Page 98 of Raised On It

“Thanks, man. I appreciate your help. I know it goes above the call of duty.”

“No problem. I have everything here. You just have a good night, and I’ll see you tomorrow!” he yells after me as I race out of the office, through the brewery, and out a side door to my truck.

I hop in the truck,but don’t start the engine right away as I take a moment to look at the giant building in front of me. The accumulation of Dad’s and my dream. It started with a teenager, his old man, and a dream.

Here we are.

We did it.

I didn’t think I had anymore dreams to fulfill, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

There’s a dream come to life right here in Eastlyn, and she leaves in less than a week.

Five days to be exact.

I’m not panicked.

I’m sure.

Sure of us.

Here goes nothing.

CHAPTER 31

Mason

You are cordially invited to an afternoon of Book Talk.

Please join me at:

The home of Miles and Lou Montgomery

2055 SE Lincoln

Eastlyn,OR

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Please R.S.V.P. to the gentleman standing in front of you upon receipt of this invitation.

*Complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres, and German shepherd included.

Grabbing my invitation off the counter and taking a deep breath, I take one last look at myself in the mirror. The weather has changed dramatically in the past few days, and the gray sky looks moody, to say the least. I think rain is on its way, and so with the change in the weather comes a change to my wardrobe.

Staring back at me in light blue skinny jeans, an oversized khaki sweater hanging off one shoulder, and light brown ankle boots with her hair curled in perfect waves and wearing barely there makeup is a woman who looks scared to death.

And I am.

We’re finally going to discuss the book. I am knowingly and willingly attending an event where my work is going to be judged and scrutinized by the man I love, and that scares the crap out of me.

What scares me even more is what happens five days from now when Katie comes home. He’s made no mention of it, yet it’s all I can think about.

“You got this, Mason,” I say to the image in the mirror. “Unless he thinks your writing is crap and breaks up with you because of it, tonight you will discuss where this is going, and you will have a plan for what is to come once the house flip comes to an end. You are not leaving his place without having a real discussion.”

Leaving the house fifteen minutes before the time on myinvitation should have me there with about seven minutes to spare. I head out with my shoulders back, confidence in place, and doubt left behind.

Usually one to have music playing at all times in the car, I’m almost to his place before I realize the car is silent except for my own voice practicing what I want to say to Miles when I bring up our relationship and where we’ll be this time next week.

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