Page 60 of It Couldn't Be You
“You know, he’s going to be hiring some columnists, staff writers, and more editors. He’s getting an office set up. The magazine is getting their print periodical, and they’re starting a podcast, and they’re going to start a book club… It’s really growing. I wonder if you could become an official staff writer?”
“Let’s just hope for another freelance project for now. It’s all my heart can take,” I said. But after a beat, I added, “Though that would be amazing.”
“I could say something to him?”
“No, your relationship is just about you two.” I shook my head.
“Though, you are the reason we met, kind of, sort of. You brought him to Sweet River, which brought us together.”
“I’m a matchmaker, huh?” I said dreamily.
“Our matchmaker. Katie and Canada Man. Hey, you could write your next article about us!” Katie said all sappy and sweet.
We stopped at a red light when Katie said, “Oh, you know who we need to update?” She dialed up Gabriel before I could say anything.
“Gabe!” Katie cheered as his face appeared in the FaceTime window.
“Katie!” he cheered, then squinted and saw me. “Emma!”
“Hey, Gabe,” I said, casual and cool.
“Are you two home now?” he asked.
“We’re on the way to the airport,” Katie said. “We wanted to tell you how great the trip went after your call.”
“Yeah?” he said as if we hadn’t been messaging about this just hours ago.
“Yeah, your advice was just what I needed to hear,” I said, looking at the road but listening to him.
“Ah, Em, I didn’t say much. You’re a fine writer, though I’m always there if you need me. I can beright thereanytime.” We both chuckled, and Katie gave a half shrug.
“You’re always my voice of reason,” I said.
“Hey, you know, I got to keep my favorite writer writing. It’s a little selfish, really,” he joked.
“The feeling is—” but then another call was breaking in. “Sorry, we’re getting another call.” I glanced at the phone screen.
“Oh, it’s Jordan!” Katie gasped. I realized Katie had called Gabe from my phone, as the incoming call was from Jordan—with the heart emoji still there. “You two were just texting, weren’t you? All those mushy memories from that little mountain trip. What if he’s calling to—”
“Here, I’ll let y’all go. I was working on something anyway,” Gabriel said abruptly hanging up. My heart sank.
Jordan’s call was still incoming.
“Want me to answer it?” Katie asked.
“I guess?” I said, unsure. She answered the call, putting it on speaker again.
I said, “Jordan?”
“Em,” he said, his voice shaky.
“What’s up?” I asked.
“I was calling because,” his voice broke. “Nana died.”
Katie gasped. I went still.
Nana was his mom’s mom. She was a huge part of his life…and our life together. She made us dozens of dinners. She was there at birthday and graduation parties. She read every article I wrote and always sent me little compliments, always including favorite quotes. She meant a lot to Jordan but also to me.
