Page 98 of Through the Storms
“You always make me laugh,” Lana said. “I’d love to talk more, but they need me in the weather room. I do have one thing I wanted to talk about before I go.”
Had Lana’s tone changed? Nobody ever liked to hear the wordswe need to talk, which was almost what Lana had said.No.Oakley needed to get over her insecurities. They were fine. “Sure, what about?”
“I’ve got a job interview.”
Interview?“Did I miss something? I know I’m preoccupied during chasing season, but I don’t recall you mentioning that you were looking for a job.”
“No, I wasn’t looking. They approached me.”
Oakley’s eyes lit up. “Norman? The Weather Service?” For years, she’d encouraged Lana to talk to some of her contacts at NWS. “It’d get you back in the field.”
“That’s right, being a lowly weather woman is beneath me.” There was no mistaking the edge in Lana’s voice.
“That’s not what I meant. I just thought someone over there recognized your talent and decided to recruit you.”
“No.”
“Oh, then who?”
“ABC.”
“Oh.” Oakley’s stomach dropped. “When?”
“I fly out tomorrow afternoon.”
Tomorrow?How long had Lana known about it? Oakley took a deep breath. She needed to get her thoughts in order before she said something angry or that she’d regret.
“Don’t you have anything to say?” Lana said, her tone defensive.
“I’m processing. When did this happen?” Oakley kept her voice low.
“Monday.”
“After our fight?”
“Yes.”
“So you said yes?” Oakley’s pulse quickened. This couldn’t be happening.
“Yes.”
“And you’re still planning on going?” Oakley held her breath, willing Lana to say she’d changed her mind since last night.
There was a long pause on the other end of the phone. Lana finally responded. “Yes.”
“Oh.” Was that the best Oakley could do? Should she yell? Or beg? Or break down and cry?
“So now you know.” Lana let out a long sigh.
“And you couldn’t have told me this earlier?”
“I planned on it, but last night was so perfect I didn’t want to ruin it.”
Oakley snorted. “So last night was perfect, but you’re still going?”
“I didn’t say I was going to take the job. What’s the harm in seeing what they have to offer?”
“Then you’re not going to accept it?”
