Chapter 47 The CFNAWC
CHAPTER 47: THE CFNAWC
JACE
“ T hank you for meeting with me today,” I say, shaking the hand of Roger Lucas, the president of the CFNAWC and hopefully my future boss.
“No, the pleasure is all mine, Mr. Jackson,” he says with a smile. “Please, sit down.” He gestures toward a leather armchair in front of his desk. “I think I mentioned it when we talked on the phone, but I was rather surprised to see your name come across my desk. Your discovery of the Bixito Parrot was nothing short of extraordinary, and your portfolio speaks for itself.”
“Well thank you, but the Bix was a team effort. I could not have done it without my team.”
“True, but it was your dream, correct? That’s what you said in the interview with the AJC.”
Shit, this guy did his research. Up until this point I hadn’t been nervous. My mind drifts to Lacey and I wonder if she ever saw it. If she ever read it. My palms start to sweat.
“No, sir, you’re correct. As a kid, some may have said I was obsessed with the Bix. All lost species really, but I was always drawn to that one in particular. I feel very fortunate to have found it.”
“So tell me, why do you, a young man, with a better resume than some of my most elite photojournalists, want to come work for me?”
“My mother passed away five years ago and my dad is getting older. I’d like to settle down and be around more for him. I think I would do well in this position because it would allow me to continue a career that I’m incredibly passionate about while being closer to home. The work you all have done here is phenomenal and it would be an honor to be a part of your team.”
“And the girl you mentioned in the interview?”
“Happy to say she’s back in my life, sir.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” he says, spinning his wedding band around his finger. “The life of a photojournalist is a lot tougher than most people think, so I’ve made it my mission to make sure our organization puts families first. I’m happy to hear that you’re wanting to do that in your own life because in this position I would expect you to foster a family-first environment for your team.”
“Of course. That’s a big part of what makes me want to work here.”
“Excellent. Why don’t we tour the building and I can ask you the rest of my questions while we walk?”
“I’d like that.” He stands, and I follow him out of his office. As we walk, he introduces me to some of the people I would work with, and I do my best to memorize their names and faces. It’s easy to see that I would enjoy working here.
He continues the interview asking me about my experience and my time at Georgetown. Most of the photojournalists are out on assignment, but the couple I’m able to meet remind me of the people I’ve worked with in the past.
“I’ll be in touch, Mr. Jackson,” he says, shaking my hand as soon as we’ve made it back to the front doors.
“I look forward to it. Thank you again for meeting with me.”
“The pleasure was mine.”
I’m feeling good as I walk to my car. Confident even. The work the center has done for wildlife conservation is unmatched and the thought that I could be a part of continuing their mission is exhilarating. Getting this job would mean getting to be there for my dad and getting to spend more time with Lacey.
I pull out my phone to check the time. It’s four thirty. I’m supposed to meet everyone at the bar at eight. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I dial my dad.
“Hey, kid. What’s up?”
“Driving back from an interview.”
“An interview?” he asks, surprised. “I didn’t know you had an interview today.”
“Yeah, I did. I’m leaving the Center for North American Wildlife Conservation. They’re looking for a director of photojournalism and I applied.”
“That’s fantastic. How’d it go?”
“Great. He knew a lot about me and seemed really interested. Especially because of the Bix. He said he’d let me know soon, but I’m optimistically hopeful I’ll get it.”
“So, does that mean you’d be home more?”
“Yeah, there’s still some travel involved, but not like I currently do.”
“I’m so glad to hear that.” He pauses. “You know I’ll always support you no matter what, but selfishly I’m happy I might get you back.”
The GPS on my phone comes over the speakers interrupting our conversation.
“Thanks, Dad, but hey I gotta run. Apparently there’s a wreck or something and the GPS is trying to reroute me. I’ll see you later.”
“Love you, kid.”
“Love you, too, Dad.”
I hang up and pull off the interstate following the new route. Unfortunately, because it’s Atlanta, it doesn’t seem to buy me much time and traffic is still horrendous. By the time I pull back into my apartment complex it’s already six.
When I walk in, Tanner is sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner.
“I made pizza,” he says, nodding toward the stove top. Two pizzas sit on top of the burners. I walk into the kitchen and grab a plate.
“How was your interview?”
“I think it went great,” I say, placing two slices of what appears to be a meat lovers on my plate. I open the fridge, grab a beer, and meet Tanner at the table.
“Awesome, man. So, how you feeling about seeing Lacey tonight?”
“Really good. We’ve barely talked because my service was shit, but I was able to FaceTime her once when Archie and I ran out to the store. I almost drove straight there last night, but I had the interview today.”
My mind drifts to my call with Lacey. Her bare skin was only covered by thin black fabric. The way she touched herself and teased me. I could have killed Archie when he knocked on the window and interrupted us.
“So are y’all official?”
“No. I mean the kiss changed things, but we haven’t really talked about it. I originally was going to ask her on a date tonight, but then she said she wanted to do this. I’m trying to go slow and do it right. I’m hoping this job pans out, but if it doesn’t I’m leaving again.”
“So.”
“I left before and that’s when everything went to shit.”
He shrugs. “Yeah, but y’all were kids. If you want her, then don’t let the job stuff get in the way. I’m sure if this one doesn’t work out, then you could find something else or make it work.”
He’s right. At the end of the day, it’s her I want. I know I’m willing to make things work no matter what job I have, but I don’t know where her head is at. Would she want to do this thing long distance if that’s how it all pans out?
“Who are you and what have you done with my roommate?”
Tanner laughs and sips his beer. “So, what’s the plan for after?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you bringing her back here or are you taking her back to her place?”
I laugh out loud. “There you are. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, T. I’m gonna go get ready.”
“Suit yourself, but you say the word and I will find a different place to sleep tonight. Y’all want this apartment, it’s yours.”
S.H.I.E.L.D.
Tanner: Logan if I give you the signal it means you and Poppy need to go to your place because Jacks is going to be taking Lacey back to her place
Logan: Signal?
Jacks: Don’t listen to him.
Donovan: Sorry we’re missing tonight.
Logan: No signal necessary. Poppy and I already decided we would be staying at my apartment tonight. The girls’ apartment is all yours Jacks.
Tanner: So we don’t need to come up with a signal
Jacks: Please don’t.