Chapter Nine #3
But she didn’t. Fallon lay awake, wondering what it was she found attractive about thorny women who were broken, who were dispassionate and emotionally unavailable.
Somehow, her willingness to help people in need had turned into believing she could fix people who were damaged.
Or maybe she was the one who was defective, with her wishes and her gullible nature.
She hadn’t cried since Mr. Jamar’s sister had taken him away, but she felt very close to tears now.
She turned onto her other side, reminding herself that tomorrow, the rest of the crew would be back.
Kennedy had been so sweet when they’d said good-bye.
Why couldn’t she fall for someone like that?
She hoped the rest of the team wouldn’t be mad about their workload.
Hopefully, not having to deal with Gwen and Tina’s ill-tempered slacking would make up for it.
And she needed to thank Jade for supporting her and Nora.
Her and Nora. Would there ever be such a thing?
* * *
The light woke Fallon from a decidedly inappropriate dream.
She went to shower, needing to wash away her imagination and reset her mind on business.
By the time she was done, Nora was gone.
She hurried to the dining hall. Nora knew how important this place was to her.
Surely, she wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize her position.
When she stepped inside and Nora looked up, smiled, and waved from their usual table, a feeling of absolute certainty swept over her.
Everything—whatever that turned out to mean—was going to be fine.
After the rest of the crew returned, and hugs and excited shrieks had been exchanged, Fallon turned to Nora. “Is this what a family reunion feels like?”
“This is much better,” Nora replied. “No weird uncles.”
Jade laughed. “I heard that. And you’re right.
” They’d gathered in the barracks, Gwen and Tina’s cots conspicuously empty.
“Okay, I want to talk about the project for our next hitch. We’ll be about twenty miles from the previous development, with only a forest road in and out and no civilization nearby.
We’re going to create a fuel break by clear-cutting a twenty-five-foot-wide space in the San Isabel National Forest. That might sound easier since we won’t have to decide which trees to cut, but in some ways it’ll be harder because we’ll have to haul all those logs out, and you know they’ll be heavy. ”
Nods and mutters of agreement met this remark. “We’ll have a little help in the form of an ATV and trailer that we’ll use to move the cut trees to the road,” Jade resumed. “A local Boy Scout troop will assist us at that point. They’ll load and remove the wood to split and sell.”
Fallon raised her hand. “When do we get trained on the ATV? I’ve never driven one, but they sure look like fun.”
Everyone laughed. “We’ll bring it out later today, and you can all get some time on it,” Jade said.
“But there’s one more thing we need to discuss first.” She seemed more solemn, and the crew quieted quickly.
“You may have noticed that we’re missing a couple of people.
That will be permanent. Unfortunately, the expectations for our workload will be the same. ”
Delores shifted on her cot before asking, “So the six of us will still have to do the same amount of work?”
“The six of us usually did most of it anyway,” Kennedy remarked, and Hannah nodded.
“Tina did good with packing lunches, though,” Fallon said.
A few sounds of agreement followed before Nora spoke.
“And I need to let you know that I’ve been asked to take publicity photos for the Women’s Plus Crew.
” She took her camera out of its case and held it up.
“If anyone objects to having their picture taken, please tell me now. Otherwise, I’ll need each of you to sign a release.
” With her other hand, she held up the forms Upshaw had printed.
Without being asked, Fallon took them and began passing them out, including the three pens other staff members had loaned her.
“Wow,” Delores said. “This is exciting.”
“You’ll only get my good side, right?” Hannah asked.
“You don’t have to worry,” Nora assured her. “None of you has a bad side.”
While Hannah and Delores giggled, Kennedy studied the form. “Why did you decide to do this?”
“Actually, Ranger Reva asked her to,” Fallon said.
“After you suggested it,” Nora said, giving Fallon a smile as she took the paperwork back.
“Well, I…” Fallon’s cheeks colored. Kennedy gave a little cough.
“Sometimes we’ll use posed shots, and other times, I might sneak up on you.” Nora addressed the group again. “I think Ranger Upshaw wants to show both the hard work and the fun side of what we’re doing here. But I promise, I’ll make you all look good, and I want to show how great this program is.”
It was quiet while the crew signed their names and handed the releases back to Nora. Then Jade said, “Okay, let’s go get our gear. Obviously, Nora will want a new tent, but if anyone else wants a change, now is the time.”
“I’m keeping mine, so nobody get any ideas,” Fallon said.
“Race you,” Hannah called, and everyone scrambled out.
ATV training proved to be the highlight of her day.
Fallon had seen dozens of similar machines on the backs of trucks and in trailers on the highways she’d traveled with her mother and always thought they looked exciting.
But being on one was incredible. The throttle, the brakes, the steering, everything was easy, and the power she felt while roaring through base camp was exhilarating.
When Jade finally flagged her down, she hopped off reluctantly. “All right now, Fallon,” Jade said in her most adult voice. “You have to let the other kids take a turn.”
“Aw, Mom,” Fallon protested, grinning. She stood by Nora, watching as she took photos of each rider. “Will you use all of those?”
“No, only one or two of the best ones. Including you, of course.”
“Oh no, please,” Fallon said, suddenly self-conscious.
“Don’t worry. You weren’t serious,” Nora gave a half laugh. “Far from it, in fact.”
Next, each crew member took turns with the trailer attached and practiced finding a path through the forest. It was fun too, but in a different way.
She watched as Nora snapped pictures of the different buildings, of the group at dinner, and one of Delores at the sink, toothbrush in hand, sticking out her tongue with her mouth full of foam.
“What makes a good photograph?” Fallon asked.
“Oh, part of it is technical things, like lighting and composition, color and tonal range. But mainly, it’s how the picture makes you feel.
” Nora turned the camera, showing Fallon the screen, an image of the equipment hut with the last of the day’s sunlight shining on the roof.
“This isn’t a great photo, but it gives you some sense of what I mean. ”
Fallon studied the familiar sight that seemed much more dramatic in Nora’s picture. “Wow. I’d hang this on my wall.”
“You don’t have a wall,” Nora teased, taking the camera back.
“Don’t be so sure.” Fallon nudged her shoulder. She liked how things were between her and Nora now. It seemed like they were truly becoming friends, and even if that was all they ever were, it would be enough.