* * *
Sugar,
Had an early radio station interview and didn't want to wake you. Expect a call from Homegrown Records this morning. Holly wants to set up a meeting. I'll be home by noon.
Love you,
Boone
* * *
Holy. Wow. A rip current of emotions threatens to drag me under as I reread the note. Being the mature adult that I am, I pull the covers over my head and consider what in the world I'm going to do.
Holly wants to set up a meeting.
I knew it was coming, but to see it in writing is a completely different situation.
This is my shot. My chance at a life I never let myself dream about. The one my mama wanted but couldn't have because her life was cut short by someone who literally got away with murder.
Skip rip current; this is a tsunami I'm dealing with. But I can't hide under the covers all day and wait for the decision to make itself.
And then there's the rest of the note. I'll be home . . . Strangely enough, I feel almost as comfortable in Boone's house as I did in my old apartment above the bar. Actually, I feel more comfortable here than I do taking up space in Hope's living room on her futon. But that doesn't mean it's my home.
You're stalling, Rip. And yes, I am, because the last part of the note could bring me to my knees if I were standing.
Love you.
How is it possible that this incredibly generous, talented, kind man is in love with me? It feels like the cosmos is playing some kind of joke on me, but it's real, and that's crazy. Crazy amazing, though.
My phone vibrates from the nightstand, and I throw off the covers, shoot up in the bed, and reach for it. The number is one that I don't recognize, but I clear my throat and answer it in the most professional tone I can muster.
"Hello?"
"Hi, is this Ripley Fischer?"
"Yes, this is she."
"Wonderful! I'm Etta with Homegrown Records, and Ms. Wix would like to schedule a meeting with you at your earliest convenience. Preferably today, if possible. I know this is a little unorthodox, but she said you'd know what it pertains to. When would be the first available time in your schedule to come in? Ms. Wix is happy to accommodate you, as her schedule is still largely clear today."
"Oh. Wow. Okay. She wants me to come in today?"
"If possible. She's going to be here by eleven o'clock, unless you'd like to meet earlier."
I glance at the clock on the table. It's already eight thirty, and I need to shower, get back to Hope's to change into something resembling professional attire, and make the trip to Homegrown's office, which I'm pretty sure is right on Music Row, so not too far.
For a moment, I think about waiting for Boone and seeing if he wants to come with me, but then I straighten my shoulders. This is about me. I can do this on my own. I'm a strong, independent woman.
"I can be there at eleven. That would work great. Is your office on Music Row?"
Etta relays the rest of the pertinent information, and we confirm that I'll be at Homegrown Records' office to meet Holly freaking Wix at eleven o'clock.
"Thank you so much, Ms. Fischer. We'll see you this morning. I'm really looking forward to meeting you. I saw your videos, and Ms. Wix hasn't stopped talking about you."
When I hang up the phone, it feels like the grin on my face may be permanent. I run from the bed to Boone's shower and hop inside.
The whole time I'm washing up, I can't stop thinking, Holy crap. This is really happening.
* * *
At 10:55, I step into the outer office of Homegrown Records, and I'm suddenly worried that I'm overdressed. The weathered wooden boards of the floor look like they were salvaged from an old barn somewhere, and the giant green shag rug under the brown leather furniture resembles grass you'd see in a barnyard.
The reception desk also looks like it's made of the same reclaimed boards, and it's topped with a heavy live-edge slab of wood.
Silver letters are mounted on the wall behind the desk in a whimsical arrangement.
* * *
Homegrown Records
* * *
A woman with short blond hair and an angular chin pops up from behind the desk.
"Hi! You're Ripley Fischer. I recognize you from the videos. I'm Etta. We spoke this morning."
I nod. "Thank you so much for setting this up. I know I'm a few minutes early."
"Not a problem. Ms. Wix just came in with Princess Rose, so she's getting her settled in the nursery, and then she'll be ready to talk to you. We're really excited you were able to make it. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Soda? Water? Tea? Smoothie? Espresso drink? We have the most amazing coffeemaker, so if there's anything you want, I can get it for you."
Her solicitous attitude almost throws me off my game, because I'm used to being the one who's serving up drinks and making sure people are comfortable. To be on the receiving end of that treatment is completely different.