“That thought never crossed my mind. Don’t forget that this morning I hated you.”

He gave a half smile. “So you did.”

“Let’s talk about something else.”

“Okay. Tell me about Vera’s cellar.”

“No, no.” Mike put her hands up. “Leave my parents out of this.”

“Then how about I tell you what my plans for my job are? I sent a detailed proposal to my agent.”

The rest of the evening they talked of where they’d been and where they’d like to go.

For Mike it was anywhere peaceful. “Running ahead of bulldozers and dodging bullets was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Never again!”

They toasted to that and ordered dessert.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Griff woke early Saturday morning and he wasn’t in a good mood. His trip to Mason had started out so well. He’d received a call from his literary agent saying Vera was in Kansas. He’d jumped in his van and driven straight there, not even bothering to shower or shave.

And that had led to the archery disaster.

After that, he’d found out that Vera would refuse to help him with a bio. People had even laughed at the idea that he thought he’d be able to persuade her to agree. Without her help, if he did manage to write a bio of his grandfather, then segue into Vera’s career, it would be one of those “unauthorized” books about a living person. Dismissed by critics, not included in any official histories. Deemed worthless.

His misery had been lightened by getting to know Michaela. To him, it was like meeting the other half of himself. She was someone who’d traveled, seen things, and she knew about journalism. He began to fantasize about working together and not being alone on his trips.

When his LA agent told him what was wanted for the travel show, he knew Mike was the perfect solution.

Griff didn’t tell her what he’d said to his agent about her. “You should see her. She’s tall and beautiful. She’ll look great on a camera.”

“Sounds good. So let me talk to her.”

“Uh.” Griff hesitated.

“She hasn’t agreed to this, has she?” He was getting angry. “But you’re asking me to present her as half of the deal. If she has a brain, she’ll say no to this. Snakes and bugs and no cell service. Of course she’ll say no.” He took a breath. “I’ll tell them you’re single and—”

“Give me forty-eight hours to try to talk her into this. I just need to deal with the boyfriend and—”

He exploded. “She’s not even your girlfriend? I’m calling this off before I lose all credibility in this business.”

“Monday!” Griff shouted.

“Okay. Monday.” His agent hung up.