Page 104 of When You Had Me Adapting

A loud knock on the Jeep’s window interrupts our conversation.

“Fuck,” he bites out. “Archie’s back.”

“Bummer,” I tease, pulling my robe back on.

“You’re going to be the death of me, you know that?” He lets out a low chuckle and shakes his head. “Promise me you’ll wear that bra on Friday.”

“Who’s to say I’m going to let you see it again?”

Archie knocks again and I can hear him say something muffled from outside the car. Jace takes a deep breath. “I really don’t want to hang up.”

“It’s okay. I’ll see you Friday night. Try not to let BigFoot eat you before then.”

“Bye, pixie.”

CHAPTER 47: THE CFNAWC

JACE

“Thank you for meeting with me today,” I say, shaking the hand of Roger Lucas, the president of the CFNAWC and hopefully my future boss.

“No, the pleasure is all mine, Mr. Jackson,” he says with a smile. “Please, sit down.” He gestures toward a leather armchair in front of his desk. “I think I mentioned it when we talked on the phone, but I was rather surprised to see your name come across my desk. Your discovery of the Bixito Parrot was nothing short of extraordinary, and your portfolio speaks for itself.”

“Well thank you, but the Bix was a team effort. I could not have done it without my team.”

“True, but it was your dream, correct? That’s what you said in the interview with the AJC.”

Shit, this guy did his research. Up until this point I hadn’t been nervous. My mind drifts to Lacey and I wonder if she ever saw it. If she ever read it. My palms start to sweat.

“No, sir, you’re correct. As a kid, some may have said I was obsessed with the Bix. All lost species really, but I was always drawn to that one in particular. I feel very fortunate to have found it.”

“So tell me, why do you, a young man, with a better resume than some of my most elite photojournalists, want to come work for me?”

“My mother passed away five years ago and my dad is getting older. I’d like to settle down and be around more for him. I think I would do well in this position because it would allow me to continue a career that I’m incredibly passionate about while being closer to home. The work you all have done here is phenomenal and it would be an honor to be a part of your team.”

“And the girl you mentioned in the interview?”

“Happy to say she’s back in my life, sir.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” he says, spinning his wedding band around his finger. “The life of a photojournalist is a lot tougher than most people think, so I’ve made it my mission to make sure our organization puts families first. I’m happy to hear that you’re wanting to do that in your own life because in this position I would expect you to foster a family-first environment for your team.”

“Of course. That’s a big part of what makes me want to work here.”

“Excellent. Why don’t we tour the building and I can ask you the rest of my questions while we walk?”

“I’d like that.” He stands, and I follow him out of his office. As we walk, he introduces me to some of the people I would work with, and I do my best to memorize their names and faces. It’s easy to see that I would enjoy working here.

He continues the interview asking me about my experience and my time at Georgetown. Most of the photojournalists are out on assignment, but the couple I’m able to meet remind me of the people I’ve worked with in the past.

“I’ll be in touch, Mr. Jackson,” he says, shaking my hand as soon as we’ve made it back to the front doors.

“I look forward to it. Thank you again for meeting with me.”

“The pleasure was mine.”

I’m feeling good as I walk to my car. Confident even. The work the center has done for wildlife conservation is unmatched and the thought that I could be a part of continuing their mission is exhilarating. Getting this job would mean getting to be there for my dad and getting to spend more time with Lacey.

I pull out my phone to check the time. It’s four thirty. I’m supposed to meet everyone at the bar at eight. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I dial my dad.

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