Want to go to California for the weekend? Jamie’s text popped up just after lunch. That was if a granola bar and apple crammed down in between appointments qualified as lunch. We were days away from the biggest wedding the inn had hosted since I’d come on board, and I was swamped.

I glanced at the time, then leaned back in my chair. I had five more minutes before the wedding planner was due for a final walk-through. That was long enough for a quick conversation.

I keyed out a response to Jamie. Want to come to the inn and help me run a wedding this weekend?

He responded almost instantly. Boo. No last-minute getaway, then?

Nope. I’m slammed through Sunday. Why the sudden trip?

More business merger stuff. It’s good news though. They’re bringing in their top developer to kick around some ideas.

So you think it’s for sure going to happen, then? I was torn. I wanted him to say yes because I wanted good things for his business, but I also wanted him to say no because I didn’t want him to move to California.

I’m pretty much sold, he replied. But Dave still needs convincing. If there’s a meeting that will do that, it’s this one.

I told myself if the merger happened, they might still live in NC. But I wasn’t an idiot. From everything he’d told me, moving was the best possible thing for his business. If that was true, I probably should have been happier for him.

When are you leaving? I asked.

Tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning. Wednesday morning. Which meant he’d never really planned on me going along after all. Because Wednesday wasn’t the weekend. He had to know I couldn’t get off work in the middle of the week and skip out on four full workdays. So he’d asked so I wouldn’t feel sad about his leaving. So I knew he’d love to have me with him if I could be. Which was sweet. Sort of.

Wednesday is way more than the weekend.

I know. It was a pipe dream to have you tag along. But I had to ask. I’m happier when you’re with me.

Well, okay, then. That sounded better. Will you be home in time for next Tuesday?

Of course, he responded. I wouldn’t miss it.

My birthday. And the surprise whatever-it-was we were doing all day.

Travel safe, I texted.

Will do. I’ll call Thursday after the meeting.