Towering pine trees surround me, and a winding river runs alongside the gravel road that winds through a canyon carved between two mountain ranges. The air smells like pine needles, and the sky is a bright robin’s egg blue. It’s breathtaking, and I drink in every detail. This may very well be the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited, and I can’t ignore the little voice in my head whispering that I wish there were more time to explore.

“Are we almost there?” I ask.

The driver nods. “Just about.”

I inhale, silently practicing the speech I rehearsed on the last flight. Logan may be resistant, but given that I’m his ticket back into the game he loves, I’m not anticipating much of a challenge.

The van slows as the driver turns onto yet another long gravel road with thick trees lining both sides of it. It’s not until a house comes into view that I realize it’s not a road, but a driveway. A very long and winding driveway.

When the van stops in front of the house, I’m hit by a sudden wave of nerves.

Hunting down a potential client like this isn’t something I’ve ever done. To be honest, it’s unheard of. But between Logan refusing to return my phone calls and emails, and Les telling me about how much this player needs the help . . . I’m here. And let’s not forget what this opportunity can do for my career

Nerves may be filling my stomach, but I’m here, and I know a thing or two about pretending you have it all together, even when you don’t. I’m not going to focus on the fact that I may be violating a professional code of conduct by showing up like this. Honestly, if I’d known just how remote this place was, I’m not sure I would have come at all. I didn’t see a single motel on the hour-long drive up the mountain. But I’ll deal with that once I’ve pitched my services to Logan. At least I’ve still got some daylight left to figure things out before night falls.

The driver hands me my bags—a laptop case and a leather duffel bag—while I shoulder my oversized purse.

“Good luck. Stay warm,” he says, grinning at my thin jacket.

“Thanks for the ride.”

He nods once and climbs back inside.

Well, here goes nothing.

The van pulls away, leaving me alone in front of the house. I feel so small under the enormous trees and endless expanse of sky.

As I approach the house, I take note of the details. It’s cheery looking, two stories with bluish-gray siding and fieldstone accents. Cedar pillars flank the stone porch. Shutters are in need of a new coat of paint. A potted juniper sits to the left of the large front door.