Bridgetown's Eleventh Hour

by Shirley A. Roe

  “You’re interviewing them on going green? I guess Sarah’s marketing is already working.” He looked disgusted.

  “Don’t get hot and bothered. I think they might be sincere. Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt for now, shall we?” She gave him her most pleading wide eyed look.

  Jack looked skeptical. “I will be very interested to read your interview. That’s all I am going to say, because I don’t need any more arguments.”

  “Do you really think it’s over for you and Sarah?” Christine didn’t want to bring up an unpleasant subject, but she wanted to know if Jack felt the same way as Sarah.

  “I love Sarah, but we are drifting apart. Remember when we first met, and she would come to all the rallies with me? She planted trees on Earth Day and helped clean up the vacant lot so we could turn it into a park. You were there as well.” Jack smiled as he remembered all the good times they had together.

  “I was there and we were all trying to make a difference. But this is now, and Sarah has bills to pay, we all do. She needs this contract, Jack. You might try to understand.” Christine was trying, but she knew she would not win this one.

  “She sold her soul for money!” Jack barked. Christine grimaced. It was worse than she thought. Sarah and Jack were no longer on the same wavelength.

  “Jack, how can you say that?”

  “She chose money over doing what’s right. I love her, but I can’t condone that. I need someone that feels as strongly as I do about this earth. I went to jail twice because I was protesting against some corporate giant. I will do anything. Do you know that I was going to go to Ireland for the World Wildlife Federation for a very meager fee? It would barely cover expenses, but I didn’t care, because I believe in what I am doing.”

  “In that case Jack, I think you have made your choice and unfortunately, Sarah has made hers. It is too bad, because I always thought you two were great together.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose life goes on. When are you getting out of this place?”

  “In about a week and before you ask, I can go back to Bernie’s. All my stuff is in his spare room and he doesn’t mind if I stay there. It’s good enough for me.” Christine felt that Jack needed to rest so she bid him farewell and left him alone.

  Jack sat and stared out the window. In his heart he knew that there was only one choice for him, he had to be true to his goals and his dreams. He had to make a difference in this world. His Uncle Paul had taught him well. He could still hear him saying, “Jack, everything on this earth has a purpose, a reason for being. You must find yours and stay true to it.” Saving the planet was his life’s purpose and for Jack Giovanni, it was everything.

  Chapter Three

  Christine arrived at Martin and Schultz Chemicals, just as the local landscaping company was delivering the trees. She walked over to the truck and watched as the men unloaded dozens of small pine, spruce and maples, from the back of the truck. Watching as muscles strained and perspiration soaked through their shirts, she admired one of the men in particular, thinking to herself, He looks like a tall drink of water on a very hot and steamy day. As if sensing her gaze, the object of her scrutiny turned toward her and recognizing her from school, shouted. “Hey Christine Hill, what are you doing here?” She looked back in surprise.

  He was a tall, well muscled, young man with dark shoulder length hair that hung in his eyes and he pushed it back with a gloved hand. Christine thought he looked very sexy.

  “Matt, it has been a long time. Are you working for Harrison Landscaping now?”

  “Yep, I’m foreman of this crew; I’ve been here for more than a year. What are you doing here? Give up writing to work for the chemical company?”

  “I’m working on a story for the Banner. Actually, I am here to interview Mr. Martin about the company’s new environmental image. What’s with all the trees?”

  “We are planting more than thirty trees in the back two acres of this property and planting flower beds across the front. Looks like Martin is right, they are definitely trying to make an improvement.”

  “Do you mind if I take some pictures for my story?” Christine took her Pentax camera from the bag on her shoulder and took several shots of the trees and the landscaping truck. “Stand over here and look sexy, Matt.” He blushed and looked away. “Come on,” she encouraged. He picked up the shovel and stood beside one of the larger trees. “Flex those biceps, Matt. This is your fifteen minutes of fame and you might be on the front page.” He laughed out loud and Christine found the sound of his voice very pleasant. She took a few more pictures and then put the camera back in the bag. He watched her, fixating on her slim but curvaceous body.

  “How about going to a movie with me tonight, Christine?” Matt inquired.

  “I would love to. I have been dying to try that new Chinese restaurant that just opened up. Can I buy dinner and you can take us to the movies afterward?” Matt smiled widely at the suggestion. He liked a woman that was willing to pay her own way, and he was a little short on cash this week, having just bought a new Camaro.

  “It’s a deal, I love Chinese. Pick you up at six?”

  She handed him her address and phone number written on a piece of crumpled paper. “I’ll be ready, and don’t dress up. Jeans are as fancy as I get.” Again he was impressed. This was his kind of woman and she was very attractive in those tight jeans and black leather jacket. He watched her walk toward the building, her brown hair swaying sensuously. Matt started to whistle as he stuffed the paper in his back pocket and finished unloading the truck.

  Christine met Charles Martin in his office. She interviewed him before going on a tour of the plant. She made notes and took pictures of the recycle bins, the signs that seemed to be everywhere and the cleanliness of the plant. One of the pictures she took was of Alvin and Charles in front of the new, environmentally friendly, by-product incinerator. She looked at the camera’s digital display. Charles was smiling, but Alvin looked rather disinterested. Checking the digital screen one more time, she decided to try again. She asked him to smile and took a second shot. Looking through the viewfinder, she thought he looked more like he was grimacing than smiling. She decided that she could use the other pictures in her article. All in all the tour went well and she had to admit, she was impressed. Charles smiled as he guided her through the plant, making sure to show her just what he wanted her to see. He was pleased when she mentioned the trees. He had planned the arrival of the trees, intentionally to coincide with her being at the plant. Pleased with the result, she left the building feeling that she had enough information for a good article. She put her camera and briefcase in the trunk, and looked to see if the landscapers were still there. Disappointed at the empty lot, she backed her old car out of the parking lot. Her next assignment was the livestock sale at the Agricultural Fairgrounds in two hours. She had time to go and have lunch and arrange her notes and pictures.

  The livestock sale was bustling with local farmers, cattle and noisy auctioneers. The arena was dusty and noisy as she moved around taking pictures and talking to the farmers. She made arrangements to go out to one of the farms the next day and get a more personal angle for the article. Christine was enjoying this work more than she thought she would, and now she had a lovely evening to look forward to. She thought about Matt and his muscles. It sent a shiver of pleasure down her back.

  Matt arrived at six, wearing fresh jeans and a dark sweater, with a pale blue shirt underneath. A jean jacket was tossed casually over his shoulders and she liked what she saw. He helped her into her jacket, glancing down at the curve of her behind in the black jeans. She wore the blue scarf that Sarah had given her and it went perfectly with the navy sweater she wore. She flipped her hair over the collar and he held the door for her. They took the stairs down the three flights instead of waiting for the elevator. When Christine saw his car, she was very surprised. “Wow, is this new?” She sat in the car, sinking into the luxury of the leather seat. She could smell the leather and comm
ented on the new car smell. Matt showed her the car proudly.

  “I picked her up three days ago. She’s a beauty, isn’t she? And she goes like hell! I’ll take you out on the country roads after the movie and I might even let you drive, if you’re good.”

  “Oh, I’m good,” she teased seductively. He looked at her and raised his eyebrows. She laughed, “Now, let’s eat because I have had a wonderful day and I’m starving.”

  The food and the conversation were excellent, but the movie was disappointing.

  “I don’t know about you, but I didn’t think much of that.” Matt opened the shiny, red door for her and she climbed into the car.

  “I wasn’t impressed. Too much shooting and blowing everything up, for my taste.”

  “Well then, how about a nice drive in the country?” He started the car and pulled onto the main street.

  “Don’t forget you said I could drive. I intend to take you up on that promise.” She looked at him in anticipation.

  “Let’s go and see what kind of a driver you are, shall we?” They passed the school and the church and headed north of town, past the chemical plant and into the country. Bridgetown was surrounded by both crop and cattle farms. A large turkey farm was located south of town. Keeping to the paved roads, the car handled well on the curves and Matt pulled over beside a large farm gate. He hopped out and ran around to the passenger side, pulling the door open. “Okay, Mario Andretti, let’s see what you can do.” Christine grinned from ear to ear. She jumped out and ran around to the driver’s side. Soon she was shifting gears and putting the car through its paces. She loved driving the sports car. It was exhilarating. Matt was impressed with her driving skill and felt comfortable with her at the wheel. They drove around for an hour and then he took her home.

  “Do you want to come up for a drink?” Matt had been hoping she would ask. The two of them enjoyed each other’s company for another hour before he said goodnight. At the door, he kissed her firmly on the lips. She put her arms around him, even at five foot nine she had to stand on tiptoes to return the kiss. She noticed the faint fragrance of his cologne, pulling the scent of spice and citrus into her nostrils as she held him tightly. His arms were strong and made her feel safe and secure. He bid her goodnight. They both knew they would see each other again. Christine dropped her clothes on the floor of the bedroom and went to bed, thinking that this was the perfect day from start to finish.

  Chapter Four

  Jack recovered from his infection and was released from hospital the following week. His pal Bernie picked him up and took him home to his apartment. Fortunately, it was a ground floor apartment and there were no stairs for Jack to climb. He settled in his room and took a nap.

  Bernie woke him two hours later. “Jack, the phone is for you.” Jack, sleepy-eyed and disoriented, reached for the phone.

  “Hello?” He sat up in the bed, wincing as his hand reached for his side.

  “Is this Jack Giovanni?”

  “Yes, this is Jack. Who’s this?”

  “Mr. MacGregor of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Mr. Giovanni, your name was given to me, by a friend at World Wildlife. Are you available for an assignment?”

  “I was just released from hospital but depending on what the assignment is, I could be ready to work. What exactly is it you need me for?”

  “We are sending a team to Churchill, Manitoba to investigate the polar bear population and you are just the man we need to complete the team. There is some planning and preparation to be done first. We leave in three weeks. Do you think you will be able to travel then?”

  “Definitely! Thank you very much, Mr. MacGregor. Give me your particulars and I will phone you for the details next week.” Jack finished his conversation and hung up the phone. He was elated. This was exactly what he needed to take his mind off Sarah and his health issues and get back to work.

  Bernie was excited for Jack. As a fellow animal lover, he would have loved to go to Churchill, Manitoba, but his job with the Bridgetown veterinarian would keep him in Bridgetown for now. “That is excellent Jack. I wish I could go with you. Supper is served, salad and chicken, just the way you like it.” Jack sat at the table, but before he ate, he looked reverently at his plate and then down at his lap saying a silent prayer. “Still honoring the food, eh, Jack?” Bernie found Jack’s habit odd but it was very, ‘Jack’.

  “My Uncle Paul had a lasting effect on me, Bernie. I still remember all of the woodland hikes we took. Even as young as two years, he was showing me plants and telling me their names, teaching me to respect all things, animal, vegetable and mineral. Uncle Paul always honored the plant or animal that provided the food he ate. I learned the habit while sitting at his table and I will never forget.” Jack picked up his fork and shoved a piece of chicken into his mouth. “Delicious Bernie and I appreciate your letting me move in. You are a good friend.” Bernie smiled; he liked Jack and enjoyed the company.

  Jack called Christine to let her know he was home and to tell her about his job. She was very happy for him. “Did you call Sarah, Jack?”

  “No, I am sure Sarah doesn’t want to hear from me. Just let it be, Chris. Sarah and I are through.” Christine was disappointed at the finality in his voice. She had heard the same thing in Sarah’s voice the day before. Her friend’s relationship was over, but she was determined to stay friends with both of them. Christine made it a habit to stay out of other people’s fights. She would stay neutral.

  “Okay Jack, have it your way. As long as you and I stay friends, that’s all I’m concerned with at the moment.”

  “You and I are buddies, Chris. Who else buys me organic chocolate and then eats it all?” He laughed out loud and she joined him.

  “I didn’t eat it all and I am very happy for you, Jack. Let’s have dinner before you go. By the way, do you remember Matt Greboski, from our English class?”

  “Good old Matt, yes I saw him at one of the trail clean-ups about two months ago. I think he is in landscaping now.”

  “He is, and he and I had dinner last night.”

  “Dinner? Do I detect a new and budding relationship on the horizon?”

  “You never know, but if we have dinner, I might ask Matt to join us. Is that okay with you?”

  “Great with me, he’s into a lot of the environmental causes that I support. A nice guy, I hope it works out for you. You deserve a good man.”

  “Thanks Jack.” Christine smiled widely at the thought of Matt.

  “Of course, Bernie will be very disappointed. You know he is moonstruck over you.” Jack adjusted his body in the chair, trying to get comfortable. “Anyway, I have to go and get unpacked. Still have my toothbrush in the hospital bag. Bye, Chris.”

  Chris hung up and thought about calling Sarah, but then decided that if she was going to remain neutral, she had better leave well enough alone. She went back to her computer and finished her article on the chemical plant. Tomorrow she had to go out to the MacIntyre farm and do an interview with the farmer for her second article. She had a Friday deadline and didn’t want to be late.

  Sarah had been working on the promotion for the university all morning. Her office was tiny, but neat and tidy. A large desk sat in front of the window accompanied by a matching bookcase on the right. Her files and briefcase sat neatly on the sideboard. Needing a break, she opened the webpage for Swide Magazine, a magazine that describes the Dolce & Gabbana universe through digital communication. She loved to read about haute couture, new jewelry designs and the latest designer news. She scrolled through the magazine for a few minutes.

  She was getting stiff and sore from sitting over the computer. She stood and stretched her back and arms. I need a walk. She put on her new hot pink yoga pants and matching jacket, pulled on her running shoes, and put her hair into a ponytail under her pink baseball cap. Sunglasses and fresh lipstick completed the outfit and as she reached for her keys, she decided to call Christine and ask her if she wanted to join her. Christine, who was also in need
of a break, gratefully accepted the invitation.

  Sarah met her friend outside of Christine’s apartment building and the two set off down the street at a good clip. Christine took a look at Sarah, “Nice outfit, something new?”

  “I bought it last week. You should get one. You can’t wear jeans all the time, Christine.”

  “These are my stretch jeans with spandex, perfect for walking. Leave my wardrobe alone, Sarah. Guess who my jeans and I had dinner with last night?”

  “Who?” The two women walked over the large stone bridge on the main street.

  “Matt Greboski and he let me drive his new red Camaro.”

  “Matt, wow he’s a hunk. How did you meet up with him?” Sarah pointed left and they turned onto Mill Street.

  “I went to Martin and Schultz Chemical for the article I’m writing for the Banner, and he was there delivering trees.” Christine waved to the postman coming through the gate of one of several small bungalows. “Hello, Mr. Miller, lovely day for a walk.” He smiled and waved.

  “How did that go?” The sun was high in the sky and Sarah removed her jacket. She tied it around her waist. “Did you say trees?”

  “Yes, they are planting more than 30 trees out there in the back of the plant and flowers in the front. I think they are really trying to change their image.”

  “They are. That is why they hired me for a big marketing campaign. That makes me very happy to hear they are planting trees, makes for a great image. Too bad some people can’t believe they are sincere.” Sarah pursed her lips angrily and Christine knew she was referring to Jack, but didn’t rise to the bait.

  “Matt and I went to the new Chinese place, it was delicious. You and I will have to go there one night for dinner.” Christine removed her sunglasses and wiped the perspiration from her forehead. She rolled up the sleeves on her blouse. It was a beautiful spring day and she was beginning to feel warm and full of energy.