“Yup! Kyla is still working on her contact at the European Space Agency, but she said she’s like ninety-five percent sure she’ll agree.”
“So, does that mean you’re heading to Germany next?”
“It sounds like it!” I say with a laugh.
In the past six months, I’ve been all over the world. Between using the travel points I’ve hoarded for years, and what I made from the season ofLove at First Sail, I’ve been able to visit Scotland, Argentina, and Croatia, plus a few domestic flights within Canada and the US. Nolan’s joined me for some of them, but for the most part, I’ve done it all alone.
It’s been…freeing.
But I haven’t had a chance to see Kyla yet.
She left for Germany only a week after I got home, and despite our daily video calls and text messages, I miss my sister. A lot.
My phone buzzes in my pocket and I slip it out, thinking it’s her. Instead, an email notification pops up from Mallory Costa.
TheMallory Costa. As in, head of the documentary division at Key Five Productions, Mallory Costa.
Hi Chloe,
Thanks so much for sending along the sizzle reel. The team loved it. Like I said when we talked last week, we’re very excited about this series. Let’s make it happen. Are you free to chat on Thursday around 10 AM EST? I’ll start drawing up the deal.
Looking forward to makingA Woman’s Worldwith you.
Mal.
P.S. Heard you got an interview with Catie Coulson with F1. Wicked. Can’t wait to see THAT episode pitch!
A shiver of excitement runs through me as I read the email—and then re-read it, just to make sure I’m not dreaming. My eyes dart to Nolan as I grip his arm, startling him out of his thoughts.
“Hey, what time will it be in Melbourne if I have a work call at 10 AM Eastern Standard Time?”
“Uhhh…1 AM…the next day?” he says slowly as he does the mental math, only slightly perplexed by my outburst.
“Key Five wants to talk about the series again.” I shove the phone in front of his face, and he adjusts his glasses to read the email, his eyes widening gradually until he looks up at me over the phone.
“Shit, Chloe, this is amazing!”
“I don’t want to jinx it,” I warn. “But I think it’s really happening.”
“I think it is, too.” Nolan pulls me in for a hug, his hand rubbing my back in lazy circles. “Mum is going to be thrilled. She’s already so excited to meet you in person, but prepare for her to make a big deal about this. That woman loves any excuse to throw a party.”
My heart swells. In the lead-up to our trip to his hometown, Nolan and I have talked to his mom over FaceTime quite a bit.
It was how I discovered that Tanya Braddock is quite possibly the loveliest person alive.
Even more so than her son.
But his words touch a part of me that has been dark for so long—the part that has ached to have a maternal presence in my life since mymom died.
“Let her throw a party, Nolan,” I say, a giddiness to my voice that’s hard to hide. “Thisis party-worthy.”
“You’re right,” he chuckles, dropping a brief kiss on my forehead and then grabbing my bag from the armchair. “Plane leaves in an hour; want to go wander the duty-free and buy your handsome and very loving boyfriend something pretty, now that he’s broke and you’re on the verge of your big break?”
I roll my eyes as I follow him out of the Starbucks and into the busy airport. He slips his espresso-free hand in mine as we walk.
“You’re the one who decided to quit your job,” I quip, and he nods agreeably. “Besides, you’re not broke, you’re just on a budget. There’s a difference.”
As we stroll toward our gate, I realize that this will be the first time I’m traveling with another person in the seat next to me. Someone I know. Someone I love. And someone who loves me back. I blink away a few tears and squeeze Nolan’s hand tighter. He glances at me, his smile fading into concern as he comes to a stop.
