Page 85 of When Annika Met Thom

“Always better in real life than on paper.”

“So true for so many things,” he said with a smile. “What do you think? Grand opening at four tomorrow?”

“It’ll be ready.”

“We’ll do a ribbon-cutting and take the pictures,” Kyle continued. “Say at three?” Annika nodded agreement, knowing the construction would be cleaned up by then. She’d make sure Bruno knew. “We have some media interest, thanks to Cassie, so there will be reporters, too.”

“All good. Can you send us links to any coverage you get?”

“Absolutely.” Kyle frowned as he looked up at the wall. “Who’s going to climb it first?”

“Me,” Annika said, sensing Kyle’s surprise. She smiled at him. “One of the perks of the job.”

“I didn’t know you climbed.”

“Absolutely. I’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time.”

Kyle nodded, his eyes narrowing. “We need to juice that up,” he said quietly. “Make more of a spectacle.” He turned to her. “Even though I’m sure you’re a great climber and lots of people will turn out to watch.”

“I’ll guess that you have an idea.”

He nodded and lifted a hand modestly to his chest. “I am the high king of brilliant ideas,” he said humbly and Annika smiled.

“Tell me more, your highness.” Annika bowed and Kyle laughed.

He held up his hands. “Ready?” At her nod, he cleared his throat. “A race up the new wall.”

“Against you?”

Kyle shook his head, clearly having something else in mind. “No, no, no, no. You against our F5F expert.”

“Who?”

“Thom, of course. This wall is like his personal rock climbing fantasy. It only makes sense that the two of you should celebrate the grand opening by squaring off against each other. We can have gender-based cheering squads and local vs. non-local cheering squads.”

“East coast vs. west,” Bruno contributed.

“I like it!” Kyle said, snapping his fingers. “Too late for T-shirts. We’ll have to go with stickers and posters. I’ll get Cassie on it.” He paused and considered Annika. “If you’re up for it.”

“Thom’s a lot bigger than me. He’ll have an advantage.” Annika thought they might give her a head start.

“But he’s heavier, too.” Kyle surveyed her. “I’ll bet you’re one frisky climber.”

Annika smiled, because she was. “You’d better ask Thom.”

“I did. He said if you were up for it, then so was he.”

“Then let’s do it.”

“Three tomorrow,” Kyle said, pointing a finger at her. “Don’t be late for this very important date.”

Annika agreed and went to get her coat from the office. She was surprised to find Thom loitering at the reception desk, looking awkward, as if he was waiting for her but didn’t want anyone to know it.

She didn’t care.

“Hi,” she said, smiling at him as she slid her hand into his. “Going my way?”

His slow smile warmed her to her toes. “Absolutely.”

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