by Ali Parker
Kari walked toward her, her hand extended. "Sorry. I didn't know if I should come back or not."
"No worries, child. I'm Martha Wittington. You must be Kari?"
Kari nodded, finally making it to the woman and shaking her thick hand. "Yes, ma'am. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice."
The woman turned and motioned for Kari to follow her. "Oh, nonsense. I've been looking for someone with your skills for almost two years now. You'd think being up here in the most beautiful part of the country would afford you a good photographer, but no... everyone here is only stopping in to take pictures and then head home."
Kari laughed softly, the woman quite animated. They walked down the hall and moved into a small office, Martha's name on the door with 'Editor in Chief' underneath it. She moved to her desk and pointed to a small chair in front of it. "Have a seat and let's chat. Forgive the mess. I haven't the time to deal with house cleaning type crap when I can barely keep the paper up and running."
Kari sat down and pressed her knees together, smoothing out her dress and looking up to take in the massive amounts of paper and books, photos, and all sorts of disorganization that littered the small space. "Well, hopefully I can help with that."
Martha plopped down in her chair, the small leather contraption groaning under the pressure of her large frame. "I think that would be wonderful. Let's talk money first to make sure we have the right to talk about abilities and demands. If I can't pay you what you're looking for then this conversation is moot and a waste of both of our time. Right?"
Kari felt her chest constrict. Money was usually a topic discussed over a welcome e-mail or through an acceptance letter. She wasn't even sure how much she needed to live each month or how much the other girls expected her to pay in rent. "Sounds great."
"Good." Martha clapped her hands and leaned back in her chair, her blue top bringing out the almost violent strands of her crimson hair. She had to have dyed it herself. It wasn't necessarily unattractive, but no way she paid someone to miss large chunks of her hair with the various colors. "I was thinking two thousand a month to start, and then in sixty days we could talk about a raise."
Kari had made three times that in New York, but also had been living near the heart of the city. Her rent and utilities were elevated because of location alone. She figured two thousand was better than any other offer she was going to get. After she got home and spoke with Sicily and Lisa, she decided if she needed more, then she'd talk to Martha about a raise, or she'd find another part-time job.
"That actually sounds great. I'm not sure of the cost of living here compared to New York, but I'm sure that will be plenty." Kari moved to set her purse down beside her, realizing that she was holding it almost like some sort of protection in front of her.
"Good. Now, let's talk about the difference between a small press and a large one."
Kari leaned back, crossing her legs. "That would be great. I've only worked for a large one."
"This much I know, but Steve, your old boss, told me he was grooming you for greatness!" She yelled the last part, Kari trying hard not to jump as the sound of her voice slammed into her.
"I'm not sure how Steve defines greatness, but my strength lies in photography. He had me do a lot of picture taking for him and we were working on me being a fill-in for our local news anchor when needed."
"Perfect." Martha clapped her hands together again, a few papers shuffling on her desk. "Well, I need a photographer more than anything, but there is always going to be a need for you to ask a few questions for us when you're on the scene."
"I'm fine with that. I'm not the best at writing up a story or being live on camera, but pictures I can definitely do and asking a few questions doesn't sound too hard." Kari nodded as if she wasn't ready to bolt. She was fine taking pictures, she could do that all day, but having to ask questions and interview people sounded intimidating.
"I knew you'd be perfect for us. Just something in my gut told me when I spoke to Steve about you the other day."
"Do you know Steve?" Kari asked.
"Everyone who's anyone knows Steve. Such a shame about him and his wife all those years ago. She's a complete floozy." Martha sighed, rolling her eyes and moving her hands about as she spoke. "Anyway. The job is yours, kiddo, if you want it."
Kari smiled. "I want it. When do I start?"
Martha stood and moved around her desk. "Now. Come on and I'll show you your office. Cliff was scheduled to take some pictures and do a short interview for us this afternoon, but he's called in sick. I'll need you to fill in for him. Do you have your camera with you?"
Kari wanted badly to lie and say she couldn't today, but to turn her new boss down on day one when the woman obviously needed help wasn't going to win her friends and help her influence people. She simply nodded. "Yes, I have it in the back of my car."
"Well, good. Let me show you to your office and you can get settled and I'll draft up the paperwork we need on you for your employment." Martha moved out of the office and Kari got up to follow after her. She let her eyes move along the various clippings of the paper, one in particular catching her eye.
Jake.
She stopped and reached up to touch the small paper, calling after Martha. "Hey... just real quick. Who is this?"
Martha stopped and waddled back down the hall, pulling her glasses from her hair and reaching up to take the frame from the wall. "Oh yes. This is Jake Isaac. He's a great kid."
"Kid? He looks like he's at least my age."
Martha put the picture back on the wall and laughed. "Yes, he is. You're both kids to me."
Kari stayed behind a few minutes, leaning in to read about Jake. Not much was given other than him being a hometown hero, his willingness to serve as the volunteer fire department chief being the reason for the header altogether. She leaned in closer as Martha called her to come on.
Sighing, she walked down the hall and turned into the last doorway on the right. The office was spacious and rather clean - both unexpected. "Wow, this is nice."
Martha laughed, turning from just having opened the blinds on the windows. "My office looks like this too, but the years of work have cluttered it beyond recognition."
Kari's cheeks burned. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."
Martha cut her off, moving toward her and putting her hands on Kari's shoulders. "Don't be silly. We're going to be the best of friends, right as rain. Go get your stuff and get settled and I'll be back in a bit."
Kari nodded, a warm smile crossing her lips. "What time is the interview this afternoon?"
"It's at three o'clock. It's for teacher of the year, so it should be pretty simple. You'll like the school. It's quaint and houses most of the kids in the town from fifth to eight grade."
"All of the junior high kids fit into that one school?" Kari balked as Martha squeezed her shoulders and walked out.
"You aren't in New York anymore, honey."
Kari laughed. "I guess not."
Chapter 10
Kari gathered her things from her car, her camera bag strapped over her shoulder. She'd have to ask Martha about painting the walls, as it was just too clinical with all the white staring at her. She set her stuff on a small, round table that sat at the far corner of her office and walked to sit in her large leather chair. Not that she'd be in the building much, but when she was there it was nice to know that she'd have a great place to be - a place of her own. That was unheard of at the Herald. She was lucky to have a badge to get into the front door, much less a key.
She picked up her phone and texted her friends, then her brother, Steve, and then her mother. Everyone would want to know if she'd gotten the job. She got a handful of texts right back congratulating her and giving her accolades. Steve told her to call later to get the scoop on Martha and the town in general. She couldn't help but chuckle. There wasn't anyone her boss didn't know and any amount of dirt on them he was sure to sell to the highest bidder. Putting her phone up, she reached over and pi
cked up a pen, leaning over to fill out the paperwork for her employment.
*
Martha walked in little while later, Kari having wrapped up her to-dos and deciding to give herself a tour of the place. It was small, but homey, the walls colorful and the various stories displayed beautifully.
"Okay, kiddo. About time to head over to the junior high. It's Pete Junior High and it's on the corner of Market and Main. There is a small grocery store just beside it. Red brick building." She walked toward the window, looking out and pointing. "You can almost see it if you look just out this way."
Kari stood up and stretched. "I think I know where it is. We went to that grocery store last night I believe."
Martha turned back. "Oh, good. Well, just stop by the front and let them know you're there to interview the teacher of the year and the two runners up and they will find a small room for you and usher them in. Just ask about their teaching style, maybe if they wanted to be an educator when they were kids themselves, and then get some good photos. The kids will all be gone, but you can have them stand at the front of the room and pretend or whatever you think. What am I saying? You're a photographer. You've got this."
Kari smiled and moved to pick up her camera bag and purse. "I shall do my best. Report back here?"
"Heavens no. We work from nine until three or four. Just do your thing and go home afterward. We'll meet up here in the morning and I'll get the information from you and type up the story. It goes out on Wednesday." Martha placed her hand on her hip and tilted her head. "You good?"
Kari nodded, her stomach a ball of nerves. "Couldn't be better."
The schoolyard was empty when she pulled up, the breeze blowing the swings back and forth. She stopped just outside the front door and closed her eyes, breathing in deeply and trying to steady her heart. She hated meeting people for the first time, and having to ask question after question to a bunch of strangers just seemed like hell. Opening her eyes, she exhaled slowly and walked in, smiling at the small blond at the front desk.
"Hi there. Can I help you?"
"Yes, I'm Kari Martin from the paper."
The girl stood up and walked around the counter, a wide smile on her petite mouth. "Oh yes! Martha told us she was looking to interview some big named photographer from New York. How fun!"
Kari laughed and reached out to shake the woman's hand. "No sure about the big name part, but I am from New York."
"Well, we're just glad you're here. We nominated our teachers a few weeks ago and the winners were announced on Friday. Just couldn't have a better group of educators." She smiled and walked toward a set of glass doors. "Come on. I'll get you set up and bring them in to see you. You want the winner and then first runner up and then second, or what?"
Kari followed behind the girl, reaching to hold the door for them both. "I think I'd like to meet second runner up and then first and then we'll go with your teacher of the year."
"Sounds great. You thinking in their rooms or in a conference room?"
"I think their rooms would work better for the pictures if that's okay?"
The girl slowed a little as Kari moved up beside her. "I think that's great. The second runner up this year was Ms. Basting. She's a language arts teacher and she's older than dirt, but smart as all get out."
Kari smiled and simply nodded, moving with the woman to the first classroom. The elderly woman with a crown of white hair was pleasant and incredibly smart. Kari soon found her stride as she spoke with the woman, taking notes about things that she figured Martha might want to add into the headliner. She took a few pictures and then went to visit Miss Jones, a new teacher who was cute enough to make Kari want to check herself in the bathroom mirror. Her short brown bob cut made her look like an exotic pixie of sorts. She was the fifth and sixth grade math teacher.
Kari laughed with her over a few jokes the other woman made about the small town, she herself just having moved in the last few years from California. They talked about the teacher's ambitions and her love of kids and then Kari got some great shots of her for the paper. She thanked her and had her buzz the secretary, who showed up in a rush.
"I totally forgot I had to get my kids from the ex this afternoon. I'll walk you to the gym for your last visit, but you'll have to show yourself out. That okay?"
Kari nodded and walked quickly with the shorter woman to the gym. They stopped just outside of it and the secretary picked up her phone again. "Okay, he's just inside. Best coach in the world, so this should be an easy interview."
Kari thanked her and walked into the small gymnasium. The sound of a basketball dribbling made her smile as she stopped at the edge of the court. The handsome man moving underneath the basket made her heart palpitate. He was tall and strong, his muscles flexing as he shifted from place to place. He jumped, the ball rolling off his fingers and into the basket, and his shirt lifted, the defined lines of abs well taken care of on display. Her breath caught in her chest and she almost felt bad for the thoughts running through her head.
Lisa was right - Frank wasn't her type, but this guy was him to a 'T'.
She walked forward, her voice shaky as she called to him. "Hi there. I'm here to interview the teacher of the year. I'm Kari."
He turned around and jogged her way, a playful smile on his lips as he reached for her hand and winked. "Hi Kari. I'm Jake. How'd that wine work out for you last night?"
Chapter 11
She was the last person he expected to see when he turned, her raven colored hair draped across her shoulders, accentuating their feminine slope. He smiled and extended his hand, his body aching from pushing himself so hard in his workout. He knew she was trouble the minute he’d laid eyes on her the night before, but he couldn't seem to help himself to move closer. It was simply a gentlemanly move to help her with her wine selection, a nice welcoming spirit. Nothing romantic or showing interest, just being polite.
Yeah right.
The look on her pretty face told him quickly that she was as surprised to see him standing there as he was to see her. She quickly righted herself, her expression changing to supreme confidence.
"The wine was surprisingly good." She shook his hand and looked around the gym. "Anywhere we can sit down and talk for a few minutes? I need to interview you for your award and then get a few shots."
"Jump shots or pictures?" He smiled and turned to point to a small office at the edge of the court. "My office is over there, but let's do the picture first while I'm nice and sweaty. It will give the kids a nice laugh when they see the paper."
She smiled and shook her head, the smell of her perfume rising up to clog his senses. "No jump shots for me. It's been far too long since I've played basketball."
He turned to walk beside her, looking over as she looked up at him. She had to be one of the most beautiful women he'd seen in the last few years. Having moved to Maine from Texas, the scenery changed, and for that he was grateful. The less trouble to get into - the better.
"Where do you want me?" He leaned over and picked up the basketball, turning to watch her eyes move across his lower half until she reached his gaze. She took a shaky breath, the flushed skin around her neck making her level of comfort obvious to him.
"How about by the basketball hoop and then we can take one outside if you want?"
He nodded and moved toward the hoop, standing beneath it with the ball tucked under his arm and a smile on his face. A long drip of sweat raced down the side of his face, over his neck, and tickled the skin of his chest. He reached up to rub it as she clicked the picture.
"You have to stay still for the shot." She moved the camera and smiled over the top of it.
He shrugged and got back into position. "What? It tickled."
She took a few shots and then pointed to the door at the far end of the gym. "Wanna take a few outside?"
"Let's do the interview. Let me stop sweating first."
"I thought you wanted sweaty pictures."
He laughed and chucked the ba
ll across the gym. "Oh I do, but the sweat would turn into sweatcicles on me out there."
She shook her head and moved beside him, pulling her camera back onto her shoulder.
"You play any sports?" He moved ahead, reaching to hold the door open as she walked in. His eyes moved down the perfect slope of her lower back, the subtle curve of her hips demanding his attention. He let out a soft sigh and coached himself to stay focused.
She sat and crossed her legs, leaning forward as she laid a small tablet of paper on his cluttered desk. He walked around the desk and sat down, reaching for a white towel to wipe his forehead with. His eyes never left contact with hers as he wiped his head and face, shifting to pull his jacket off before letting out a sigh. "Much better."
She laughed and he couldn't help but smile. "Why were you wearing a coat while playing basketball?"
He leaned back and took her in, a smile playing on his lips at the soft curve of hers. "I was outside with the kids most of the afternoon and it's freezing here."
"Not from the northeast I take it?"
He shook his head. "No, I'm a country boy at heart, but don't tell anyone. I have a good thing going here for being a hard ass."
She chuckled again and stared a moment longer than one might consider natural. Her cheeks colored pink as she glanced down at her paper, clearing her throat. "Okay, well I don't want to waste your time, so let's get on with the interview part."
He nodded and took full advantage of her attention being elsewhere as he studied her. She had no idea how beautiful she was. It was apparent by the slight slope of her shoulders, her smile not reaching her eyes. Something had happened to her and he hated the fact that he wanted to know what. Knowing would only cause him to want to break his own promises to himself. No dating until he was healed from Bethany. No getting involved on a spur of the moment fling or falling in love with the next beautiful woman who walked into his life.