Chapter 2
Maverick
I’ve had some important meetings in the past. They always seem important at the time.
But this one really means something. This meeting determines if I can see my dream become a reality.
If I can finally feel like I am doing something meaningful.
Not just donations. But a chance to actually change lives.
But what I really wanted, what we agreed was the eventual aim, was to open it up to troubled youths.
Get them outside, get them physically active and show them what it feels like to overcome obstacles.
To provide a safe place to talk around a campfire.
Maybe learn some skills. It’s what saved me when I was a kid. And I want to save others.
So this meeting with the mayor of Starfall Valley is important. Really important. And I am really running late.
Dealing with the fear of a near accident, and then seeing this beautiful woman.
Brown hair up in a pony tail, chocolate brown eyes framed by dark eyelashes and an arching brow.
She looked so sweet. And I am a bit of a sucker for those in need.
For a moment there she looked so lost and sad.
It triggered something protective in me. That was, until she started talking.
I don’t have time for Crazy Barbie in her pink car.
So I was glad when the sheriff arrived so I could leave her in his hands.
But, I keep seeing her face, those eyes blinking up at me in confusion.
Even when she started yelling she was still captivating.
A wild look in her eyes. But I have to put her from my mind.
I have to concentrate on this meeting. I’m sure Crazy Crash Barbie will be just fine.
“I like this proposal, Mav. And it seems like everything is in place and we are ready to go. I just think maybe you need another staff member.”
“No problem.” I nod, pleased this is going so well.
“And it should be a woman.”
I smile and nod, but that might be a problem. My team is mostly men. We have Maggie, she organizes everything and she will be coming along. There is another girl on staff but she is off on leave.
The face of the woman from this morning floats through my mind. That would be crazy.
To the mayor I say, “I will sort that out.”
“Okay. Well I wish you luck, Mav. This is a good thing you are doing, if it works. A lot of people around here won’t like the idea of you bringing these troubled youths to our mountain. So you are responsible for making sure nothing goes wrong.”
A nod and a handshake and I’m shown the door. Outside I let out a sigh of relief. We are all set, everything ready to go thanks to ever-efficient Maggie. But now I have to find a woman to join us. Someone who can work with kids. Someone with time on their hands.
I glance over to the sheriff's office. Someone I can easily find.
This idea is absolutely mad, but I can at least talk to the woman. Maybe she was just upset this morning. Maybe she had a head injury which would explain her strange behaviour. And maybe I just want to see her again, considering I have been thinking about her all morning.