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Four days later, I heard back from Adrian about the MyCabin sponsorship. I was just finishing my lunch at the kitchen table and sorting through some video clips on the laptop when the phone rang.
“We’re really excited to get you on board,” he said. “My team has already started sourcing a second property in case we decide to renew for another project after the Minnesota cabin. Based on the timeline information you gave us, we think you’ll be able to get this reno done before the winter weather hits up there as long as you start by the first of August like we talked about. That would put you at the second property around first of October, and of course we’ll pick a mild locale for the winter project. We’re thinking possibly the Blue Ridge Mountains or even a lake house in Alabama.”
I thought about being that far away from any chance at seeing Cooper, and it was simply not possible. I didn’t want this sponsorship more than I wanted him. Suddenly, I knew with great clarity that I would be willing to work at a hardware store in LA if it meant being part of Cooper’s life.
“Would you ever consider finding a property in Southern California?” I asked, drawing a design with my fingertip on the smooth table surface.
Adrian actually laughed. “Never in a million years. I hope you’re joking. Even a company much bigger than ours wouldn’t invest that kind of money into a YouTube campaign.”
He went on to remind me that in addition to the primary vlog, they were also offering compensation for print and television ads. “We can shoot all of those at a studio here in Vancouver. We’ll fly you out for—”
“I don’t have a passport,” I blurted. “I don’t fly.”
He was quiet for a minute, and then he spoke more slowly like he was approaching a live grenade. “That’s okay… we can work around those things if need be…”
“Listen. I’m not sure about all of this. My boyf—” I stopped myself. “My… Cooper just got out of the hospital and I… I’m just a little… I’d like to ask his feedback on this first if that’s okay.”
“Sure. Take the rest of the week if you need it. We’re still putting together some of the contract language anyway, so that’s not a problem. You know where to reach me if you or your… Cooper have any questions.”
He sounded understanding, and I was beyond grateful for it. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
As soon as I got off the phone, it rang again. It was my parents’ home number.
“Hi,” I said.
“Hi, son, it’s me. Dad.” As if I didn’t recognize his voice. My dad’s voice had two volumes: booming and thundering. It boomed on a regular day and only thundered when he was truly angry, like Sir PAL angry. Today he was merely booming. “I was calling to let you know when we’re going to need you for the next bit of harvest work. The pinch wheel harvester is having some problems, but Colt is working on it. Won’t need that one till September anyway, but the…”
He droned on about farm stuff, and I felt the same, familiar pull of family obligation that was such a part of who I was. There’d never been a question about me helping my family with the harvest. It was simply a fact of life. Even Walt knew I needed time off during harvest times to help Aaron and my dad.
But this year, for the first time ever, I had other things going on outside of my family obligations. I had the job in Minnesota and Cooper in LA. I felt like one of those old stretchy action figures being pulled in three different directions.
“I don’t think I’m going to be able to help you this year, Dad,” I said, cutting him off midsentence.
There was a moment of silence. “You always help me with the harvest, and I’ve already had to go through one haying without you. Was a damned mess.”
I felt a nervous rumbling under my skin. “I know, but this summer’s turning out to be tough. Maybe Colt can get some time off or Tip… or maybe Graham can help out for once in his life. Heck, even Jessie and her friends from school probably wouldn’t mind helping as long as you bought them some pizza and beer after.”
He scoffed. “The way that girl drives her little sports car confirms she’s never getting behind the wheel of my tractor. Besides, she can’t lift a bale of hay like you can, and neither can Tip or Lucky as they proved during the first cut. And Colt can’t get the time off.”
“Dad…”
“Your mother said you should be done with that cabin business by end of the month, so I’ll expect you for the second cut right after that. Then we’ve got the sugar beets to bring in. Hopefully Colt will fix that damned pinch wheel by then.”
