“Right? It is. At least it should be.”

“So maybe you need a little more time to get to know that side of him.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

“Don’t rush it,” Randi said. “You Mormons always like to rush into relationships, but sometimes they take time. You don’t have to be perfectly convinced right from the very start. This guy sounds great for you, Lane. I think you need to stick with it and see where it goes. Focus on the good stuff.”

“Yeah. I’m trying. I hope you get to meet him sometime soon.”

“Me too. Okay. Go work. But I want an update after your birthday next week. Full details. Which means we’re talking, not texting. I give you the wedding cake scoop, and you give me the birthday surprise scoop.”

“You got it. Tell Victor I said congrats on the engagement. I’m happy for you guys.” I hung up the phone and pulled my chair up to my desk, opening the offending event résumé on my computer screen. Another friend married. Or at least on the way there. For once in a really long time, I was in a relationship that had the potential to land me in the same space. I should feel good about that. I did feel good about that. Didn’t I?

Simon: Did you know your girlfriend has a long-standing obsession with BOYBAND 2.0?

Jamie: She what?

Simon: BOYBAND 2.0. They were big when we were in high school.

Jamie: Oh, right. I think I saw their CD in her car. Annoying.

Simon: Why is it annoying?

Jamie: There’s a lot of good music in this world. Why waste airspace?

Simon: If she likes it, it isn’t a waste of her airspace.

Jamie: Simon the diplomat.

Simon: They’re doing a reunion tour.

Jamie: Who?

Simon: BOYBAND 2.0

Jamie: So?

Simon: You asked for help, dude. This is a good idea.

Jamie: No. Not taking Lane to a BOYBAND 2.0 concert.

Simon: She’s got other friends. Old roommates maybe?

Jamie: But if I get her tickets, she might want me to go.

Simon: You’d go if she wanted you to. You’re not a jerk.

Jamie: If I don’t get her the tickets, there’s no risk.

Simon: Whatever. I’m not invested either way. You said you wanted my advice. I’m giving it.

Jamie: I’ll think about it.

Jamie: How did you know there was a reunion tour?

Simon: The radio.

Jamie: How did you know Lane liked them?

Simon: Saw her at the inn today. Work related.

Jamie: How’s that all looking?

Simon: Nightmarish. Old-school owner. Scattered paper trails. Almost finished though.

Jamie: Don’t dash my girl’s hopes. She loves that inn.

Simon: Noted. But it might not matter.

Chapter 12