“See you around.”
She raised her hand over head in a backhand wave as she left.
What in the world did I just do?
CHAPTERELEVEN
Vanessa watched her step as she tromped down the bleachers.What the heck was I thinking?Reprimanding herself all the way down the stairs for agreeing to meet Mike, she almost ran straight into Buck.
Buck caught her elbow as she swung around the pole at the bottom of the bleachers.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” he asked.
She gestured to the front of her coat. “There was a little chicken-stew accident on that last touchdown.”
“Ew. That’s a mess. Told you we take our football seriously in this town.”
“You did.” She laughed. “I just didn’t realize it was tackle in the stands too.”
He tossed his head back with a hearty laugh. “I guess it kind of is. Glad you’re being a good sport about it. Can I get you some paper towels or something?”
“No, I should say that I loved the chicken stew. However, I don’t recommend it as a perfume.”
A man stepped up, almost inserting himself between Vanessa and Buck.
“Talking to the enemy?” He was clearly talking to Buck, but looking squarely at Vanessa.
“Where are your manners, Vern?” Buck turned to Vanessa. “Don’t mind Vern. He’s forgotten his manners.”
“It’s no secret why she’s in town,” Vern said. “The meeting is right after the game. If there wasn’t something going on there’d be no reason for a meeting. What’re you about to announce, lady? Are we losing jobs? Right here at the holidays? How many?”
“Vern. Back up.” Buck raised a finger in front of the man’s face. “Don’t get your skivvies in a bunch. You’re all wound up without even hearing their intent.”
“It’s not good. It’s never good when they send someone down from that big conglomerate.”
The man’s words chipped away at her good mood.
“I told you before: AGC promised nothing would change. Y’all are jumping to conclusions.” Buck spoke with a confidence that shook Vanessa’s.
The employee of Porter’s raised his chin and narrowed his eyes. “What about last time?”
“Well, that guy is long gone and nothing has happened. Now, give this nice lady a proper welcome to our town.” Buck didn’t lift his gaze. “Go on.”
Instead, the guy looked at Vanessa and shook his head. “I hope you do prove me wrong.” He turned and stormed off.
She prayed Buck hadn’t noticed her look of shock when he’d interjected. He meant well. She was sure of it, and AGCmight have promised nothing would change, might have even meant it… at the time, but things were about to change and there was no stopping it. Her heart raced. She’d have to call the office and get the original documents sent over. Was there something in the agreement that she needed to know about?
“I’m sorry about that,” Buck said. “Uncalled for. People lose their manners these days, and it’s a doggone shame.”
“Thanks, Buck.” An acrid taste hit the back of her mouth. How could she talk to the employees with the agenda she had when clearly there was more to this story? She lifted her phone. “I need to run. I’ve got to return this call.”
“Sure. See you later.”
Vanessa held her breath until she was at the exit gate. Over her shoulder nearly a third of the people in those bleachers counted on Porter’s for employment. Cheering and enjoying the brisk evening, unsuspecting of what she’d been asked to do here. But in a matter of weeks things would be very different.
The chicken stew stirred in her gut.
She’d sped up as her frustration grew, and, before she knew it, she was catching up to a group of people that had been way ahead of her.
