Chapter 51
JIM
Jim spent the entire night scouring every nook and cranny of the internet.
He’d ruined things with Miranda. He had to find proof that he was as much in the dark about the accidental marriage proposal as her.
He reviewed the footage until his eyes were blurry and he couldn’t see straight.
It had been a sleepless twelve hours, drinking bad hotel coffee to try and stay awake.
Sunlight seeped in through the shades.
Damn.
It was already morning.
His flight was in six hours, and he had to drive to San Francisco, which meant he had less than four hours at most to convince Miranda he hadn’t used her. It wasn’t a setup. It wasn’t for likes or for Voyager at all.
He only had one angle of the video from his perspective. He understood why Shelby thought he’d staged the shot. It did seem contrived, but it wasn’t. Not in the slightest.
If only he could find another angle.
He’d run out of options.
It was time to call an audible.
He had too much to lose.
Miranda was his future.
If he lost his job at Voyager for what he was about to do, so be it. He could find another job. There was only one Miranda Brown.
Jim didn’t even need to work up the courage to craft a plea to Voyager’s ten million followers, calling on anyone who may have witnessed the proposal to reach out to them. That in and of itself wasn’t a fireable offense, but what he did next was.
Calling all lovers,
If you were at the Half Moon Bay Fall Harvest Fest yesterday, we need your help tracking down the happy couple. DM us with your pics and videos and be entered to win an all-expenses paid trip to next year’s Harvest Fest. Details in caption. Link in bio.
Jim made sure to repost the original video, and then he clicked share.
It was done.
This had to work.
He felt jittery. Probably from way too much coffee and no sleep, so he jumped in the shower to shake off his nerves. By the time he’d showered, changed, and packed, there were dozens of responses to his post.
Along with a text from Shelby.
WTH Jim?!? Who approved that post and a budget for a giveaway? Why am I the last to know everything?
He felt bad for keeping her in the dark, but this wasn’t her problem.
This one is on me.
Three dots appeared immediately and then vanished again. He could picture her pacing in her hotel room, probably ready to throw her phone against the wall.
Meet in the lobby for coffee?
He extended an olive branch.
His career with Voyager was likely toast anyway. He might as well tell her the truth.
Five minutes.
The last thing Jim needed was more coffee, but he headed downstairs, found a seat in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the ocean, and waited for Shelby. He could hear her heavy footsteps before she arrived. She flopped onto the chair next to him and gave him a hard stare.
“What the actual hell, Jim?” Shelby didn’t hold back. “Are you trying to get us both fired?”
The lobby was quiet. It was early on a Sunday. Most guests were sleeping in and enjoying lazy coffee and pastries in bed after last night’s bonfire. “As I said, it’s on me. This has nothing to do with you. I will take full credit for the post.” Jim’s voice was even and measured.
“I don’t get it. Why? What’s your angle on this?” Shelby bounced her foot on the patterned carpet. She was clearly a bundle of nerves.
Jim knew she was worried about her job. He would put her out of her misery. “It’s because of Miranda,” he said softly, meeting her eyes and letting the implication sink in.
It took her a minute. She ran her fingers through her curls, which were still damp, and rested her chin in her hands. After a second, she drew in a breath. “Oh, oh, wait. Oh, God. You’re in love with Miranda?”
Jim couldn’t contain a smile as he nodded. “I fell for her hard.”
Shelby opened her mouth as if she was going to say something, then shut it again.
“I did not stage the video.” He raised his hand like he was swearing a solid oath.
“That was pure Miranda. I would have stopped her from walking through the proposal had I noticed, but I’ve been so caught up in her that I haven’t been able to tear my eyes away from her.
I missed it, too. I will admit I did encourage her to weave in one of my pumpkin puns, but that was the extent of it. ”
“Right. Yeah. Got it.” Shelby clasped her hands to her face and shook her head. “Well, damn, this is bad.”
“She’s very upset. Understandably. I tried to explain last night, but I think she’s lost trust in me.
I’ve watched every single video with the Half Moon Bay Harvest Fest hashtag, but I couldn’t find anything showing the proposal, so I decided to do something desperate this morning.
” Desperate was the wrong choice of words, at least regarding any potential fallout from Voyager.
His only desperation was to prove his love to Miranda.
“When I struck out, I decided I had to take more drastic measures. I am fully responsible for this, and I’ll explain this to the team.
You don’t need to worry about your job. I’m out of the running for the promotion with this stunt.
You’re getting credit for all the wonderful engagement and traction.
In fact, there’s a very generous bonus coming your way probably along with a promotion. ”
Shelby was silent.
He’d never seen Shelby at a loss for words.
A family with young children broke the uncomfortable calm, as the kids filled plates with apple cider donuts, scrambled eggs, and sausage while their bleary-eyed parents made a beeline for the coffee station.
Shelby threw her hand over her mouth and shook her head.
“Jim, I’m so sorry. This is my fault. I shouldn’t have flipped out about the video.
I was convinced that you set it up for likes, but God, I know that’s not your style.
I seriously had no idea, but now that I’m replaying this weekend, I’m an idiot.
Of course, I should have seen it. Miranda is so lovely, and she’s obviously into you, too. I’ve ruined it for you.”
A wave of relief washed over him. He was glad to have the air cleared between them. “It’s not ruined,” he replied, reaching for his phone. “My post worked. Look.”
Shelby took the phone. “You found them! They’re looking for her?”
Jim’s smile widened. “The happy couple is still here in town. They’re ready to share the video their photographer shot from the other angle, and they want to invite Miranda to the wedding.” He couldn’t believe his luck, or how quickly the internet had worked its magic.
“Oh, Jim, I’m so happy for you.” Shelby leaned in to give him a hug. Then she pulled away and jumped to her feet. “What are we waiting for? We need to find them!”
“Now?” Jim glanced at his watch. It wasn’t even eight yet.
“You’re in love with Miranda, yes?” Shelby folded her arms across her chest and gave him her most piercing stare.
“Yes.” Jim nodded slowly.
“Then what are we waiting for? I know exactly how we fix this.” She grabbed his hand and dragged him out of the lobby.