Quinze

 

December 26

 

“Your editor has told me many things about your work.” Carroll leaned back into the wooden chair.

“Has he now? And exactly what has he told you?” Kelly smiled and leaned forward over a mound of papers on Carroll’s desk.

“He tells me that you’re a hard worker and could easily move into an editor’s position. Which is what I’d like to talk with you about.”

“An editor’s position?”

“Yes, my father-in-law’s heart attack got me thinking that maybe I need help around here.”

Had she understood him correctly? Was he offering her an editor’s position here in Bazet? The thought of working at the small town newspaper near Chelsea and Denny made her pause. Could she leave her beloved mountains and move here? Did she want to?

“Are you offering me an editor’s job?”

“I am.”

Kelly took a deep breath. “Carroll, this is quite unexpected, but I don’t think—”

He lifted his hand. “Don’t give me an answer today. Think about it. I know you’re flying home in a couple of days. Keep my offer in mind and let me know, say, in a week?”

She shook her head. “Carroll, you can’t be serious.”

“As serious as a heart attack.” His right eyebrow arched and the lopsided smile—similar to the one that tugged at her heartstrings—appeared on his face. “There’s a one-bedroom apartment above the paper that’s empty. You’d be welcome to it.”

Kelly met Sherry for lunch and spent the afternoon getting to know her. She found that they had a lot in common. Sherry encouraged Kelly to consider Carroll’s job offer so they could spend more time together.

Driving back to Eula’s house Kelly played all the possibilities through her mind. Working here in Bazet close to Chelsea and Denny would be great, but what if Denny wasn’t interested in a serious relationship?

 

****

 

Denny reviewed the last of the job reports. His task took much longer than usual because his thoughts wandered to Kelly. She seemed distant after Christmas Eve, and he scoured his brain to figure out why. His actions last night had not helped any. Way to go, Labouve. He was sure that any chance he’d had of winning her heart had been squelched by that bone-headed move. Maybe giving her the necklace and candy cane charm had been too personal and sent the wrong message. He vowed to talk with her about this tonight before she left, to set things straight. Lord, give me the words. Show me what to do and say. Father, if Kelly is the person You want for me then orchestrate the steps, Lord. You know what a lousy job I’m doing.

He lowered his head and returned to his paperwork, but he lacked his usual focus.

Earline rushed into his office. “Denny, pick up the phone. It’s the rig—about Antoine. Something’s happened.”

Denny’s gut tightened. He knew his plans for tonight were about to change.