Page 69 of The Mating Game
The seconds that tick past while I sit on hold feel much longer than they actually are, and each one that goes by only makes my heart rate pick up that much faster. Nate and I have always been on good terms; I’ve sent him plenty of material and photos over the years that he’s used in past articles—and honestly, he’s just a cool guy in general. He and his husband, Glenn, host a Christmas party every year that I never miss, but I’ve never called to ask him for a favor like this. Is it unprofessional somehow? Is he going to see right through me immediately and know I’m pulling strings for a guy I’m hooking up with?
Right as my anxiety is starting to get the better of me and I’ve nearly talked myself into hanging up the phone and giving up onthis whole thing, I hear the line connect once again on the other end, and a familiar voice comes through.
“Tess. Hey. I’m so sorry I haven’t checked in. It’s been crazy over here.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief. “No problem.”
“How are you? I’ve been following your channel as best I can with work. Everything still good?”
“Everything is great,” I tell him. “We’ve been talking to HGTV about a possible show.”
“You’re kidding,” he says excitedly. “Glenn is going to lose his shit.”
“How is he doing?”
“Oh, you know. Same old. Terrorizing my editorial department.” Nate laughs. “Never work with your spouse.”
I smile, remembering all too well how high-strung Glenn can be. “I miss you guys,” I say honestly. “We need to get together when I’m back in California.”
I ignore the sudden pang in my chest when I think about leaving Colorado.
That’s new.
“We do,” he agrees. “But wait, where are you? Are you not in Newport Beach?”
“Well, actually…that’s why I was calling you.”
“Oh? I’m intrigued.”
“So I’m working on this little ski lodge in Pleasant Hill, Colorado…”
“Googling now.”
“It’s very small.”
“I’ll say,” he laughs. “Jesus, you can barely see it on the map.”
“It’s so pretty here though,” I assure him. “The lodge needs a little TLC—which we’re already working on—but the area is gorgeous, and the town is practically Hallmark-worthy.”
“People do love that seclusion factor,” he remarks.
“It’s thepictureof seclusion,” I urge. “I mean, seriously. It’s basically the old country out here. A while back, they built some highway straight to Denver that bypasses the town, and ever since then, it’s been like this little hidden gem tucked away in the mountains.”
“What kind of reno are we talking?”
“Mostly cosmetic at the moment. We’ve already gotten underway on a lot of the main area—I think we could have it spruced up enough for pictures in another week, maybe.”
“Hmm.” I can practically hear Nate thinking over the line, a faint tapping sound coming from what I assume is his pen against his desk. “So, we’re actually doing a piece in the next issue called ‘Secret Getaways.’ ”
“Oh my God, that’s perfect.”
“But.”
I frown. “Oh no.”
“Technically…it’s already getting ready for print. I don’t know if I can squeeze in another location.”
I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. “Damn.”
