow hard. It’s difficult to hear him over the sound of my own heartbeat.

“You’ll be in Scotland. We have a lead on the migration of Americans to Scotland. We want to know why they’re leaving, where they’re going, and how the locals feel about it. It’s part of a much bigger conversation, and that means, you are part of a much bigger conversation. We’re placing you as our UK correspondent for good, or at least for three to five years. It’s as much security as anyone can hope for in this business. But you’ve officially arrived and I’m so happy for you.”

“I have… wow. Okay.” I’m at a loss for words. It’s exactly what I thought I wanted to hear, but somehow the news hits differently than I imagined it would. “Well, I guess I have to get ready…I’ll have to… I don’t know, pack.”

“Pack? Of course, you have to pack! But I’ve been to your place, so I know that won’t take long. This is exactly why you’ve never put anything on your walls right? I’m more worried about you getting off that god-awful farm and back here so we can celebrate with drinks before you go.” Carlos is full of enthusiasm and I just can’t match it.

“It isn’t awful, it’s really beautiful out here. But yes, I’ll get on the roads as soon as possible and we will drink and pack.” I’m saying the right things, but my words fall flat.

If Carlos notices, he doesn’t mention it. “I looked, you should be clear by morning. Text me before you take off and get ready to see some men in kilts!”

“Okay, will do.”

We hang up and I sit, stunned.Who the hell wants a man in a kilt when you already have one in a cowboy hat?

When the opportunity to work, travel, and write landed in my lap, I thought it was the dream that I had been waiting for. I felt ready to pack my bags that instant and start this new exciting journey.

It was easy, the most familiar feeling in the world. It that reminded me of when I was little and constantly bouncing from one place to another. But now, after my time with the Findlay family, things look different.

I know I’m being ridiculous. This new assignment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Besides, I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland. I want to traipse around the castles like Mary Queen of Scots did. I want to, I don’t know, go to Edinburgh and see where Kate and Will met. It was all so important to me at one point. But now I’m digging deep for excitement and coming up flat.

I let out a deep sigh, then collect myself to go back inside. Maisie is washing dishes in the kitchen while Jameson and his siblings are huddled on the couch watching a rodeo. He looks up when I come in and Dakota slides over to make room for me. But when Jameson catches my eyes, I can’t hide my emotions.

“What’s wrong?” Jameson gets to his feet, meeting me in the doorway.

“Nothing, it was work, is all.” As hard as I try, I can’t muster up even the faintest hint of excitement for my words. “Carlos was just calling to give me my next assignment.”

“Did you tell him he won’t be able to find anywhere better for you than Findlay Farms?” Jameson chuckles but I have a hard time returning his lighthearted tone. He puts a hand on my shoulder, more serious this time. “So what are you covering?”

“It’s the Europe assignment, just like I planned. It’s a place in Scotland. It’s part of a bigger story. So I’ll be heading abroad even sooner than I thought. Like… right away.” I swallow the lump in my throat.

This doesn’t feel at all like it should but it isn’t anxiety, it’s just sadness.

His mouth turns down at the corner and he gives my shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Oh. Well, I can’t say I won’t miss you. How long will you be there?”

My god this man is incredible and it makes what I’m about to say that much harder.

I pull my shoulders back and tilt my chin up. I have to be strong if I’m going to be believable. “Jameson, this isn’t a vacation, it's going to be a lifestyle for me.” The words catch in my throat. My head spins and I can hardly organize my thoughts enough to say them. “My assignment is permanent, just like I told you from the beginning.”

CHAPTER11

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