“And you too, Momma cat,” she said, running her fingertips across the top of Daisy’s head and receiving a lengthy purr as a thank-you.
Her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. “Hello,” she said as she took turns stroking the kittens’ soft fur.
“I just heard from Mr. G,” said Angela in her usual no-nonsense manner.
“Hang on.” Lauren gave her new family one last pet, then returned to the front office, where she briefly explained her situation to the young girl, asking her if it was possible to change the vet’s visitation for later today. While she checked their schedule, Lauren spoke to Angela. “So, what’s new?” Lauren asked while she waited.
“Mr. G said he’s sending his plane for you tomorrow. Apparently his pilot and copilot have some special knowledge of the latest aviation weather report, and you should be ready to travel with no weather concerns.”
Tomorrow?
She hadn’t even packed, nor had she mentally prepared herself for a flight. It wasn’t her favorite mode of travel, but it beat driving any day. “Did he give a specific time?”
“His office will call me half an hour before they land, so that should give you plenty of time to get to the airport.”
“Are you serious? Asheville is over two hours from here, longer in this weather.”
“Don’t get your undies in a wad. They’re flying into Fallen Springs. I think it’s called Mountain Aviation, a small airport there. According to the map on my phone, you’re twenty minutes away. With traffic and bad weather. Ten on a good day. I tried each scenario on Google Maps, just so you know.”
Lauren hadn’t even considered the local airport. She thought it was for small planes. “Are you sure?” she asked.
“I wouldn’t be calling you if I weren’t,” Angela quipped. “Make sure you dress like a professional. You might make more of an impression if you try to look your age.”
Lauren laughed. “I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
“It’s a compliment,” Angela said.
The young girl at the reception desk cleared her throat.
“Hang on again,” Lauren said, then directed her attention to the girl.
“Dr. Melloh will be in your neighborhood in forty-five minutes tops, he said. Will that work?”
“That’s perfect. So I can take the cats home tomorrow, then?”
“If the inspection goes well, sure,” said the girl.
Lauren asked, “What’s your name?”
“I’m Brandy,” she said.
“Then I thank you, Brandy, for rearranging his schedule for me.”
“Hey, it’s all good. Now I’m guessing I’ll see you sometime tomorrow?”
“Count on it,” Lauren said, then dashed outside to her car. The engine cranked over right away, and the heated air from the vents soon warmed her.
“You still there?” Lauren asked, putting Angela on speaker. She needed both hands on the wheel.
“I’m here.”
Lauren drove carefully down Oak Street. Even though it wasn’t snowing, she felt the Honda’s tires straining to keep traction. “So, you trust this guy? The weather and all?” Lauren asked, inching down the street at ten miles per hour. “I don’t like to fly as it is.”
“You won’t even know you’re in an airplane. From what I hear, Mr. G’s plane is luxury at its finest. We’re not talking puddle jumper here. We’re talking a 777, probably more decked out than Air Force One. I’ve heard it holds a Rolls Royce, too.”
“I’d have to see that to believe it,” Lauren said. “I can’t see the point of such extravagance.”
“Remember who you’re dealing with. Think of the Biltmore Estate. Mr. G’s playroom, according to what I’ve learned, is larger. So, having a Rolls Royce at your disposal would be normal for him.”
“I could never get used to living that way.”
“Whatever you do, don’t say that when you interview him. He’s totally self-made, so I’m going to go out on a limb and say there’s some pride in all he’s accomplished. Just keep that in mind when you start the interview.”
“Sure, but I need to hang up because I’m driving home, and the vet is stopping by to scope out the house. You’re sure this is a done deal?” Lauren suddenly felt as though she were about to be duped, as in ha-ha, the joke’s on you. Why in the world would a man so wealthy choose her as his biographer?
“You need to show some self-confidence, Lauren. You’ve got a stellar reputation, so yes, I’m sure this is a done deal. Remember, I brokered this myself, and you trust me, right?”
“Of course I do; it’s just this e-signature thing. Somehow, it lessens the, I don’t know, excitement, the thrill of signing