Page 91 of It Couldn't Be You
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Gabe
I was completely ignored at the BBQ. I understand you were falling in love, or what have you, but still. Not even a ‘hello.’
Me
you know how it can be with all-consuming love
Gabe
so there was a ‘love connection’ as your dad kept referring to it?
Me
yes. Planning wedding now.
Me
Not at all. We didn’t even exchange numbers. Truly I’m the one who is hurt that NO ONE came to save me or at least help divide up Nathan’s attention.
Gabe
tbh we all were busy laughing at you.
Gabe
and also, admittedly, it was hard to tell if you were into it or not. Didn’t want to be a distraction.
Me
YOU, not want to be a distraction?
Me
that’s like your whole thing
Marianne called me a few days later, asking if I would fly to California and write about a little central coast town called Cambria.
“Write about it as a hidden gem, perfect for a getaway,” she said. I would need to go in May before June Gloom hit. Could I go? She asked.
I said, yes, yes,yes. I could go.
“Oh,” she added before we hung up. “We can pay for an extra guest if you want to bring a friend or significant other. Just email me the details by the end of the week.”
I immediately dialed Katie’s number, and she agreed to go on the trip with me. I compiled everything Marianne requested, and our flights and hotels were booked.
So, days later, Katie and I sat in her kitchen excitedly planning for our coming trip. This city, Cambria, was close enough for a day trip to a city called Paso Robles where we could do a wine tasting. And we were researching all of the little shops and cafes along this strip of coastline.
“There’s even this Ranch Preserve where we could go on a long walk and get the prettiest pictures,” I said, zooming in on the map on my laptop.
Katie peered over my shoulder. “I can’t believe how many dreamy little cities exist that I don’t even know about.”
“It’s why I’m writing about it,” I said as if I had known it existed all along.
“There are actually tons of little coastal cities like this all along the central coast of California,” Gabe said, walking into the kitchen with Jack London hopping between his ankles. “You hear a lot about the southern coast, like Malibu, Laguna, San Diego, and the northern coast, like San Francisco and Monterey. But there are other places to see along the ocean.”
“Since you know about this stretch of coast, maybe you can help me plan?” I asked, slipping from my seat at the kitchen island.
