Page 89 of Sunny Skies Ahead
“Lover boy fits you better,” I said, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Nicknames are supposed to evolve.”
“I guess I’ll have to work harder to come up with one for you.”
The idea of Kameron giving me a nickname sent a wave of heat through my body. This was what it was supposed to feel like. This awareness of someone, the ache when they weren’t around, the anticipation of seeing them again.
“I’ll hold you to that,” I said, my voice slightly breathy.
Kameron simply winked and ducked into the bathroom to change. I quickly grabbed his phone and scrolled to his contacts, writing down the number I needed on the hotel notepad. I returned his phone to his duffle bag so he wouldn’t be suspicious.
As soon as he left the room, I grabbed my phone and dialed.
“Hi Gail,” I said. “My name is Imogen Phillips. We met a few weeks ago—”
“Imogen!” Gail said, sounding positively delighted that I’d called. “Of course I remember you. How are things? Is Kam alright?”
The hint of concern in her tone made me smile. I was glad Kameron had people in his life who looked out for him outside of our little group.
“He’s good. We’re actually in Seattle this weekend. The judges selected Winding Road as a finalist for a monumental grant that could sustain us for a long time, and we’re here for presentations so they can make theirfinal decision.
“That’s wonderful,” Gail exclaimed. “Can I do anything to help?”
“Actually, there is. This whole process has stressed Kameron out immensely. I was thinking it would be nice if. . .”
I dove into explaining my idea. Kam had support from the people closest to him, but given how monumental this presentation was in the life of his nonprofit, I wanted to honor his father’s legacy.
Luckily, I knew just what that was, and Gail was thankfully on board.
“I’m tearing up,” Gail said. “I’ll get right on this. Can you send me your email?”
Once the logistics were in place, I sat back and waited for Gail to send me what I needed.
I also phoned Abbie and Lucas, and gave them the rundown on what I needed from them. Abbie had immediately jumped on it, and I knew Lucas wouldn’t be far behind based on the text I received less than an hour after I’d called him with the request.
Lucas Morales
This is a really good idea, Im. He’ll appreciate it more than you know. Let me know if you need help editing.
It would be a quick turnaround between receiving the files and the grant presentation tomorrow, but I’d stay up all night if it meant I got it done.
I could only hope Lucas was right, and that Kam would appreciate it the way I thought he would.
Chapter thirty
Imogen
The Warrior’s Foundation building was a skyscraper like any other, but walking through the doors, my heels clacking on the marble floors, I felt completely out of place. The lobby boasted a long, cascading waterscape and custom made light fixtures from a prominent local artist. I’d never dreamed of the city life, certainly not in the way my sister or my friends had.
Being back in Seattle was a reminder that I didn’t want this life.
I adjusted my laptop bag and headed for the security desk.
“Hi, I’m Imogen Phillips. I’m with Winding Road Recovery. My executive director is presenting to the grant proposal board today.”
I didn’t know where this confidence was coming from, though I suspected it had something to do with the thrill of waking up next to Kameron this morning. He’d gotten an early start at 4 a.m., wanting to get a run in before he showed upearly for the preliminary meet and greet with the two other nonprofits. I didn’t dare question it as the security guard checked my I.D. against their logs and then handed me a temporary badge.
“The boardroom is on the third floor,” the woman said, gesturing towards the elevators to our left. “There’s signage along the way.”
“Thanks,” I said, flashing her a smile.
