Page 3 of High Side
“Well, I’ve got my first aid and CPR certification, I’ve done training on all the major raft types as well as kayaks and canoes, and I’m certified in water lifesaving. I’m also pretty familiar with the history and geology of Western Colorado, thanks to what I did for school. My degree is in outdoor rec and hospitality.” She was good and she knew it. Might as well start out like she could hold out and let them know her qualifications.
“Very nice. We have a couple of trial runs we send applicants through—a class one, a two, and a three. That will give us an idea of where you’d fit.”
“That makes sense.” She smiled. She would ace them all, so she wasn’t worried. “I’m happy to take whatever mandatory training you do, as well.”
“We’ll start that this week. It’s a two-week run with locals who know the river, too, and want free trips.” Kylie’s grin was naughty, somehow, those blue eyes like lasers.
“I bet that’s a heck of a test.”
“They’ll push you,” Joe said. “If you can do that, well, then the visitors later in the season are a breeze.”
“Got it, got it.” She did, too. She would bet the locals tried to break all kinds of rules. She would, if she was the one testing out new recruits. Hell, she would be out there all the time if she had the money. Why not get paid for it, right?
“So, tell us. Why outdoors? You could make more money at a lodge or a big hotel.”
“I could. But I wanted to combine it with my love of the outdoors. I actually minored in forestry, and I would love to be a ranger at some point when I’m ready for a more permanent situation. Maybe someplace like Grand Mesa or Mesa Verde.” That was like her ideal job. Mostly on her own, using all her skills…
“That’s an exceptional goal, honestly.” Liz nodded like that satisfied her. “And you’re comfortable with children? Teenagers?”
“Handsy corporate assholes?” Kylie muttered.
She tried her damn best not to giggle. “I can handle the first two better than the last one, but I can do that too.”
“We try to give them to Joe,” Lupe said.
Joe grinned, the expression utterly sharklike.
She had to let the laughter out about that one. “Good. They need to be thwarted, right?”
“They do.” Liz nodded firmly. “We strive for a safe workplace, and one where everyone is comfortable.”
The words settled inside her, and she liked how that felt. She’d had a few fly-by-night jobs while she was in college, and she wanted to feel like she was settled for the summer.
“Kylie? Joe?” The Liz lady looked at her head guides.
“Let’s schedule the training trips.”
“We do have housing on site. You’re welcome to stay so long as you’re working here full-time and exclusive. There’s also pay by the trip as an option.” Lupe laid out two plans, and while the pay-by-the-trip option was cool, having a guaranteed spot in the bunkhouse was better.
“I’d like to go full-time if we all agree on that.” She would sign on for the summer. They had a great vibe, and she could go with it.
“We’ll go ahead and pencil that in, then. We’ll have to approve you after your training runs, but—”
“Of course.” She wasn’t going to fuck up, though. They were going to adore her.
“Then we’ll do your paperwork at eight a.m. sharp. The bus leaves at ten.” Lupe held out one hand. “Welcome aboard.”
She shook hands all around. “Thank you.”
“Kylie, can you handle the paperwork for tomorrow?” Liz asked.
“You bet.” The tall hot one stood. “Come on. I have a few forms for you to sign, and I can show you the locker area. And you can have a tour of the bunkhouse area before you make a final decision there too.”
“Do you stay there?”
“I don’t. I have a condo up closer to the mountain.”
“Oh.” Of course she did. She was older. “Is it a ski out kind of place?”
