Page 37 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“We need to find out who is on the product design team.”

Matt’s eyes widened. “You’ve narrowed it down?”

“Yeah, I’m positive.”

He walked into his office and reappeared a few moments later with his laptop open. “I just sent their director, Jake, a message.”

I held my breath as I watched the three little bubbles that indicated Jake was typing.

“We’ve got Allen, Milly, Travis, Lane, and Hayden.” Matt glanced up. “Any of those ring a bell?”

I frowned. “No.”

Cora waved me off. “I already texted their team’s assistant. He said the team usually eats lunch on the second floor. There are a few lounge areas that are always available.”

I smiled at her, ready to reach over and kiss her forehead for being so brilliant.

“So I guess I know where to find you two during lunch,” Matt said with a chuckle. “Report back later.”

“I can’t believe it. We actually figured it out.” I couldn't stop smiling even though my cheeks were starting to ache.

“Next step, talking to him.” Cora waggled her eyebrows.

I was so hyped about solving the mystery that I forgot about that little detail. Goldie had become such a far-fetched figure in my mind that I never really thought about what would happen when we figured out who he was. I was going to have to introduce myself and actually have a real conversation with him. He could be horrible, or annoying, or have irritating habits that completely turned me off. I never considered any alternatives other than us falling madly in love with each other and living happily ever after.

Well, that could still happen, as long as I didn’t completely freak out and ruin my chance.

I blew out a breath. “How about you scope him out for me and let me know what you think?”

She laughed once and then shook her head. “Nope. Not a chance. I’ll go with and be back up if you need me, but this is all you.”

I groaned. “What if I embarrass myself?”

“You probably will.” She grinned. “But if he’s interested in you, then he’ll find it charming.”

I cringed. “Wonderful. Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

She shrugged. “It’s going to be fine. It’s not like you’re going to walk up to him, introduce yourself, and immediately propose marriage. Right?”

I ignored her teasing. “I should probably start by finding out if he’s even single.”

“Yeah, that’s a good starting point.”

I sighed. “He’s probably not. I mean, guys like him just aren’t available. He’s probably got a beautiful girlfriend or wife.” I scrunch my nose at the thought.

“Hey! No being negative. We’ve got to go into this as if we’ve already won, okay?”

I appreciated the pep talk. “Thanks. I should probably get some real work done now. Let me know when you want to head downstairs.”

I went back to my desk and opened my laptop—as if my brain would be able to focus on anything other than counting down the seconds until it was lunchtime. I was beyond excited, ecstatic even, that we’d figured out what team Goldie was on. This was a huge step forward, but it also made it real.

For the past few days, he’d been a fun distraction. A crush, but not a real one. More like the love you had for your favorite boy band growing up. You loved their image, their projected persona, but you didn't really know them, and it didn’t matter. It was just fun to have a favorite to talk about with your friends. I wasn’t playing MASH or writing my first name with his last name, mostly because I didn't know it, but so far this had just been fun.

Now it was real.

I’d spoken to him. I’d complimented him.

He’d smiled at me.