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Sticky notes line the edge of his computer screen. Papers are piled to the left and right of his keyboard—the complete opposite of Kaitlyn’s work area.
Ethan lifts one brow. An unusually neat brow for Ethan. Since he married Emily, the wild, hairy brows have been tamed.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from my star tour guide? Or should I say, famous tour guide? I love the time-lapse on the last post, by the way.”
I scoff. I’m far from famous. Ethan’s such a dork. But since he’s singing my praises, maybe he’s in the mood to say yes. “Your famous Clear Creek Adventurer . . . um . . . has come to ask for an extra employee benefit.” I wince and grit my teeth. “Can that include free use of the theater? For one night?” I hold my breath and place my hands together in a prayer sign. “When it’s not being used, of course. I’ll make sure it’s spotless afterward.”
Ethan leans back in his chair, presses a finger to his chin, and swings side to side. “You want the whole theater to yourself? Hey, I never thought of hiring it out for private functions.” He grabs the office receiver and presses a button.
I hear Kaitlyn’s voice on the other end. “What now?”
Ethan chuckles. “A good thing you’re married to my best friend. I’d sack any other receptionist.”
Kaitlyn’s muffled voice replies, “You’d be crying if I left. You’d have to do all the work around here.”
He laughs. “True enough.”
“Anyway, Dion promoted me to Senior Office Assistant, remember?”
He smiles and peeks out the window at the gorgeous mountain view. “Just another name for a glorified receptionist.”
“Right. And a marketing manager is a glorified salesman.”
“Ooohh. Good come back.”
“I’m going to put salt in your coffee instead of sugar.”
Ethan chuckles. “You’re not meant to tell me first, Kaitlyn. Is this what Jake has to put up with at home?” He cups his mouth and whispers to me, “She’s not as sharp since she became pregnant.”
I raise my brows. I didn’t know Kaitlyn was pregnant.
“Anyway, let’s focus now. Lauren’s got a clever idea to hire out the theater for private functions.”
I frown.
“Can you crunch some numbers and come up with times and days when the theater isn’t in use?” He pauses. “I’ll need to talk to Emily before I present the idea to the board. It’s her baby. But, if she’s cool to hire it out between shows, we could make a pretty penny.”
“No problem. Boss. I’ll get onto it.”
“Thanks. You’re awesome. Senior. Office. Assistant.” Ethan puts down the phone and grins at me.
“Wow. You guys are a class act. Is this what it’s like every day?” I shake my head.
“She’s sassier since the pregnancy hormones kicked in. I get this at work, then go home to Emily for more unexpected pregnancy mood swings.”
“When did Jake and Kaitlyn get pregnant?”
“It’s the one swimming race I beat Jake in.”
I cover my mouth. “You should print a certificate from the internet and frame it with your others.” I point to the district awards he has nailed to the wall.
He waves his forefinger. “I just might do that. Now. Back to your request. What do you need the theater for?”
My throat goes dry. “A private function.” I stare past him to the window. “It’s more for my friend’s grandmother.” I meet his curious gaze. “It’s important to"—I nearly said Mason’s name, but I don’t want to give away too much information. Rumors get around fast. “The grandma. A significant milestone.”
Ethan angles his head and nods. But his twitching brow hints at suspicion.
“Milestone? Like a decade has passed? Eightieth birthday or something?”
