Now I have to fix it.
Decision made, I stand and slip my phone into my pocket. “I’m going to need a few days off.”
“What? Why?” Nick jumps to his feet. “You just got back.”
Beck snickers. “I think he needs to go see about a girl.”
“Exactly.” I wink at my younger brother and stride toward the door.
I need to find Lucy and earn back her trust.
And if it’s not too late, win back her heart.
“Can’t you just send a text? Or set up a Zoom call?”
I don’t dignify Nick’s question with a response, and I sure as hell don’t look back. I’ve only got eyes for the future.
One that, with any luck, will include Lucy Gonzalez.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Lucy
“Are you sure you’re up for this?” I dart a glance at my savior and silently pray he won’t back out.
By some minor miracle, I convinced Casa D’Oro, a family-run Napa Valley vineyard, to let me shoot a So Savvy Traveler video this afternoon. It’s my first time going live since Miles left, and everything has to be perfect. That’s why I chose the vineyard with its stunning views, rolling hills, and lush grapevines stretching as far as the eye can see.
“Absolutely.” Hunter flashes a shy smile that’s going to set the internet ablaze. He’s a buff lumbersexual with a glorious auburn beard who likes indie rock, meaningful tattoos, and, apparently, helping damsels in distress.
Look, I like to think of myself as a feminist, but even feminists need rescuing occasionally.
Today’s my day.
Who knows? Tomorrow might be Hunter’s.
All I know is that, with Miles gone, I need a fresh angle. And that angle is Hunter.
We met yesterday at the Napa Farmer’s Market when we reached for the same avocado. His hand brushed mine, andBoom!inspiration.
“You really are a lifesaver.” I adjust the legs on my ring light and check the position of my camera, making sure I’ve got the entire stone courtyard on the screen. I’ve already taken pictures of the vineyard and underground wine cellars to use in my teaser posts, so we should be good to go.
We’re going live on IG at four, and I’ve been hyping the event all day, along with the promise of a mystery guest.
Here’s hoping the excitement of a new face will make up for the fact that Miles is MIA.
With any luck, So Savvy Traveler fans won’t even notice.
Yeah-freaking-right.
Hunter is interesting, but he’s no Miles.
And I can’t very well ask him to take his shirt off for likes.
Well, not unless I getreallydesperate.
Giovanni D’Oro, the vineyard’s head winemaker, reappears. He’s an older gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair and a kind smile. “Are you ready, Miss Gonzalez?”
As ready as I’ll ever be.
