Chapter Twenty-One MADISON
Chapter Twenty-One
MADISON
I resisted the urge to skip on the way out of the building after my interview at the energy company in Anchorage. I was officially hired, and I wanted to jump up and down and scream.
Numbers, lots and lots of numbers, and analysis. I couldn’t freaking wait.
Even better, I didn’t have to worry about hiding everything that happened with my dad. They actually followed up with one of my references who confirmed I’d been helpful in the investigation. They even told me they were pleased to learn I had high ethical standards.
When I finally got into my car, I let out a squeal, punching my fists one at a time into the air before leaning my head against the seat and laughing.
I had a job, an actual job. They were completely comfortable with remote work.
They only wanted me to come into the office one day a week.
That would give me a weekly dose of the city, but otherwise, I didn’t have to worry about a commute.
I was starting in three weeks. They wanted to time my start with a new project.
I’d been trying not to dwell on my worries about how my connection to my father’s company would affect my employment prospects.
I’d done everything I was supposed to do when it all came crashing down, but it was ugly and messy.
I hadn’t wanted to hide it, but I also hadn’t known exactly how to approach it.
I’d gone with the only approach that sat well with me, which was to be honest. In the interview, I brought it up myself.
I’d been relieved they didn’t try to skirt around it either.
As I started my drive back to Willow Brook, my initial elation gave way to an emotional sense of relief.
I cried for a few minutes. All my life, I’d taken so many things for granted, but my financial security had probably been the biggest one.
I hadn’t realized what a privilege it was, and I’d been in a sheer panic over the last year.
Not because I thought I deserved to have things handed to me, but because I realized how much I simply expected them to be there. I swiped my tears away and snagged a tissue out of the glove compartment to blow my nose while I drove with one hand.
I glanced over at the empty passenger seat where Wilbur had accompanied me on the drive from Texas to Alaska and laughed through my tears. My little dog was my best friend, but he wasn’t here to listen.
“At least now I have a job,” I said in the silence of the car.
I had a house and a job, and that was all I needed to survive. I only hoped I could make some friends. I really wanted someone to celebrate with. With income in my future, I decided to splurge and go to Firehouse Café. I might even get some food.
I didn’t even have anyone to text, except maybe Graham. Somehow, I doubted he wanted a text from me, but the urge was too powerful. I pulled over at a viewing spot and slipped my phone out of my purse. My thumbs hovered for a moment.
Me: I have a job!
As soon as I hit send, I felt silly. I climbed out of my car because the view was stunning.
Every state had viewing spots on highways, but Alaska outdid itself.
This one offered a view of Cook Inlet. A seagull called in the air, and I heard what I thought was the call of an eagle, a loud screech.
When I looked up and saw the size of the bird flying along the hillside, I knew it was an eagle. They were massive birds.
I swallowed and took a deep breath. My heart was thumping along in my chest. I was still coming down from the high of getting through the interview and getting the job.
Maybe now, I could feel competent again.
Numbers never lied. They always told the truth.
Well, unless someone was manipulating the books like my father.
The sun glittered on the water, like diamonds cast on its surface. I saw a white form rise above the surface before dipping below. Another and then another followed. I knew I was seeing a water creature of some kind, but I didn’t know what.
I watched for a few more minutes and then aimed back for my car. After a quick internet search, my best guess was I’d just seen a pod of Beluga whales. “Wow,” I murmured.
Shaking my head, I started my car. I had a plan.
After my little celebration at Firehouse, I would go home and start some homework.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on all the numbers.
I was buckling my seat belt when I heard the distinctive vibration of my phone as it rattled against the edge of the console.
Reaching down, I lifted it to see Graham had actually replied.
Graham: Congratulations.
He even included a balloon emoticon. I chuckled to myself.
Me: Thank you. I didn’t expect your emoticon savvy.
His reply was swift.
Graham: I have a teenage daughter. I have mastered emoticons.
A high five followed by the winking emoticon came, and my belly swooped. I leaned my head back, feeling a little breathless. I was texting, for crying out loud, texting with this man, and I felt all fluttery inside.
Me: Thank you for humoring me. I know you don’t know me all that well, but it’s kind of a big deal for me to get a job. I’ve been pretty stressed out.
Now I was freaking confessing over text.
Me: I’m sure you’re at work. Sorry to bother you.
Graham: I am at work, but we’re sitting here watching a fire burn.
Me: What?!
Graham: Don’t worry, sweetheart. It’s a controlled burn. Everything’s fine. In fact, it’s kind of boring. Back to your point. I think I know you pretty well, in some ways, that is. ;)
Oh, gawd. My heart practically leaped out of my chest, and my belly spun wildly. Heat blasted through me, and I felt ridiculous.
Me: Um, yes, I suppose you do.
Graham: ;) Congratulations, jobs are good things to have. Can I call on you to help Allie with her math homework?
I was smiling as I replied.
Me: Anytime. I love math. Maybe it makes me a geek, but it’s the truth.
Graham: Excellent. You’re pretty much the opposite of a geek. I bet you were homecoming queen.
When I saw his reply, I knew he was teasing, but my insecurities punched through my giddiness and elation and the fizzy desire that had sparked to life.
I had been homecoming queen, and now I knew just how shallow it had been.
For me, high school was nothing but trying to pull off being cool and failing inside every step of the way.
I took a deep breath and wished I had a different past. Looking back, it was embarrassing. Not that he was asking me, but I figured I might as well tell him the truth.
Me: I actually was homecoming queen, not because I was the cool girl.
Me: Never mind.
For the first time, he didn’t reply right off. I wished I could see his face because I’d bet he thought that was stupid.
Graham was authentic, in every way. Even though he was handsome as sin, and I was sure all the girls wanted him in high school, he was not the kind of man who would fall for a shallow, silly girl who didn’t know better.
After a long moment when I had to watch the little dots taunting me, his reply came in with a buzz.
Graham: I was kidding, but I suppose that shouldn’t shock me. You’re beautiful. Of course, you were homecoming queen. I like you as a math geek better.
For some reason, my eyes stung with tears. My throat felt thick when I swallowed. I was so grateful he wasn’t here to see me falling apart over a stupid text conversation.
Me: I was a terrible homecoming queen, but I’m really good at math. I’ll let you get back to work. Please do text if Allie needs a ride or help with math.
Graham: Talk soon.
He followed that with a series of emoticons, each one more ridiculous than the last, and lightness gusted through me as I laughed.