Page 67 of Blue Line

He asks me a few specific questions about the jobs I’ve mentioned, which I answer easily. Toward the end of the interview, he gives me a brief rundown of the contract itself, basically the same details that were in the job description, and I ask a few questions about the expectations of the position, and if it’s a new role or they’re replacing someone who left.

“Our company is going through an expansion, and this package, which includes a photographer, a.k.a. the role you’d potentially be filling, is something new. Hence why we’re starting with a one-year trial. We’re planning to hire two or three photographers and see how the year goes before we make any decisions.”

Two or three photographers?

My heart skips a beat. My chances of getting this role just went up.

“That’s great. Sounds like a neat opportunity for the guests.”

“That’s what we think too. Do you have any other questions for me?”

“The only other thing I’m curious about is the rest of the process. Will there be other interviews? When can I expect to hear something?”

He clasps his hands on the desk in front of him. “We’re planning to start rolling this out in September. We’ve already added it as a package option, and some spots have been booked. I have a few more applicants to interview, but expect to hear from me in two to three weeks. Applicants who move on to the next round will have a brief interview with a few of our tour guides. We’re mainly wanting to make sure that whoever we hire fits in with the guides, since those are the people you’ll be working closely with.”

“Sounds great.”

“If you don’t have any more questions, I think we can end this call. Have a good day, Hadley, and we’ll be in touch.”

“Bye. Thank you. Have a good one,” I say before hitting the End button.

I exhale loudly, slumping back in my chair once I confirm the call is disconnected.

I grab my phone and text Wes the all clear, which he responds to with a thumbs up sign and tells me he’ll be back from the coffee shop in a few minutes.

I told him he didn’t have to leave the apartment, but he insisted. Said he didn’t want to accidentally disturb me. I shut my laptop off and change out of my interview outfit and into something for our date.

“How’d it go?” Wes asks from the doorway of my bedroom twenty minutes later.

“Really good.” I spin around to face him. “So very good. Am I dressed appropriately?”

He wouldn’t tell me where we were going, just that I should bring my camera and be comfortable walking around outside. I opted for my favorite pair of black workout shorts, a maroon tank top, and a pair of sneakers.

“Perfect. Always perfect,” he says as he pushes off the doorframe and checks me out. I blush under his perusal and at the compliment.

“You’re looking good yourself.” He’s dressed in a pair of athletic shorts and a blue shirt.

He puts his hand out for me. “Come on, let’s get going.”

I slide my hand into his and let him lead me through the apartment. He grabs a large reusable bag that’s sitting by the front door, and we make our way outside.

“Are we having a picnic?”

His lips tip up into a sly grin. “Maybe. You’ll have to wait and see.”

“You’re really not going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask once we’re buckled into his Jeep and he’s navigating it out of the parking lot.

He glances over at me for a second before focusing back on the road. “Do you not like surprises?”

“I like them just fine, but I’m impatient and want to know where we’re going.”

“Fine. Fine. There’s a nature preserve that has a few trails not far from here. I thought we could hike some, and you could take pictures if you want. I thought it might inspire you.” He peeks over at me again. “There’s a great picnic spot, and it’s usually quiet this time of year.”

“Too hot for the locals.”

“Maybe.” He fidgets in his seat. “If you’re not into it, we can turn around and do something else.”

I study the man sitting next to me. The guy who took into account my love of nature photography when he planned this date. How did I get so lucky? But also, what if I can’t take any good pictures?