Chapter 24
Violet
I gave the captain of the smoke-jumping team my best dog and pony show.
To his credit, he didn’t throw me out or fall asleep.
In fact, he’d even asked a couple of questions.
All while giving me the loop-ty-loo expression, a term I used for cuckoo.
I’d dressed up for the conversation, currently wearing my little black pencil skirt and a lovely silk blouse with heels.
It was not even close to being appropriate for their rough and tumble world, but showcased that I wasn’t some fly by night chick on a whim.
This was serious business and I had less than twenty-four hours to provide presentation number two.
“I’ve heard quite a lot about you, Ms. Livingston.”
From what I’d experienced so far, Captain Daughtry was a tough, take no shit kind of man. “Should I be concerned?” He wasn’t exactly angry, but he wasn’t really smiling either.
Then he broke into one, which shocked the hell out of me.
“Let’s just say news of the calendar traveled fast. First thing I heard when I walked in.
” He nodded toward the window in his office, the glass separating his office from a main recreation room.
Currently, there were at least fifteen guys hanging out pretending to watch television or playing a game of pool.
Meanwhile, they constantly glanced toward the same window, all wearing curious expressions. I was taking a chance in convincing the team the calendar was good for their souls.
And of course, my partner in crime had yet to arrive. Where was the reason I was here, Mr. June? I’d already decided he was June and Axe was December. Now I just needed to fill in the blanks. Ten hot men with one for January of the next year. From the looks of it, I wouldn’t have any trouble.
“No matter what you might have heard, Steel is a good judge of character.” When I swung my head around, he laughed. “He’s hardheaded and also what I heard from Axe, he gave you a tough time.”
“Oh. We worked out our differences.”
“That’s good because that man needs some enjoyment in his life.
Anyway, now that I’ve heard your formal request, I have no issue with you using our logos, our location, and volunteers for your calendar.
I’ll even have our PR team put together a few bullet points about our team and our work for you so that you can spruce up yourself with your marketing techniques.
However, I can’t force my jumpers to pose for your calendar. ”
“And I’m not asking you to.” I turned my head toward the group again, surprised to see a few more had joined in the party I hadn’t been invited to. I guess it was true about small towns. Gossip made them tick.
Just then, the man of the hour finally walked in carrying a duffle bag.
He’d barely passed the end of the hallway that led to the series of administrative offices when one of the jumpers approached him.
If only I could be a fly on the wall. I fingered my camera as I watched their interaction, my stomach doing flipflops.
I wasn’t doubting Steel’s intention of helping, but I wasn’t certain how good of a salesperson he could be.
Steel had his hands on his hips and only after a couple of minutes, he slowly twisted his body until I was presented with a side view of his handsome face.
There was no way of telling what was being said or his thoughts. Yet I was experiencing the same fluttering sensations as always around him.
“Just keep in mind, planned events can change based on what we’re dealing with,” the captain continued.
“Yes, sir,” I said, returning my attention to him.
“I understand it’s fire season. Today’s shots won’t take very long.
There’s some paperwork to fill out along with contracts to sign at some point as well.
If the project is approved, I’ll make individual appointments, the final shot with the entire crew likely somewhere at the base. I’ve yet to make any formal decisions.”
“Well, Ms. Livingston. I applaud your tenacity. Let’s see what they have to say. They’re a tough crowd. Just be forewarned.”
“And I’m a tough girl. This promotion could change my world.”
“Missoula has a way of getting under your skin. A good place to raise children.”
“Are you suggesting I stay?”
“Well,” he said, even more thoughtful than before.
I caught him glancing out the same picture window toward Steel.
“Good people deserve to have a bright, supportive future. When I came to Missoula with my wife ten years ago, we were trying one last time to fix our marriage. We thought the clean air and outdoor living might help as opposed to being in the heart of Chicago. It worked. We’re very happy because we allowed our guard to fall. ”
I studied his face, the weathered lines indicating a well-lived life. “What are you trying to suggest, Captain?”
His chuckle was almost fatherly. “I’ll agree with the guys on the team. You’re good for Steel. Yeah, I get what you’re going to say. You barely know each other, but that’s the beauty of growing old. You don’t mince words and you rarely miss anything.”
“Now, why would you or anyone else say I’m good for him?”
“Because it’s the first time in a long time that he seems genuinely happy.”
How fascinating that they were the same words I’d said about my own son. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should. Now, I’ll wish you good luck and if you need anything, I’ll be in a room full of sharks.”
“Thank you, Captain and please call me Violet.”
“Violet. The name of Will’s helicopter.”
I’d almost forgotten Steel had mentioned it, but the realization hadn’t been comforting. Hmm… What if I could change that? “Captain. Do you have one more minute? I have an idea I want to run past you.”
He narrowed his eyes. “I think I can handle another minute in the company of a beautiful woman. Don’t tell my wife I said that.”
I zipped my lips and thought about how lucky it was that Steel had so many people who obviously cared about him.
Ten minutes later I finally walked from the captain’s office with him as an escort, feeling a little giddy inside even if my nerves remained on edge. Now there were thirty guys hanging out in the recreational area. Light was streaming in from the windows, the view spectacular.
A perfect, cloudless day.
I’d had the sunglasses on, the windows down. And I was gloriously alone. Josie Beckett was a hoot, exactly like Steel except in female form. She and I could easily become friends. Even better, she adored dogs and Damon had taken to her instantly.
Her kindness allowed me time to myself for the shoot and upcoming events.
We’d barely taken a step into the room when someone from the back shushed the entire group of men.
The captain seemed amused. “Alright, gentlemen, gather around. I’d like you to meet Violet Livingston.
I can tell by the looks on your faces you already know why she’s here.
You’re going to give her your full attention and if you agree to be a part of this…
calendar, then you need to be reminded you’ll be representing the Zullies and our town.
Before you automatically think about saying no, remember the good public relations we’ll get out of this.
Might go a long distance when the forestry service approves next year’s budget. ”
There were murmurs in the crew before I had a chance to say anything. Just as I took a step forward, Steel moved from and center. “Listen up, boys. You all know what’s going on. This lovely woman is part of the reason we’ve been selected for the next sizzling Man Candy calendar.”
Oh, wow. He’d been doing a little research. Wait. What did he have in his hand? A calendar? Where had he gotten that?
“Now, she needs volunteers for the project. And every one of you is going to pose for a few test shots. Except for all you ugly mugs. Like Rock. You’d make a terrible model.” He grinned while the others burst into laughter.
Well, this was more than I’d expected. I stood where I was with my arms folded, watching the man I was finding it difficult not to care about selling my project for me. When he was finished, he glared at everyone in the room, taking his time making eye contact.
The sudden quiet was finally interrupted by the captain clearing his throat. “Alright. You know the drill. Violet has a sign-up sheet for anyone interested. But once your test shots are taken, time to get back to training. I guess you’ll need to be buff for this project. Now, won’t you?”
While I held up a clipboard for the men to see, Steel studied me from where he was standing. How was it that in a short timeframe, his personality could change so significantly? Or maybe it was mine in that I was finally both ready and eager to live my life on my terms.
Whatever the case, jumpers were making their way to where I’d placed the clipboard.
I backed away, remaining close enough to answer any questions while Steel slowly made his way toward me. Along the way, he was chided by a few of his teammates, but his eyes never left me. Maybe the jumpstart of coming to Missoula was exactly what I’d needed.
* * *
“The interview went national.”
Every time Brenda called, I cringed because what she thought was good news actually added more pressure on the project. “National?”
“Yep. I noticed it in People Magazine. It’s buried in the What’s Hot section, but both your picture and Steel’s are right there together.”
“Shit. Shit. Shit. Anywhere else?”
Brenda snorted. “That’s good news. We’re already getting calls about when the calendar will be released. To answer your question, no, I haven’t seen anything else, but I honestly haven’t been looking.”
Lately, it seemed all I could do was sigh. One step ahead and two steps back. That’s what it felt like. “Well, we’ll use the notoriety later. I’m about to send you a group of photographs.”
“You had smokejumpers volunteer?”
“Are you kidding me? Too many, which means I need the team to help narrow it down.”
“Oh, what a chore,” she said, laughing. “Send away. How sexy are they?”