Breakthrough Read online

  “How did you manage that? Not a single person complained. I’m from Los Angeles. If we tried that there, every single person would bitch,” I said.

  “My mom’s Lucille. And nobody messes with her or the family.” It sounded so mobster, but was said so sweetly.

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m glad I’m running into all of the right people here in Alaska.”

  “There aren’t too many wrong people here in town. How long will you be here?” The waitress dropped off waters and Mandy ordered two specials before I had a chance to look at the menu. I smiled because I trusted her. I felt safe with her, too. The women of Alaska were proving to be quite remarkable. Brynn, Cee, and Mandy. I had all but forgotten about Nita, the waitress who just spoiled my list.

  “It depends. Probably around three weeks. Maybe longer. I don’t want the entire story to be about Dustin Collings so I’m trying to figure out a way to integrate some local color or general fishing knowledge.” If I had to focus entirely on Dustin, my old job might not be worth it. At least Erin was giving me some space to develop the story.

  “I can see why. He doesn’t seem like the nicest person. Adding another angle will probably keep more readers engaged.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping. Of course, I’m pretty sure every angle about Alaska has been covered.”

  Mandy smiled and nodded. “Alaska does get a lot of press. Do you enjoy writing nature stories?”

  I wanted to tell her the truth, but I toned down the vehemence. “This is proving to be something different than what I normally write.”

  “What do you normally write about?” The question I had been waiting for. Nobody wanted to hang out with a self-absorbed snob, but since she asked, I felt obligated to answer.

  “Do you know Mainstream magazine?” I wondered what interest a librarian from Anchorage might have in celebrities.

  “I think I’ve seen it at the grocery store in the check-out line. It’s a celebrity magazine, right?”

  I was happy she didn’t compare us to People Magazine like Brynn did. “Yes. I write for them. I interview movie stars, singers, and sports celebrities. It’s a lot of fun, but I’ve worked hard to get where I am.” I felt like I had to qualify myself and my success.

  “It sounds like you enjoy it. Did you volunteer to write the story or were you assigned it?” she asked. Good question. I was so excited to talk about my old job that I forgot about why I was in Alaska in the first place.

  “My boss wanted something different so she sent me. I’m not a Dustin Collings fan, but I guess she thought that would be an asset to the story.” Mandy didn’t need to know my history. I hated that if you googled my name, the lawsuit was on the first page of the search.

  “Tell me about your life here in Anchorage. Are you from here?” I asked.

  “Born and raised. Several generations actually. I went to school in California, but returned after graduation. I missed my family and my home so I came back. I also had a girlfriend who missed me.” There it was. The confession. I loved every word she said.

  “Are you still with your girlfriend?” I was too nosy not to ask.

  “I’m not with her anymore, but I’m married. Lisa is the best thing that ever happened to me. We’ve been married ten years.” She was in love. It was all over her face. Her features softened and she got a faraway look in her eye.

  “That’s wonderful. I love happy endings. I’d love one. I just haven’t met the right woman.” Mandy didn’t ask, but I felt the need to out myself to strengthen our new bond. Maybe I had met the right woman, but I was too focused on myself and my career to pay attention. An image of Nikki Toles flashed through my mind. She always showed up at the wrong time. I wasn’t in love with her. She was just the only person to call it off on her terms, not mine. That irked me to no end.

  When the specials were dropped on the table, I looked at Mandy in shock. I couldn’t see a single inch of my plate. It was covered in breaded halibut, crinkled fries, and a few lemon wedges. I was expecting a lightly grilled halibut. I should’ve read the special scrawled on the blackboard on the wall.

  “There’s no way I can eat all of this.” I didn’t even want to think of all of the calories on this plate. It smelled delicious though. A few bites wouldn’t hurt. “Is that real butter?” Mandy nodded.

  “Real butter and real grease.” She grabbed the ketchup from the table and poured a healthy portion into a tiny bowl the waitress dropped off.

  “How do you stay so thin and eat like you do?” My question was probably ruder than I intended, but she took it in stride and laughed.

  “I’m not that thin. I just have a healthy metabolism.” She reached for two more fries. She was going to be a bad influence on me. “You’ll have to come back on Friday. It’s salmon day and definitely healthier. If you taste all of the fish you’re supposed to write about, you’ll write a better story.”

  “Good idea,” I said. I meant it. How many different kinds of fish could there be in Alaska?

  “I have a better idea. Why don’t you come over to our house for dinner one night this weekend? Lisa’s family has a fishing boat and I can guarantee you the freshest fish in the area. What does your Sunday look like?”

  “I’m wide open. My interview with Dustin isn’t for a few days. I just got here yesterday and kind of overwhelmed by what to do first and where to go,” I said.

  “When we get back to the library, I’ll give you directions. We live in town, only a few miles from here.” She pointed at my plate. “Look at you. You must have been hungry.”

  I looked down in mild horror. I had eaten most of the fish and half of the fries, and I wasn’t even close to being done. I placed my fork down with regret. “It was delicious.” I stopped myself from counting the calories. This was, as Mandy so righteously put it, all in the name of research.

  Chapter Six

  One of the lakes Brynn circled on one of the maps was within walking distance of the cabin. The wide, gravel path was well maintained. I felt safe. Cee recommended I carry some sort of weapon so I opted for bear spray from the general store down the street. The guy who sold it to me had a hard time not laughing. He recommended a gun. I rolled my eyes at him. I bought a walking stick, too, hoping that it would serve as a weapon if my luck with animals continued.

  Cee told me to take both Murphy and King with me. How could I say no to this sweet woman who gave me the deal of a lifetime? Plus, she informed me that the dogs went to the lake all the time and I would actually be going with them, not vice versa. I agreed and off we went. Murphy bounced around and chased anything that moved. King stayed by my side until we reached the lake, then took off to play with Murphy.

  I introduced myself to two men who were working on a dock in desperate need of repairs. Bob, dressed in Carhartt bibs and wading boots, looked like he just walked away from getting his mug shot taken. His unkempt, grizzly beard covered most of his face and a good portion of his neck. Gene, his older friend whose clean-shaven face was mapped with long and deep lines, joked and laughed with Bob. They were getting ready for the upcoming fishing season. I was somewhat afraid of them, but Murphy and King trusted them. I told them what I was working on and they were both receptive to being interviewed.

  Mentally, I felt high and happy that I was getting some strong background on fishing culture in Alaska. Physically, I wanted to cry. I limped over to a log that served as a bench and carefully removed my hiking boots and peeled off my thin, but cute otter socks. I didn’t wear the thick boot socks because it messed with the look of my outfit. I regretted that poor decision. The back of both heels were raw with blisters, as well as the sides of both big toes. I didn’t want to put the boots back on. I sat on the log for at least a half an hour feeling sorry for myself. After an hour, the dogs disappeared, and the specks off in the distance that were Bob and Gene eventually vanished. At least I had water and trail mix in my pack and I knew I would easily find my way back to the cabin. I tried not to get worked up over my
misfortune again, but I couldn’t help it. I’d done everything wrong in Alaska. My second full day and I couldn’t even count the number of times I’d fucked up. I felt miserable. My feet were on fire and I wanted to dip them into the lake, but knowing my luck, I would slip and fall in. I tried not to think about being the only one out here or that every time I heard a noise, I thought it was a moose or bear. I wiped the tears away, pissed at my highs and lows.

  “Somebody called the sanctuary and reported the sounds of a whimpering, dying animal coming from the lake. I thought I would check it out.” Brynn walked down the hill and sat beside me on the makeshift bench. I tried to look like I hadn’t been crying, but it was useless.

  “Guilty. How did you find me?”

  “Cee called. She said you left with Murphy and King, but didn’t return with them so she was a little concerned. Given your history, I decided to check in to make sure you didn’t have any run-ins with other animals,” she said.

  “I’m a complete mess. Again.” I pointed at my neatly manicured feet marred by angry blisters. Brynn reached down, carefully lifted one of my legs, and placed it across her lap.

  She gingerly moved my foot back and forth and looked at the blisters. “These are bad. Can you walk? They look like they might break open at any second. Do you have any medicine at the cabin or band aids?” I shook my head. “I have a first aid kit in the car if you want to…” She trailed off, knowing full well I was going nowhere. “Hang tight here for a few minutes. I’ll be back.”

  I didn’t cry again until she was out of sight. I was sure she’d never met anyone like me. I was a wimp. A true girly girl afraid of her own shadow. That wasn’t a good thing. So much for making a good first impression on her. I was so disappointed in myself. For ten minutes, I pouted. Ten minutes after that I started to get worried. Did Brynn blow me off? Great. I was mangled and vulnerable to hungry animals just waking up from deep hibernation. I looked up when I heard a quiet hum of a motor and almost started crying again as Brynn made her way toward me, driving a golf cart.

  “Hop in. This is the quickest way to get you back without breaking your blisters open.”

  “I have no idea how I would’ve survived the last couple days without you, Brynn.” I limped over to the passenger side and crawled in. At least I didn’t have blisters on the bottom of my feet. “Did Cee really call you?” Brynn reached out and playfully tapped my knee. It was a gentle touch, but my body responded delightfully. My blisters were momentarily forgotten.

  “She said she was worried about you. I was in the neighborhood and thought I would do a search and rescue,” she said.

  “I’m so happy you did. I wasn’t looking forward to the walk back to the cabin and contemplated dying right there on that log.”

  “You don’t want to give up and die. Too many carnivores out here. Let’s try to keep your body perfect and alive for at least another sixty years.” She said I was perfect. Well, my body was and I would take that.

  “I could never survive here. I’ve never been camping. I’ve only been to the mountains a few times in my life,” I said.

  “How do you stay in such good shape?” That was the second time she alluded to my body in a good way. My disposition about my life was improving with every compliment.

  “I have a personal trainer.”

  “Your trainer needs you to pack on a few pounds. You would blow away in a windstorm around here,” she said.

  I frowned. So was she attracted to me or not? “I can’t gain any more weight. The camera adds ten pounds and sometimes when I do video casts for our site, I look like a whale.”

  Brynn groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You could easily put on thirty pounds and it would hardly show.”

  I turned my head to look out at the scenery. I hid my smile. Once I regained my composure, I turned to face her. The cabin was in sight. I needed to make my move and make it quick. “Did you decide on a place for dinner yet? I feel like after this save, I might owe you my firstborn.”

  “At this point, you might be right. I think with your blisters, you should stay off of your feet for a day or two so I can always grab dinner out and bring it back if you want.” That was an even better idea.

  “That sounds great. I’m honestly not sure I could go out. At least I was able to get some work done before breaking down. I met two fishermen working on a rickety dock and they let me interview them. They said the same thing you did about the lack of activity. They recommended that I head down to Homer,” I said.

  Brynn pulled up to the front of the cabin, as close to the two steps as she could. “It’s kind of early for salmon fishing, but the commercial fishermen are out year round and a lot of them do private excursions. I could give you a few names and maybe they would be willing to talk to you. Free press is free press.” She rushed to my side and held her hand out to help me out of the cart. Her grip was strong, yet her hands soft. My mind was flooded with visions of us having sex and how strong and careful she would be with me. I shivered. “Are you cold?” The flushed look that was on my face was probably enough to let her know I wasn’t. She cleared her throat and let my hand drop. I grabbed the bannister like it was planned all along, but I immediately missed her warmth.

  “Once I get inside and take a hot shower, I’ll be good.”

  “There should be a first aid kit in the bathroom with band aids and cream that will help with your blisters.” She slowly backed down the stairs as if she wanted to run away quickly.

  “You don’t have to go. I mean, if you need to get back to work, I understand, but you are more than welcome to come inside and visit for a bit.” I tried to make the offer sincere by offering her my reserved-for-special-occasions smile, but it didn’t have the effect on her that I wanted it to. I was lonely and I needed company. Besides, she was beautiful and spending some quality time with her that didn’t involve her rescuing animals or me would’ve been nice. I tried hard not to pout when she continued walking to the golf cart.

  “I need to finish my shift at the sanctuary. Plus I need to get the cart back to Cee.” I nodded and hated that I felt tears spring up. Brynn must have seen it too because she softened immediately. “Hey, I tell you what. You take care of you and I’ll come back with dinner in an hour or so.”

  That brightened my mood immediately. “I could use the company,” I said.

  She nodded. “Can I bring a friend?”

  I tried not to look surprised, but I couldn’t help it. “Um, sure, I guess.” Great. My night was turning into shit. Like I wanted to sit around and watch Brynn and her guest hit it off when in reality I wanted to hit it off with her. Just me.

  “Okay, give me a couple hours and I’ll be back.” Her smile. Damn. It was higher on the left side, almost a smirk, and sexy as hell. I forgave her solely based on her smile. I waved when she drove off, then hobbled back inside.

  I called Dustin Collings to confirm our appointment in two days, but I got his voice mail again. I left another message explaining who I was and that I was excited to meet him and tell the world about his new show. I rolled my eyes the entire time, but I sounded sincere. If he didn’t call me back soon, I was going to be annoyed.

  Half an hour later, Erin called. I was on the couch, almost asleep, my laptop across my chest. “Hey, boss. What’s going on?”

  “I have an update about your interview.”

  “Good. Did he contact the office? I just left him another message.”

  “His agent called. It isn’t great news.”

  I sat up and set my laptop on the side table. “What’s going on?”

  “Dustin cancelled. He’s somewhere in the Pacific either shooting an episode or reshooting scenes for his show. The agent was pretty vague.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” I was livid. Everything I did and suffered through was for naught. “What a jerk.”

  “Yeah, so that story is dead.” She didn’t sound too upset. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Again.

  “D
o you want me to come back?” I already knew the answer.

  “No. You’re already up there so you should stay.”

  “Why?” That sounded rude. I started over. “Are you setting up another interview?”

  “No, but between the Alaska advertisements and the money we have already spent on this story, Travis and A&A can’t afford another journalist and another story. I think you can still come up with something good. Maybe incorporate more wildlife in your story.”

  Sure, ask for the impossible, I thought. We hung up and I tossed my phone on the couch in frustration. My shoulders slumped. I was stuck here without a definite story. At least Dustin would have been easy.

  I gingerly stood up and stretched. I ached everywhere. A shower was the only thing that was going to make me feel good. I popped a few ibuprofen to manage the throbbing of my feet. I officially hated everything about this day.

  Chapter Seven

  “Oh, my God, Brynn. What’s that?” She carried a brown bag of what I presumed was our dinner, but also had a fuzzy animal perched on her shoulder. It was a small raccoon, but it was so unbelievable that I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

  “This is my guest. Meet Wally, a six-month-old raccoon who hates to be alone. He’s well-behaved and I promise he won’t be a problem,” she said. I should’ve been excited that her guest wasn’t another woman, but animals unnerved me and I wasn’t too excited about a wild one in my cabin. “He’s more like a dog, or a cat.” I stood completely out of the way of both of them when Brynn walked in.

  “Tell me he didn’t touch our dinner,” I said.