Seasons

by Bonnie Hopkins

  Really curious about where this was headed, she answered slowly. “I guess it’s like most jobs, you love some aspects and hate others.”

  “Oh? That’s surprising. What part of your job do you hate?”

  “Well, there’s another part of my job that you probably know nothing about. What you see at the hearings is just the culmination of a long process. By the time we get to that point, we have to be certain we’ve dotted every ‘i’ and crossed every ‘t.’” That’s where my staff and I take over. We’re kind of like the quality assurance arm of the department, making sure every detail is accurate before any kind of housing violation goes to a hearing.”

  “Yes. Being in real estate, I have a general idea of the process. And I’ve already noticed how good you and your staff are at what you do. But what part of it would you like to do away with?”

  “Having to go into those dangerous and sometimes collapsing buildings is extremely difficult, even though I’ve been doing it for years now. I don’t ever know what I’m going to encounter in a building. And believe it or not, finding a dead body is not my greatest fear. It’s the live ones, and those of the animal kingdom that I fear the most.”

  “You mean you go into those buildings?” At her nod of confirmation, he continued. “Alone!?” He sounded upset. “Why? Why would you put yourself in danger like that? That’s no job for a woman!”

  Jaci tensed up. She caught enough flack from her coworkers, she didn’t need it from him. She cautiously answered his question. “Well, I seldom go in alone anymore. I always take one of my staff with me, which doesn’t reduce the dangers, just makes them a little more bearable. But when I became an investigator ten years ago, I had to go alone.”

  “Why? You still haven’t answered my question. Bill told me you were the first woman to hold the position. Was it so important to become the first woman investigator that you put your life at risk?”

  “No. Of course not!” She was getting a little miffed at his attitude. “That was never my motive. And if you must know, I needed the investigator’s salary. I couldn’t care less about being the first woman to hold the position. Is this why you invited me to lunch? So you could hassle me about my job?” she asked a little testily.

  “No,” he answered slowly, still trying to process what she had told him. “Actually, I wanted to offer you a job.”

  “A job?” she asked, feeling both relief and surprise. Then she listened in wide-eyed astonishment as he told her he was the owner and CEO of Information Tech, a software development company, and explained what the job entailed.

  “Am I correct in my understanding that you work only four days a week?” he asked. After her affirmative nod, he continued. “I would like for you to come and work for me part-time. You would be researching and collecting detailed information from potential customers. Information that will assist in the development of comprehensive and effective software programs to meet the customers’ needs.”

  “But . . . I don’t understand. Don’t you have to do that up front? Before developing the software?”

  “In cases where we’re customizing it for the customer’s specific business, yes. And we often have to go through months of trial and error before getting the software working to the customer’s satisfaction,” he explained. “I’ve found that if we obtain more of the small, seemingly insignificant pieces of information often overlooked initially, we can ultimately save time and money, and maintain better customer relations.”

  With cautious but growing excitement bubbling through her, she felt she needed to confess. “J.P., my knowledge of computers is very limited. I know how to produce documents in several programs, and, in fact, I manage to make a little extra money from time to time doing word processing and graphic design jobs, but that’s the extent of my computer literacy.”

  J.P. continued in his deep, sexy voice that did unexplainable things to her insides. “This job doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge. I need someone who is conscientious, dependable, and who has the ability to pay attention to small details. I’ve watched you in those hearings and I know you’re that kind of person. It’s all about customer service and getting to the root of what my customers want and need. Jaci, I believe you’re perfect for this.”

  Although relieved that he hadn’t made some ridiculous proposition, she was reluctant to commit herself before thinking long and hard about it.

  “It sounds like something I’d like to do and I could certainly use the extra money,” she said, thinking about the cost of replacing her roof. “But I don’t know . . . it sounds almost too good to be true. I learned the hard way to never leap before taking a good long look.”

  “I can understand that. And if I’m making this sound like it’s that good—take my word for it, it’s hard, demanding work. That’s why finding the right person is critical. It’s very hard to find a conscientious individual with integrity and an eye for detail. I really need someone full-time, but at this point, I’ll take what I can get. Most of the work is local, but some travel is required. Would that be a problem?” He badly wanted to ask the question uppermost in his mind, but her wall of reserve made it difficult to find a way to approach it. He had to resort to fishing around for the information he needed.

  “The travel would be okay as long as I can plan it around my regular work schedule.” In all honesty, it sounded both intriguing and like an answer to her prayers.

  J.P. noticed her struggling and could guess some of her concerns. “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything that conflicts with your regular job, or that would interfere with your life in a negative way. You will always have the privilege to accept or reject assignments. I need someone to relieve me of some of these quality assurance responsibilities, and like I said, it’s vital that I have the right person. As you know, I’m heavily involved in my family’s real estate business and wish to expand our commercial holdings. But I can’t afford to neglect my other business interests either. My V.P. takes up a lot of the slack, but he’s beginning to get pretty stretched too.”

  “How much . . . I mean uh . . . what does the . . . uh . . . what’s the salary?” Jaci finally managed to ask. He quickly named a figure that caused her mouth to fall open. “You’re kidding!” she exclaimed loudly, causing heads to turn in their direction.

  He looked at her calmly and said, “No, I’m very serious. I know to get quality, you have to pay for it.” J.P. felt her hesitancy and suggested, “Why don’t you think about it. You don’t have to give me an answer right now. Just call me when you make your decision. You still have my card, right?”

  Jaci observed the amused look on his face and knew she had been right in her conclusion that he had watched her throw men’s unwanted phone numbers into the trash. “Yes, I still have it.”

  Her lunch was untouched as Jaci excused herself on the pretext of needing to get back to work. Her stomach was in too much turmoil to eat anyway. She prayed silently as she drove back to her office. Father, please give me the wisdom and guidance I need to make the right decision. I know I need the money and the job really sounds fascinating, but I know that everything that shines isn’t necessarily gold. And most importantly, Lord I want to be in Your will and purpose.

  J.P.

  J.P. had been troubled since his lunch with Jaci. The thought of her going into those dangerous buildings weighed heavily on his mind. He couldn’t understand why a woman would put herself in danger like that. But he didn’t know the whole story, he reminded himself.

  It took more than a week, but she finally called and accepted his job offer. He had literally given a joyful whoop! “Jaci, I promise, you won’t ever regret this. The timing is perfect. I’m bidding on a job for a hotel in D.C. on Friday. Can you go with me so I can start showing you the ropes? We’ll leave Thursday evening, do the assessment on Friday, and return Friday night or Saturday morning.”

  “It’ll be a push to get ready, but sure, I’ll be able to go.” After a brief pause, she continued. “But is one day
enough to get the kind of information you need to develop an effective program?”

  J.P. laughed. “See there, that’s what I mean. That detailed mind is already working. And to answer your question, yes, I believe so. They’ve already completed a preliminary survey and supplied enough data to get us started. We’ll go over it on the plane and plan the best way to proceed. We’ll primarily be looking for the small things they may have overlooked, details that will help us tailor the right program for their needs. We’ll do that by talking to employees from the top all the way down to the lowest level. We’ll review their current procedures, look at their records, and just observe how they conduct business.”

  “Okay. Sounds clear-cut enough. But I confess, I’m more than a little nervous about this.”

  “Don’t be. You can relax since you’re in training. But you will have to observe closely. I’m a pretty hard taskmaster and you should know, I expect a lot from my employees. And by the way, since I value my life, I have to ask, will your husband or significant other mind you traveling out of town with another man?” He boldly fished for information.

  “No. That’s nothing for you to worry about. But you’re scaring me with all this hard taskmaster talk. Now I’m wondering what I’m getting into. I don’t want to find myself trying to do a full-time job on a part-time basis. I want to make it clear that I’ll only be held accountable for part-time responsibilities. Otherwise, I’d better bow out right now.”

  “I’m not unreasonable, Jaci. You’ll be okay. You want to ride to the airport together? We’ll be flying out of Hobby.”

  “No, I’ll get myself there. I promise to be on time.”

  He knew that was her way of trying to keep things on a professional level, so he didn’t push the issue and provided the flight information.

  Their arrangements worked out smoothly. They met at the airport with no problem, and though Jaci was obviously nervous, she tried to cover it. He searched for a way to put her at ease, wishing he could tell her that her accompanying him meant more than the prospect of getting the luxury hotel account.

  As they studied the information on the plane, he was even more certain he had made a sound decision in hiring her, even beyond his ulterior motive of getting to know her better. Her limited knowledge of computers didn’t hinder her logical mind, and she brought up questions and pointed out customer relations details that the hotel and his staff had overlooked in their preliminary data.

  After checking in, and as they walked to their rooms, he asked about dinner. “How long will it take you to get ready for dinner? I don’t think it’s any dressier than what you have on. In fact, we’ll probably be fine with what we’re wearing.”

  Jaci tried to beg off. “I think I’ll bypass dinner. I’m kind of tired and I want to be well rested for tomorrow.”

  But J.P. wouldn’t let her. “You have to eat and we still need to go over a few things. I won’t keep you up too late. Anyway, the hotel manager may join us and give us a jump start on our work.”

  Jaci looked a little uncomfortable. “You’re the boss.”

  “Think you can be ready in say . . . forty-five minutes?”

  “Yeah sure,” she answered before entering the room next door to his.

  The remainder of the trip went as he had predicted. They worked all day Friday and well into the night, going through the hotel’s records and talking to employees. The process took longer than expected but Jaci was in her element. She dug right in, enthusiastically typing information on the laptop computer he brought along, often with comments or suggestions of her own. He loved it.

  It was after ten when they wrapped up things in the hotel office and headed to their rooms. “I’d like to go over everything again, compare notes, and see if we’ve overlooked anything before we leave. Are you up to doing that tonight?”

  “Well, I’m tired, hungry, and sleepy, so I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’ll try.”

  “Okay, okay! I know I’m acting like a slave driver—it’s just that when I’m on a roll, I hate to stop. Why don’t you take a thirty-minute break and get your second wind, then come on over and I’ll feed you. We’ll get down to work after we eat. It shouldn’t take long.”

  “All right, sounds good.” She realized when she got to her room that she was surprised at herself. She hadn’t hesitated at all about going to his room to work. She was amazed at how relaxed she now felt in his presence. What a difference a day makes, she thought with a smile. She showered and slipped into slacks and a casual blouse, ran a comb through her hair, put on lip gloss, grabbed her purse, and knocked at his door in just under thirty minutes.

  “A timely woman! I don’t believe it!” J.P. said with a smile as he opened the door.

  “I don’t play when it comes to my stomach,” Jaci joked.

  J.P. looked at her and knew he would have a hard time concentrating on work. Dressed casually in slacks and a short-sleeved blouse, Jaci looked beautiful. Her beauty packed more of a punch because she was totally unaware of it. She hadn’t dressed to impress or seduce, as he had come to expect from women. It was clear that comfort had been her only objective. But he was impressed. And he was seduced by her lack of pretentiousness.

  “I went ahead and ordered dinner. I didn’t think you’d want anything too heavy, so I ordered a chef salad with a fruit and cheese tray. Is that okay?”

  “Perfect.”

  “Let’s just relax while we wait for the food. Have you been to D.C. before?”

  “Yes, I was here years ago for a wedding. That was a short trip too. Someday I want to come when I have the time to tour the Smithsonian, the memorials, you know, the whole tourist scene.”

  “We could stay over if you want and do a little sightseeing. Sometimes you just have to seize the moment. Come here, let me show you something.”

  He opened the French doors leading to the balcony and led the way from the room. “If I’m not mistaken, you can see the White House from here.”

  “Oh wow!” She followed him onto the balcony. “I wish I could say yes to staying over, but I need to get back tomorrow. Now where is the White House?”

  He pointed it out to her, along with some other points of interest. “I spent a lot of time here years ago. But I haven’t done the tourist thing either. I’ve heard it takes more than a day just to get through the Smithsonian. I’d like to do that one of these days too.”

  They stood close together on the balcony and looked out over the dark streets. J.P. caught a whiff of her fresh, clean scent. He liked perfume on a woman, but the mere smell of soap on Jaci was wreaking havoc on his senses.

  “Jaci, I . . .” A loud knock on the door interrupted him. Sighing frustratedly, he went to let room service in.

  “You call this light?!” Jaci’s mouth dropped as she took in the large bowl of salad, a tureen filled with some kind of soup that produced a wonderful aroma, a tray of fruit and cheese, assorted crackers and rolls, and a dish filled with melon balls. A bottle of sparkling cider sat in an ice bucket. “This is wonderful, J.P.”

  They ate leisurely while they went over the hotel assessment. The meal was almost finished when J.P., taking note of everything she ate, observed that Jaci hadn’t touched the rolls. “You don’t like bread I see? Or are you on some kind of diet?”

  “Oh no. I love bread, but I don’t particularly care for rolls that are so hard you almost pull your teeth out trying to bite into them. These things could be used as baseballs.” She grabbed one and began tossing it into the air like a baseball. “I bet if one of these hit somebody in the head, it would knock them out cold.”

  J.P. walked across the room to the corner and grabbed a long stem silk flower from a tall vase and positioned himself, holding the flower like a baseball bat. “Okay, pitcher! Let’s see what you got.”

  Jaci stood, wound up, and threw the roll, as hard as she could. He swung with the flower, hit the roll and sent it flying across the room, where it hit a framed picture on the wall. J.P.’s deep la
ughter filled the room, while Jaci stood with her hands over her mouth, mortified at what she had done.

  “Oh my God! I can’t believe we just did that! I’m so tired, I must be out of my mind. Here I am throwing bread around in the middle of the night.” She picked up the roll and held it up, showing him it was still intact. “See what I mean. Hard as a rock.”

  He walked over and looked down at her with an expression on his face she hadn’t seen before. “I’ve really enjoyed this time with you, Jaci. You’re a lot of fun.” He moved closer and cupped her face in his hand. “You’re also one of the most beautiful women it has been my privilege to know. With the most beautiful eyes.” He leaned down and kissed both of her eyes. “And the most kissable lips,” his lips lightly brushed hers, “that I have ever seen.” His lips returned and rested longer on hers. “In fact, everything about you is beautiful.”

  With eyes closed and on tiptoes straining to reach his lips, Jaci knew she was going to scream if he didn’t kiss her the way she yearned for him to. Her arms went around him and pulled him closer.

  J.P. groaned, then said, “Oh honey, I don’t know if we should be doing this,” before his lips covered hers in a deep passionate kiss. She was the one who groaned then, and tried to get closer to him. “God, Jaci!” he said, then kissed her softly on the forehead. “I’m throwing you out of here right now. Come on, out you go.” He propelled her across the room, opened the door, and pushed her through it and into the hallway, slamming the door behind her.

  Jaci stood on the other side of the door, drawing deep breaths to gain control of herself. Oh Lord! Talk about coming undone! She had really lost it! She turned to walk the few steps to her room, then realized she didn’t have her purse and room key. She knocked on his door and waited. The door opened just enough and he handed her the purse before slamming it again.