He doesn’t use the word hillbilly, but it’s implied by the way he says locals.
My eyebrows rise but I remain silent. Guess he takes this as encouragement, because he keeps speaking.
“I want to hire a guide for backcountry foraging, but no one will take me up on it even though you can tell they’re all dirt poor around here and could use the money. Can you recommend anyone who has half a brain and is willing to do an honest day’s work? Do rangers take side jobs?”
I don’t like his entitled attitude or his choice of words. “Sorry, I can’t help you. I wouldn’t advise going into the mountains this time of year if you’re not an experienced hiker. We can have severe storms, even snow.”
When I don’t say anything more, he frowns. “That’s all you’ve got? Thanks for nothing.”
“You’re welcome. Have a nice day.” I push the button to raise the window.
What an odd, snarly man. Anyone I know who took him into the backcountry would probably leave him there. Stranger danger is real. People “around here” don’t like outsiders because of men like him. He’d be better off driving his fancy car right back to whatever city he came from.
Gaia stops by my desk under the guise of discussing my work on the social media accounts. She’s happy with the engagement, reminding me to respond to any questions if possible. Overall, the project has been positive and not nearly as torturous as I thought it would be, other than the few bots and trolls who have found the account and like to post negative comments. Some people need to go for long hikes away from society.
“Now that you’ve been here six months, any feedback and ideas for our interpretation programming?” she asks.
“How long do you have?” I joke. “I have so many thoughts, I don’t know where to begin.”
“What’s your number one goal?”
“Mostly, I want girls to be excited about the junior ranger program and maybe studying to become rangers themselves. Women played a huge role in the early formation of the parks, especially the GSM. I want to honor and celebrate their legacy with more role models and mentorships.”
“We definitely want to encourage more girls to sign up for the junior ranger program in the spring. Same with the internship programs in the summer. Let’s brainstorm on how to expand our application process to attract more diversity—more women, more minorities. Would be great if we could have more languages spoken in the information center for visitors.”
I write down her suggestions on a notepad next to my keyboard. “Agree.”
“We can coordinate with Ranger Walker and her team over at the living museum. We have a lot of visitor overlap between the two sites, so it’s important to work on these initiatives together.”
As our talk winds down, she peeks around the partitions to see if Jay and Griffin are at their computers.
“Both of them are out in the field this afternoon,” I remind her.
“Oh, right. Good.”
“Something else you need to chat about?”
She glances over my shoulder at my sparse desk. Like my cabin, I don’t have a lot of personal touches. “I know I’m your boss, but I wanted to check in with you about how you’re doing outside of work. I hope I’m not crossing the line, but I’ve noticed you haven’t been around as much. Everything okay?”
I’m not ready to discuss Odin yet. Our relationship has morphed from adversarial to … I’m not sure. Gaia knows I had dinner with him, and I feel that’s all the information I’m willing to share.
“I’m good. Great. Fantastic.” I emphasize this with two thumbs up.
She observes me for a moment or two. “Happy to hear it. If you ever need a friend, I’m around.”
“Thank you.”
“Being a ranger can be lonely. Especially as a woman, it can be easy to feel isolated. I’ve been there.”
I realize I haven’t given much thought to Gaia’s social life. It’s rare for her to open up to me about personal stuff.
“We should grab dinner soon. I owe you on that raincheck. Burgers and pie at Daisy’s next week?”
Her eyes crinkle in the corners with her smile. “I’d like that.”
“I’ll drive.”
We both laugh.
“Fine, but I’m buying.”
“Deal.”
I’m lucky to have her as my boss and would be foolish to refuse her friendship.
Thankfully, my package from Kacey arrives Saturday morning.
As soon as my shift is over, I’m out the door and headed for home. I don’t have a lot of time to get ready, and I’m praying she sent me something good.
Not knowing what to expect from a centennial birthday party is giving me anxiety.
Tearing open the package, I see two tissue wrapped bundles. I asked for her help, so I should trust her instincts.
I try on the first item: a short black dress.
Hell no.
The plunging V goes so low my boobs and my bra are exposed. I think maybe I have it on backward, but swapping it front to back isn’t an improvement. The short skirt barely falls to mid-thigh.
Nothing about this outfit feels like me.
What was she thinking?
The second choice is a fluffy, pale pink cardigan over a deep plum maxi dress and a coordinating pink silk scrunchie to hold back my hair.
With the cardigan, I look like a kindergarten teacher. This is a job interview outfit.
Removing the sweater, I tug the scrunchie out and toss it on the dresser. Better. I feel more like myself. I’d be even happier in leggings instead of the dress.
Honestly, I’d rather wear my uniform pants or jeans.
Taking a second look at myself in the mirror on the back of my bedroom door, I decide the long dress is actually okay. The tiered skirt could work for dancing, and the square neckline reveals some skin but stays out of areola-revealing territory. I actually like the color.
Bonus: the skirt is long enough and full enough, I can wear boots underneath.
We have a winner.
I shower, shave all the important bits, and lather enough lotion into my skin to make it shiny and glowing. Next is my hair. I watched a YouTube video on a half-up, half-down style that I think I can handle. Better than a pink scrunchie.
Makeup I keep to a minimum because that’s all I know how to do in spite of watching tutorials online.
“Good enough,” I tell my reflection. “As long as I don’t fall down, we’ll call this night a success.”
Ready or not, Odin will be here to pick me up any minute.
With a calming breath, I grab my dressy coat from the closet. The deep pockets can hold my keys, wallet and a lipstick.
Here we go.
Chapter Thirty
Daphne
“You’re especially beautiful tonight.” Odin kisses my cheek then sneaks a soft peck on my lips.
I feel my cheeks warm. “And you’re as handsome as ever.”
He’s in a dark green and black plaid shirt and dark jeans, simple clothes he somehow makes sexier by wearing them. His hair is less wild than usual, but with the way he’s running his hands through it, I doubt it will remain tamed.