They set the next time to get together, wished each other well, and ended the call. Scott respected Valerie’s organizational skills and appreciated that she understood the appeal of keeping meetings short and to the point.
Volunteering helped him get more connected to Fox Hollow until he could move there. It worked but still fell short of running into people in person daily.
Soon.He promised himself.Just have to work out the details.
Scott reheated last night’s Chinese takeout for dinner, wanting to be done eating before it was time to call Justin. He was just putting his empty plate into the sink when the timer on his phone went off.
Seconds later, Justin’s ringtone sounded.
Scott sat on the couch with a cup of coffee and opened the video call, unable to hide a smile when he saw Justin’s face. “Hey there. Right on time.”
“Been looking forward to this all day,” Justin admitted.
“What’s up with you?” Scott asked. He didn’t want to mention the hangup calls since there was nothing Justin could do to help.
“I had several tours and picked up groceries in case we get some of the storms they’re calling for,” Justin replied. “How about you?”
Scott filled him in on his discussion with Dr. Foster and Mike. “I was hoping after the conversation I had with Dr. Foster that the university wouldn’t get tangled in politics, but I guess when money and investment are involved, that’s not likely.”
“I can’t say that I’m surprised,” Justin said. “At least the editor didn’t pull the commissions.”
“I know, and I’m glad because they’re a big part of my income for the month,” Scott admitted. “But I hate having to tiptoe around controversial topics. I like to set out the facts as I find them and give enough information to make an argument. Now I’m going to have to be very careful and hope that I’m not so neutral that the articles don’t say anything.”
“I’m sure you’ll still do a great job,” Justin said.
“Thanks for understanding that the university set up the plane for the photo shoot at the mine,” Scott added. “I didn’t want you to feel slighted.”
“I don’t,” Justin reassured him. “Not that we can’t figure something out if you need another flight in the future. But I do want to see the photos!”
“Absolutely,” Scott said.
“And if the audience is as smart as you think they are, they’ll be able to read between the lines. I have faith in you,” Justin added.
“I hope so.” Scott sighed. “I just had another Halloween committee meeting, and I think the pieces we’re doing will work well,” he added, and gave Justin a quick recap.
“Fox Hollow is going to corner the market on Halloween this year,” Justin predicted with a laugh. “I think the plans are bigger and better than we’ve done in the past. It’s a nice chance to see everyone before we all hibernate for the winter,” Justin added. “Helps to tide us over between camping season and ski time.”
“I can’t wait to see you again, even if I have to take one day to do the article stuff,” Scott replied.
“We’ll still make the most of the rest of your visit,” Justin promised.
“Good weather to curl up together in front of the fireplace.” Scott dropped his voice. “I have faith in you to keep me warm.”
We need to be with our mate,his coyote urged.The sooner, the better.
“Oh, I think I can come through on that,” Justin replied, and Scott chuckled. “I’ve been getting asked when you’ll be back. Our friends now just expect you to be here.”
“Ourfriends?”
“Yup, you’ve been adopted. You’re one of us now, and they’re your friends too,” Justin assured him.
“Okay… Let’s finalize plans to get me moved up before winter hits. Then we can quit this long-distance stuff.”
“I like that,” Justin said. “Can’t wait to have you here with me every night.”
“Uh-huh.” Scott slouched on the couch and started to stroke himself through his jeans. “Wish you were here now, I’d show you how much I miss you. It’shardto do without you.”
“Oh, really?” Justin replied with a throaty laugh that went right to Scott’s balls. “How muchdoyou miss me?”
